Renaissance patrons, like the artists they worked with, did not recognise boundaries between science, technology, craft and art. This openness has always inspired me and informed the way I work. I use the ideas as well as the decorative surfaces of maps, anatomical diagrams or alchemists’ notations to develop my pieces.
I make jewellery to work from a distance as well as to be shown on the body, much like the Renaissance Wunderkammer displays with pieces that can ‘live’ in a room when they are not being worn. I want my work to capture the eye from afar and then engage the imagination from close up, yielding still more secrets for the owner. Craftsmanship is very important to me, revealing itself as you handle a piece intimately and discover its secrets – a hidden ruby or engraved message on the inside of a ring or back of a brooch.
I also create unique pieces to commission for clients in the UK, Europe and America. I put strong emphasis on getting a client engaged with the intention as well as the appearance of my work, making sketches and models as an idea develops.
