Judith Rowlands – Oxfordshire Artweeks

89 Judith Rowlands

Region: Wallingford – South & Vale

Artform: Jewellery

I studied textiles at college before entering the teaching profession. Twenty years ago I took early retirement. this allowed me to fulfil a lifelong dream to create beautiful jewellery. This wish began when I was in my early 20s. I was staying on the Navajo Indian Reservation in New Mexico, USA and was fascinated by watching a jeweller create a traditional bangle for me out of silver. So began my journey into learning about jewellery and silversmithing techniques. I have been fortunate to have had tuition form some leading experts in England and in Europe.
I use silver to create pattern and shape. My work is not only tactile; but three dimensional too. I use the techniques of chasing and repousse to achieve unique pieces of jewellery often combined with chainmail. I am fascinated by the material quality of the chain mail. Let it ripple through your fingers. Recently I have started to experiment to use enamelling to enhance my unique jewellery.