/// THE WHY BEHIND THE WORK/// What are the values behind your work?

The passion of creativity and sharing the craft are big drivers for me. Silversmithing (as opposed to jewellery, the two are different entities strictly speaking) is a struggling craft. More and more universities who did offer it as a degree have no longer do. Apprenticeships are not as widely available as they were many years ago; there are far fewer trade silversmiths than there once was. The few courses that are left are only feasible financially and time wise to those without outside commitments.

I did a 3 year degree in Silversmithing, Goldsmithing and Jewellery as I had no knowledge of the industry and knew the degree would give me a good foundation. I’ll be honest, unless you have a decent pot of disposable income you are hard pushed to find anywhere to learn silversmithing inside out. I have spent years, and currently tens of thousands (we don’t think about this element of it, or my ever growing interest on the student loan) on my training and I’m only at the start.

A core value of mine is passing on the knowledge of all things silversmithing. I don’t want lack of funds, background or resources to be a barrier to those who want to learn it (the irony of me saying this while I myself can’t attend the courses I would love to because of these factors is not lost on me!). I have worked hard to build my own little studio up, and I teach people how to make their own creations and during our sessions I pass on as much of the knowledge of the craft as I can. And I am grateful to each tutor on every course, for sharing their knowledge with me. It is a never ending cycle of paying it forward and hopefully keeping silversmithing alive in as many ways as possible.

Form and function are of equal importance in my practice, a piece shouldn't look good if it can't perform adequately for its intended purpose. Likewise it needs to feel substantial, it should be a good weight - you don't buy silver and expect it to feel underwhelming in the hand.

I want my work to be an allrounder, ticking all the boxes of looking good, feeling good, bringing joy, and functioning well. To be inviting to touch, be held and engaged with. Silver has amazing properties and it should be regularly handled, each owner and user adding their own feeling into the piece.

Well made, and timeless in style so it can be enjoyed for years to come regardless of the trends.

Sustainability is a strong consideration. All the materials I use are recycled and in my studio I am mindful of avoiding single use anything. For example I don't use kitchen roll - I have bamboo roll or kitchen towels which are used again and again.The water I use in my studio is from the water butt in the garden. I don't have plastic bags, I use glassine bags where necessary, or most of the time I use boxes. My packaging is recycled and recyclable. I try to make good choices whenever possible, and am mindful that there is always more than can be done.

All my pieces should be a pleasure to wear or use, as well as a joy to look at and tactile, inviting to touch - I want them to be enjoyed for years, decades, generations. People treat silver like its for special occasions only, but pleasure should be taken in everything, not just on a rare special day.