maker profile no.5: Zoe Watts

Artist: Zoe Watts
Based: Wiltshire
Degree: UCA Rochester 

I am intrigued partly by the juxtaposition of interesting form and texture and enjoy mixing different media’s (both natural and manmade) with silver in order to create tactile sensation and a strong visual statement. The process of watching relief, shape and form being born and continuously evolving from flat metal sheet by means of hammering and chasing is particularly inspiring to me, I find the journey of experimentation and the further choices that arise during the development of a piece extremely invigorating.

I am passionate about creating objects via means of traditional Silversmithing techniques; the jewellery I create tends to be large in size and visually striking. I also enjoy designing in large scale for high impact catwalk fashion and am particularly interested in creating pieces that accentuate and play further with the natural qualities of human form.

                              whirlwind candle holders, fine silver, Zoe Watts 2010

                     ebb and flow, sterling silver condiment bowl, Zoe Watts, 2010
 

maker profile no.4: Amy Wood

 

Artist: Amy Wood

Based: Liverpool

Degree: Liverpool Hope University

The calming, soothing tranquility of water along with the stimuli and therapeutic properties of touch inspired me to create a collection aimed at bringing harmony, beauty and elegance to the wearer.

Using a diverse range of materials, techniques and textures I have integrated the traditional and well rehearsed partners of clothing and jewellery into commercially attractive pieces.

The incorporation of media such as granulated sterling silver, gold leaf and embroidery brings refinement and elegance.   My statement pieces are designed to be intricate, beautiful, tactile and sensual in equal measure. Above all they are to be enjoyed!

                                          sterling silver caddy spoon, Amy Wood 2010

                                                    sterling silver fan neckpiece, Amy Wood 2010

maker profile no.3: Pauline Edie

Artist: Pauline Edie
Based: Edinburgh
Degree: The Glasgow School of Art

 

Pauline takes her inspiration from folklore, stories and fairy tales to create her playfully contemporary jewellery. Working mainly in silver, gold and porcelain, her work ranges from apparently narrative pieces to much more abstract designs. An early fascination with illustration and handmade forms has led to a career of making curious anthropomorphic objects.

Combining carved figures with hand shaped porcelain, Pauline captures a sense of childlike freedom. By including elements of popular tales, she attempts to engage the viewer through their own recollections.

                           three bears brooch, oxidised sterling silver, porcelain, Pauline Edie 2009

                        alice and the white rabbit bookend, sterling silver, porcelain, Pauline Edie 2010

maker profile no.2: Louise Walker

Artist: Louise Walker

Based: Buckinghamshire

Degree: Bucks New University

silverware presently louise's fixation plays with common designs, combining comparable objects, then rethinking them to subtly create new interpretations. therefore, challenging how you perceive and use her work. this can result in a new relationship between user and object.

in louise's objects, functionalism meets reinterpretation, creating a modern collection of tableware, with a visual geometric language. her designs aim to change our behaviour and interaction with the everyday object.

'the meaning of things lies not in things themselves, but in our attitudes to them'.

antoine de saint - exupery

jewellery with a design background fixated with pushing the boundaries of functional objects, louise's obsession with how we view and interact with an object continues with her exploration to adorn the body. jewellery allows her to explore the human form more intimately.

using her pure, geometric design aesthetic, and unique connection of silver and stainless steel, louise chooses to celebrate the body's form.framing, isolating, and exhibiting the chosen parts.

                                        slim line cutlery set, sterling silver, Louise Walker 2010

                        carnival, pub and cheese knives, sterling silver, stainless steel, Louise Walker 2010

maker profile no.1: Gemma Scully

Artist: Gemma Scully

Based: Manchester
Degree: UCA (Farnam)

 

Gemma Scully creates jewellery inspired by the Chaos Theory, something that has fascinated her for years. The idea that small differences in initial conditions yield widely diverging outcomes. Through a process of hand casting she is able to conduct her own research into this idea. Dropping varying amounts of molten silver and gold into different volumes of snow, ice and water she creates wildly different all one off casting that Gemma then designs around.

Gemma is interested in adding order and structure to her designs to create an almost ironic balance or juxtapose. Drawing inspiration from Edward N. Lorenzs images of chaotic flow she creates repetitive line drawings in precious metals including silver and 18ct gold, that add structure, form and wearability to the cast pieces.

Having completed her degree in jewellery and silversmithing at UCA Farnham Campus, Gemma developed a new body of work based round chaos whilst on a residences at Bishopsland Educational Trust. A year long almost apprenticeship that helps develop makers businesses and skills as a maker. The Trust prides itself on the high standard of work or “The Bishopsland Standard” which all fellows are taught to work to.

Gemma prides herself on being Eco-friendly within her work, through casting herself by hand she ensures that there is no waste, all scrap is melted down and cast. Also instead of using cast grains, Gemma buys old scrap and re-uses old silver pieces.

Along with casting Gemma also uses other techniques within her work including, Gold inlay, fusing and fabrication. Lastly Gemma simply loves to design, create and then sell her pieces.

                                          Sterling silver chain, Gemma Scully 2010

                                          Sterling Silver Chain, Gemma Scully 2010

All right now let's begin and when we reach the end of the story we'll know more than we know now.

What is the white space? 

Designer jewellers and silversmiths, The White Space Designers are a collective of five silversmiths/ jewellers.  Established in August this year after successfully completing their study together at Bishopsland Educational Trust, the five fellows decided to form a supportive cooperative to continue working and showing together.

The group consists of five female designer makers, now working from their own workshops through the UK.  Producing a diversity of high end craft, in a variety of materials, from silver and gold to porcelain, with prices to suit any purse.

Their first public showcase together will be at this year’s Liverpool Design Festival in November, the homeland of member Amy Wood. Other members involved are, Gemma Scully from Manchester, Louise Walker from Buckinghamshire, Pauline Edie from Edinburgh, and Zoe Watts from Wiltshire.

The White Space Designers hope to continue their success as a united force at their forthcoming events throughout 2010 – 2011.  Visit us at this year’s Liverpool Design Festival in November