I recently watched a TEDx Talk from a wonderful artist called Jolie Guillebeau, who really inspired me: It rang a bell of truth. As a result, I decided to stop editing my own work, before it barely made it into a sketch and simply make the work I was imagining. At least then I would have a body of work and would be able to see my progress, alongside all the restoration work that simply comes and goes.
This year certainly seems to have a new energy about it. It’s fast and full of action, but it also seems to be calling for an equal dose of quiet reflection, in order to be centred and effective.
This bracelet is taken from the sketches shown in last months blog; I thought it might make a nice upper arm cuff too?
I just worked on a cute little project - a pendant came in for repair, as it had lost it's swinging arm. As with so many things, there are invariably different ways you can reach your end goal and the key is finding the simplest and quickest route there. So instead of opting for modelling and then casting, I chose forging (actually miniature forging it turned out). Upon reflection, I think next time I'll try casting!
Last week, I had a terrific day with my mum as we headed to London, to The Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council Awards, which is affectionately thought of as the Oscars of the jewellery and silversmithing industry. I’d entered two designs for two different sections and happily won both a bronze and silver. It’s a real honour to be awarded a prize, against so many other talented silversmiths and designers. So many of the pieces were just so beautiful and imaginative and impeccably crafted.
This design was for 'two contrasting water and wine jugs' The upper part of the body would be polished and the main section ring hammered and the handles made from Purple-heart wood. (I've named them 'Carson and Mrs Patmore').
Sponsored by QVC, this was a design for a locket, to hold a photograph or something precious.
The Goldsmiths’ Hall really is a grandiose and spectacular setting to host the awards and after the Ceremony, you’re able to see the exhibition showing the best of the entries. In fact, part of the reason I’d entered the designs, was because I didn’t have anything spectacular enough to enter into the silver sections and I just wanted to have the chance to be there, to see the incredible array of work that’s being produced today. It was such an inspiring evening, meeting so many talented artists.
A bit blurry, but if you squint, you can see me heading back to my seat. Apparently there is more gold leaf on the ceiling of the main hall of Goldsmiths', than in any room in Buckingham Palace.
Me with my mum.
Joint Silver QVC UK Award, with Elsa Tierney, pictured with two other lovely ladies! There was no Gold prize awarded.
If you'd like to see some of the beautiful entries that featured in this year's competition, check out 'The Goldmsiths Craft and Design' page on Facebook.
Meanwhile, back at Burghley the restoration work is flowing through as usual, whilst Barry and I are mid way through fabricating our second ‘Verger’s Staff’ for Sherbourne Abbey. It’s been great to be able to collaborate on a piece with him, but I’ll save the photos until next time, as there's quite a few showing the process.
Hope you enjoy a wonderful rest of March!
Incase you're interested, below are links to the Jolie Guillebeau TEDx Talk I was talking about and the Goldsmiths Craft and Design Awards….