Winter Light - Design Journey
Recently, I’ve wanted to start designing in a different way. For many years, I’ve created work with an exhibition in mind, and while that still allows me full creative freedom, the idea of presenting pieces in a specific context inevitably influences my process. I wanted to slightly challenge myself and begin to explore a way of creating in response to an idea or something that really inspires me aesthetically. I also wanted to give myself the space to create more designs and experiment with different ideas without the distraction of wishing to fulfil specific criteria.
New Years Day in Rye
Winter can be difficult for heliophiles, but I was energised by a beautiful sunset on New Year’s Day. Soon after, when I came to pull out some gemstones to begin designing, I found myself thinking of the surprising brightness of the winter sky; the liminal light at the start and end of the day; the transient flashes of colour and the gentleness of the winter sun in a cloudy sky.
The delicate hues of moonstone and opal seem to give a real sense of the quality of this pale light. I was drawn to ethereal stones which seem to absorb and concentrate the diffuse sunlight. The colours of these special stones defy a precise definition, and are increasingly beguiling the more time one spends looking at them.
There is something else influencing the design of these pieces: a desire on my part to notice more consciously the days gradually drawing out. My hope is to become more aware of the subtle changes from day to day; the phases of the moon a nightly reminder of the passing of time.
These new pieces are tied together by these themes, but with each I’ve tried to include my signature textures and forms in different ways. Basalt-black silver contrasts so beautifully with these delicate colours and echoes dark branches against the soft winter sky. Rich 18ct Single Mine Origin Gold adds another layer of contrast and depth.
Crafting these pieces has been a incredibly enjoyable journey.
Get in touch if you’d like to see these pieces at an appointment in my London studio.