This year I am excited to be exhibiting alongside Jane Moser and Neil Butterworth for the first time. We will be in Meadow Prospect, Wolvercote, where Jane has her small sculpting studio overlooking Port Meadow. Her sculpted figures and Neil's colourful paintings will be on display as well as my jewellery.
We will be making sure the venue is safe, following the current guidelines regarding covid. There are some other great artists in Wolvercote and nearby Whytham and Summertown, plus the village has some lovely pubs, so a visit would make a great day out! Plenty of parking nearby.
For the last four days of the festival, I will be in Holy Cross church, Shipton- upon- Cherwell, alongside several other makers. Another beautiful venue I am proud to be part of, with tea and cake to boot!
Inspired by the sea and natural forms, I often incorporate pebbles, shells or sea glass in my work - the result of many beachcombing sessions. When selecting semi-precious stones for my pieces I tend to favour blues and greens that evoke the sea. I love organic shapes and experimenting with textures.
I am always interested in learning new techniques, and am continually developing my collections. I use sterling silver which I buy in either wire or sheet, and form pieces using traditional techniques. I aim to use recycled silver where I can, and reuse as much as possible to avoid any waste.
Many of my pieces are one-offs, as I love to play with ideas and designs. I do repeat some popular designs, however each piece is handmade, and therefore a tiny bit different to the last. I am happy to discuss commissions, and it is always a pleasure to create a unique piece for someone.
I have been making my own silver jewellery for about fifteen years, until recently whilst also working as a primary school teacher. I was initially hooked after attending a one day summer school course. Soon after, I joined JASSO (The Jewellery and Silversmithing Society of Oxford), where I continued to develop my technique and learn new skills.
I now make most of my jewellery in my little workshop space that I have slowly been building up in my spare room. I also make some of my work at the JASSO workshop in Abingdon, especially when I need larger tools and machinery that does not fit in my workshop.
I have exhibited during Oxfordshire Artweeks for several years now, both in Wolvercote and in Shipton - Upon -Cherwell. Artweeks is always a highlight for me, as I really enjoy the opportunity to chat to people about my work, and am looking forward to doing this in a new venue this year. I have enjoyed taking part in other exhibitions as well, such as the Jasso biennial exhibition in the Woodstock Museum, and more recently Longwick Art Show.