I love to create one-of-a-kind wearable art pieces and strive for
balance in an asymmetrical way. My inspiration comes from nature, in particular,
the ocean.
I often incorporate stones, shells, feathers, leaves, and other
natural objects from local islands or seashores to create my silver
designs.
I use paua shells (abalone) from New Zealand in many
pieces. I find the ever-changing green/blue colour of this shell combines with
the silver to create a lovely combination. This colour inspires me to use the
many varieties of turquoise stone in my work. I want it to BREATHE WEST COAST
(as a recent artist described my pieces).
All of the silver pieces I create are FINE SILVER (99.9% silver).
The process I use to make them involves working first with the silver in a clay
form (which is actually microscopic particles of silver suspended in an organic
binding binding). I work with this pliable material by rolling it out or just
working with it in my hands. I then make different impressions in the silver
clay using a variety of techniques.
Most recently, I have been making impressions of objects such as
starfish patterns and shells. I also create a more three-dimensional look by
layering or molding my pieces over a form (such as a spoon). I then use my kiln
to burn off the binding. When heated to a high temperature, the silver particles
fuse together to form solid silver that can be sanded, soldered, hammered, and
polished like conventional material.
After the firing, there are a number of ways I use to finish the
piece. This involves polishing in a tumbler, burnishing sections by hand, using
different patinas to create an antique look, combining hand-made accent pieces
and often incorporating gemstones, lava rock, and unique sterling silver beads
to create an individual look for each necklace, bracelet, ring, or pair of
earrings. The process will often take several days to complete.
This silver clay (often called Precious Metal Clay (PMC)) is a
revolutionary new product developed in Japan in the early 1990s. I find it
interesting to combine this rather new way of doing silver work with an ancient
art called VIKING KNIT, to create each different and unique piece. I weave
sterling silver wire to form complete bracelets and also as an accent combined
with gemstones.
Viking knit is one of the oldest forms of knitting and although
the process takes a considerable amount of time, I find the final result very
pleasing because of its strength and lightness. There is a delicacy about a
Viking knit piece I find quite unique and beautiful.