CAMEO IS AN ONGOING SERIES FEATURING CANADIAN JEWELLERY ARTISTS. HERE, THEY SHARE THEIR LATEST THOUGHTS AND INSIGHTS, AND GIVE US A PEEK INTO THEIR PRACTICE.
Describe your current work/practice in one sentence.
I am really trying to push what I’m able to do with chasing and repoussé in my own way. I love the technique; I love the painstaking repetitiveness, the potential to push the metal and that I have to explain it to mostly everyone.
What are three things/ideas that inspire you?
Our inherent need for beauty in our lives; we create it and seek it out everywhere since the dawn of our time.
The concept of our interconnectedness and synchronicity with each other and the earth we live with.
Reviving and celebrating the history of chasing and repoussé, an ancient metalsmithing technique, in a contemporary way.
What other things do you do besides your jewellery practice?
As my full-time work is fairly related (more on that below) to my jewellery practice, there’s not a whole lot of time left afterwards! But I love the outdoors, I have dabbled in floral design and have a very small cut flower garden.
I’m usually pretty underwhelmed with my own work, liking parts of each piece but rarely the whole thing – a typical artist dilemma? But I like the Flow/Fold brooches, two pieces feel complete in their resolution. The dichotomy between the two is very satisfying as I’ve always been drawn to contrasts in design and concepts.
What is a favourite piece that you’ve made and why?
Cameo of a Wildflower (2018)
Sterling silver, steel pin
Flow/Fold (2018)
Sterling silver, copper, steel pin
Blossoming and colourful!
What word pops into your mind when you think of Canadian art jewellery?
I have recently started a job at a brand new silversmithing community hub, Argentum Jewellery School & Supply, in downtown Victoria. I’ll also be doing some teaching, which is a new, challenging and exciting venture for me – it is said that the best way to learn is to teach! We will have a variety of courses and workshops, a tool and supply shop and an open studio with bench rentals. I feel super fortunate to have been approached for this great opportunity. My hope is that this school can help accentuate the jewellery scene in Canada. If you’re ever in Victoria, please stop by and say “Hi”!
What is coming up next for you?
Published: 2019/04/09
