Artist's Statement
My work has developed from a passion for antique lace and the intricate processes involved in its creation. I am drawn to the beautiful linear patterns of this material and intrigued by the incredible fragility of older lace which has already begun to deteriorate. It is the extreme delicacy and unexpected beauty found in fabrics gentle decay and disintegration which I aim to capture within my jewellery. By combining etching and sewing techniques I have created a series of striking pieces which portray these qualities with an aura of gentle tactility and preciousness; capturing the essence of this exquisite material in sheet metal. My work with precious metal wire explores a different approach, translating lace’s linear patterns into more sculptural forms which maintain this underlying sense of vulnerability.
I am fascinated by the use of lace in the extravagant collars and cuffs of previous centuries; impressively beautiful, yet completely impractical. I enjoy creating a similar impression through my jewellery’s interaction with the body.