My exhibition this year has many varied individual pieces. I design and make, one off and limited edition items of jewellery, along with artistic wire creations from my little workshop.
Using precious metals, genuine gemstones and organic treasures and occasionally using other mediums when I feel it’s right for that particular project.
Ethically sourced materials are very important to me. I recycle metals and gems wherever I can.
When making wedding pieces, incorporating a loved one’s item into the piece brings much joy and meaning to the finished article.
I would describe my work as organic. Whether it’s a very intricate and highly detailed piece or a large statement one, I like to let the materials take me where they would like to go. So, although I have a plan and colour palette for each creation, I let the design process stay fluid.
The reason I tend to only make one of each of my designs, is so, whoever ends up owning that piece knows they are wearing something that is unique to them.
To me, jewellery is an expression of oneself and a way to show your personality without words. It’s the opportunity to wear art every day.
My inspiration can come from many places - a film, a colour or even a feeling, but they are all heavily influenced by nature. For me Mother Nature is the true master of design.
So, a little bit about me...
I’m Chrissy from the City of Coventry who now lives in a lovely village in Oxfordshire for the last 14 years with my beautiful family of boys.
To those who have known me the longest I was always called ‘Bird’ now I’m ‘Bird in a field’ and I love my field!
When I was growing up, my parents were very artistic, my dad always had a new hobby on the go from woodcarving to lapidary. I think it was the lapidary that really stayed with me, and that’s where my love of gemstones originated. I still have a few of those very precious gems that my dad cut and polished on his wheel in his shed. I say very precious- not in money, but memories and love.
My working background was silver smithing, graphic design for many years with a sprinkling of interior design. When you put that together with a love of gemstones and inner creativity, jewellery was the place it lead to. It’s my passion... I just love what I do.