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 information
After completing a degree in Fine Art I worked in graphic design consultancies for many years. Many career changes later (shiatsu practitioner, college administrator, NHS practice manager) I yearned to spend more time on creative endeavours.
After a year of evening classes in jewellery making and silversmithing I was hooked. I opted to do a BTEC Level 3 course in Jewellery Making with maximum time spent in the workshop(Kensington and Chelsea College). This was supported with short master classes from specialists.
I work from a studio by the river in Chiswick, West London
After a year of evening classes in jewellery making and silversmithing I was hooked. I opted to do a BTEC Level 3 course in Jewellery Making with maximum time spent in the workshop(Kensington and Chelsea College). This was supported with short master classes from specialists.
I work from a studio by the river in Chiswick, West London
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All rights reserved. © 2016 Amanda Denison Contemporary Jewellery
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