My Work
Whilst studying for a degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing at the School of Jewellery, Birmingham my work evolved to rely on simplicity and sensitivity to the materials, forms, colours and textures.
My work is subjective and takes inspiration from natural forms. Within this context I try to incorporate the effects of the particular season and surrounding environment.
I enjoying creating simple, honest forms and there is often a delicate and feminine element to my work. My aspiration is to create desirable and precious three-dimensional objects that can adorn the body.
Winter snow blizzards in New York’s Central Park initially inspired my first collection called ‘Flourish’.
How I work
Translating my sketches and ideas into three-dimensional forms is often a case of trial and error.
I often create pieces on instinct and judge compositions on whether they ‘feel’ right. I rarely measure a length or width but try to combine pieces to make a perfect balance. This leads to every piece being spontaneous and is a fresh and unpredictable way of working.
‘Flourish’ has allowed me to be playful with colour and finish whilst remaining sensitive to form and function, I cut form and finish all the elements in this collection by hand.
I enjoy making my pieces by hand, as I feel this gives me as much contact with each piece to ensure the composition is correct. Character and individuality are very important to the process of designing and making, as is attention to detail.
Where I work
After completing a BA (HONS) degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing I completed a Six month residency at Bilston Craft Gallery, Wolverhampton.
I currently work in studio in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter with other graduates and designer makers called ‘Design Space’.
The work created at ‘Design Space’ is diverse and ranges from those who utilise anodised aluminium to traditional goldsmiths.
In March 2007 I will be relocating to Studio 89, a refurbished workshop in Birmingham’s jewellery Quarter. This is a project myself and other colleagues are undertaking and will provide a fantastic new creative environment.
My future plans
I am hoping to complete a second collection for Spring that will be a continuation of the narrative theme within ‘Flourish’.
Memberships
British Jewellers’ Association
www.bja.org.uk
Association for Contemporary Jewellery
www.acj.org.uk
Contemporary Applied Arts
www.caa.org.uk
Society of Designer Craftsmen
www.societyofdesignercraftsmen.org.uk
Worcestershire Guild of Designer Craftsmen
www.wdgc.org.uk
New Designers online
www.newdesignersonline.co.uk
Crafts Council Photostore and National Register of Makers
www.craftscouncil.org.uk
Awards
October 2007 Shropshire Guild of Contemporary Craft Graduate Award for Gorgeous Contemporary Craft fair.
www.shropshire-guild.co.uk
March 2006 Worcester Guild of Designer Craftsmen Alan Knight Award
www.wdgc.org.uk
July 2006 New Designers Contemporary Applied Arts Award
www.newdesigners.co.uk
www.caa.org.uk
To download Sian's CV click here.
Whilst studying for a degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing at the School of Jewellery, Birmingham my work evolved to rely on simplicity and sensitivity to the materials, forms, colours and textures.
My work is subjective and takes inspiration from natural forms. Within this context I try to incorporate the effects of the particular season and surrounding environment.
I enjoying creating simple, honest forms and there is often a delicate and feminine element to my work. My aspiration is to create desirable and precious three-dimensional objects that can adorn the body.
Winter snow blizzards in New York’s Central Park initially inspired my first collection called ‘Flourish’.
How I work
Translating my sketches and ideas into three-dimensional forms is often a case of trial and error.
I often create pieces on instinct and judge compositions on whether they ‘feel’ right. I rarely measure a length or width but try to combine pieces to make a perfect balance. This leads to every piece being spontaneous and is a fresh and unpredictable way of working.
‘Flourish’ has allowed me to be playful with colour and finish whilst remaining sensitive to form and function, I cut form and finish all the elements in this collection by hand.
I enjoy making my pieces by hand, as I feel this gives me as much contact with each piece to ensure the composition is correct. Character and individuality are very important to the process of designing and making, as is attention to detail.
Where I work
After completing a BA (HONS) degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing I completed a Six month residency at Bilston Craft Gallery, Wolverhampton.
I currently work in studio in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter with other graduates and designer makers called ‘Design Space’.
The work created at ‘Design Space’ is diverse and ranges from those who utilise anodised aluminium to traditional goldsmiths.
In March 2007 I will be relocating to Studio 89, a refurbished workshop in Birmingham’s jewellery Quarter. This is a project myself and other colleagues are undertaking and will provide a fantastic new creative environment.
My future plans
I am hoping to complete a second collection for Spring that will be a continuation of the narrative theme within ‘Flourish’.
Memberships
British Jewellers’ Association
www.bja.org.uk
Association for Contemporary Jewellery
www.acj.org.uk
Contemporary Applied Arts
www.caa.org.uk
Society of Designer Craftsmen
www.societyofdesignercraftsmen.org.uk
Worcestershire Guild of Designer Craftsmen
www.wdgc.org.uk
New Designers online
www.newdesignersonline.co.uk
Crafts Council Photostore and National Register of Makers
www.craftscouncil.org.uk
Awards
October 2007 Shropshire Guild of Contemporary Craft Graduate Award for Gorgeous Contemporary Craft fair.
www.shropshire-guild.co.uk
March 2006 Worcester Guild of Designer Craftsmen Alan Knight Award
www.wdgc.org.uk
July 2006 New Designers Contemporary Applied Arts Award
www.newdesigners.co.uk
www.caa.org.uk
To download Sian's CV click here.