Rosie Colvin – Oxfordshire Artweeks

273 Rosie Colvin

Region: Chipping Norton – North & West

Artform: Jewellery

Since graduating in 2003 I have been designing and making a broad range of Silver jewellery.

I first started felt making in my degree course and was captivated by its versatility & strength: it can be molded into any shape and dyed rich colours.

I find it exciting to combine the soft textures and striking colours of felt with the perfect hard reflective surface of polished silver.

I am drawn by the raw organic forms found on the sea shore: they compel me with their elemental beauty. Fossils, pebbles, shells and semi-precious stones become treasure when I capture them in silver.

I am particularly obsessed with cowrie shells ever since, as a child, I spent hours creating patterns with my granny’s old teal bag full of them.

Much of my inspiration is also gained from living in Senegal with my Senegalese family and friends, I have been travelling there since 1998. I love the sense of pattern and display that is expressed in Senegal’s vibrant music, dance and fabrics.

Designs start in my head then I begin making and they evolve through the process. I am intuitively led by the materials & colours which speak to me, I let the piece grow, responding instinctively.