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Influences
I have lived in London all my life and I am influenced by the urban environment. I am inspired and intrigued by the traces left behind through decay and dilapidation and by the textures and marks stamped on the urban environment. And I am drawn to repeated elements that distort and change. My fascination with pattern and surface textures translates into my pieces. I have a fine art background and this influences my approach; I draw into my enamelled surfaces and exploring mark making is key to my work.
I work with precious and non-precious metals and I enjoy the challenge of combining industrial materials (steel and wet process enamel) with traditional jewellery-making processes to create distinctive textural pieces. I incorporate patinas and enamels to add colour but my palette is subtle and restrained. While most makers build up enamels in highly coloured layers I restrict mine to one or two colours and then deconstruct my enamels. After firing pieces in my kiln I stone back the layers to remove the glassy surface and create a smooth matt surface with subtle areas of hue and tone. When patches of bare steel are revealed they are encouraged to rust. The end result is a richly degraded and unique piece of art jewellery. Each piece is different for although I can repeat the processes there is always an element of chance and no two pieces are ever exactly the same.
I work with precious and non-precious metals and I enjoy the challenge of combining industrial materials (steel and wet process enamel) with traditional jewellery-making processes to create distinctive textural pieces. I incorporate patinas and enamels to add colour but my palette is subtle and restrained. While most makers build up enamels in highly coloured layers I restrict mine to one or two colours and then deconstruct my enamels. After firing pieces in my kiln I stone back the layers to remove the glassy surface and create a smooth matt surface with subtle areas of hue and tone. When patches of bare steel are revealed they are encouraged to rust. The end result is a richly degraded and unique piece of art jewellery. Each piece is different for although I can repeat the processes there is always an element of chance and no two pieces are ever exactly the same.
Background
After completing a degree in Fine Art I worked in graphic design consultancies for many years. Later, a trip to Thailand and a chance encounter led me to train in Shiatsu and Oriental Medicine and to work as a Shiatsu Practitioner. When injury and a young child necessitated a change of career I ended up working locally in the NHS.
I missed working creatively and after a year of evening classes in Jewellery making I was hooked. I considered doing a Masters but wanted to concentrate on developing practical making skills and opted to do a BTEC Level 3 course in Jewellery Making (Kensington and Chelsea College). I supported this with short master classes. My fine art background is reflected in the way I now approach my jewellery designs.
I missed working creatively and after a year of evening classes in Jewellery making I was hooked. I considered doing a Masters but wanted to concentrate on developing practical making skills and opted to do a BTEC Level 3 course in Jewellery Making (Kensington and Chelsea College). I supported this with short master classes. My fine art background is reflected in the way I now approach my jewellery designs.
All rights reserved. © 2016 Amanda Denison Contemporary Jewellery
