Making for the love of making

My work is mostly functional in the utilitarian sense. It has a purpose, a justification for its existence. In uni there was a debate about jewellery being functional also just not in a utilitarian way. It brings the wearer or viewer joy.

I would love to be able to create sculptural pieces which have no utilitarian function but it’s just not me, it makes me feel uncomfortable HOWEVER as a way of easing myself back into life in Norfolk after a glorious summer up in Banff at @vanillainkthesmiddy I gave myself a design brief to make a number nine, which had no use whatsoever, other than just being and much like jewellery hopefully bringing the viewer joy.

So here it is, my chunky little solid silver nine. Textured sides and top, smooth edges and an oxidised - blackened - hollow back featuring my hallmark from @theassayoffice

It has all my usual design traits; texture, contrast, nice thick silver so feels a satisfying weight in the hand. It just has no point at all to exist.

Did it make me feel uncomfortable making something which has no purpose? Yes. Did I get over that because it’s a 9? Yes. Will I make more things like this just for the sake of pushing myself out of my comfort zone? Maybe.