Christmas Exhibition 2013 – on now until 6th January 2014
Cindy Ashbridge
Hand made in her studio in Cornwall, this distinctive collection of contemporary jewellery has evolved from things Cindy likes. Big, chunky rock crystals, are combined with silver and gold, which has been delicately pierced with simple, repetitive shapes.
Cindy uses a variety of chunky quartz and semi precious gemstones, all carefully selected for their translucent qualities, to reveal the designs hidden beneath. The stones magnify the patterns on the silver, giving it a new dimension. The patterns are influenced by nature, ethnic symbols, and primitive jewellery designs. Although the overall look is bold and eye-catching, the patterns bring a delicate and earthy quality to the piece
Chie Mannami
Chie is a Bristol based Japanese jeweller who graduated from the Royal College of art in 2002.
Colour and pattern are at the heart of all pieces with fifties and sixties, nature-based textiles, illustration and graphics forming a significant inspiration – together with a love for plants, gardening and organic forms.
With resins, synthetics and silver as core materials and (in recent years) – wood as well – her pieces often reflect natural landscapes and shapes.
2013 sees a significantly expanded and more detailed collection: Autumnal brooches of oxidised silver and wood: Abstract necklaces of resin and silver and earrings to match.
Jane Dzisiewski
Jane is a mixed media artist, who works mainly in resin and metal. She originally trained at MMU in printed textile design and more recently returned to study jewellery and applied arts.
Jane has an innovative approach to the development of resin as a medium, using it to an exciting alternative to stones typically used in jewellery, and thus challenging prejudices and the perception about what is precious.
Her current jewellery is inspired by pattern, colour and textures found in land and seascapes, ancient artefacts, decorative ornamental designs, paintings and architecture.
Jo McAllister
Carefully selected stones are used as tools to achieve delicate textures and subtle edges which are combined with simple forms in precious metal. Prompted by her photography in the deserts of California and Nevada, Jo’s treatment of metal evokes memories of the deceptive qualities of desert light and the textures of desiccation within it.
Jo’s stone tools are found in the landscape and work may be made on a beach, in a desert, or in her studio with a minimal tool kit. Glinting edges highlight tactile surfaces. Simplicity is emphasised by the hanging of some jewellery pieces on hemp twine.
Lynsey Brooks
Lynsey is currently in her final year of a BA (hons) degree in Jewellery making and silver smithing at Plymouth College of Art. Very much a process led maker, Lynsey chooses to work the materials, and uses this exploration to inform her work.
Lynsey works in metal, enamel and beads to create intriguing, contemporary pieces, which she invites the wearer to interpret. She is interested in the relationship between the wearer and the piece and delights in how a piece comes to life when worn and loved.
Sandra Austin
Sandra lives in the beautiful creekside village of Devoran, four miles south of Truro. Her surroundings and its natural beauty are the main inspiration to her work. She graduated with a first BA (Hons) degree in 2013.
Sandra’s recent work is inspired from the study of rockpools. “The rugged rocks on the beaches are continuously being exposed to natural elements, leaving salt water erosions that have many interesting patterns and textures. Life within the rockpools is like a hoard of wild treasure. The discovery of what is found in these colourful aquariums are all inspirational to my work”
Photography is fundamental to Sandra’s design development “Observing the photographs helps me to study line and shape in more detail. I sketch from the images, establishing the concept of the design. My drawings are then further developed by model making, which allows for modification of design alternatives, proportion and textural detail, before translating to metal”
Sandra’s preferred ways of working include the traditional techniques of forming, raising and forging. These allow her to produce flowing curved lines, giving each piece an organic fluid quality. She considers the aesthetics elements carefully and mainly works with silver, oxidized silver and gold. “I believe this provides the aesthetics, adding depth and providing each individual piece with its unique identity”.