“I have been living and working in East
Devon since gaining a BA (Hons) degree in 3D - Design (metal) at Brighton and
now work as a full-time designer/maker with two rural workshops, one with a
display space, in the valley of the River Otter in East Devon. Blessed with parkland
and farming views outside my workshops, and both open heathland and the
Jurassic Coastline only a short walk or drive away so it’s no wonder that
Nature provides me with most of my inspiration.
My aim is to create jewellery that
becomes part of the owner’s own portable art collection and an essential
component in their everyday rituals. Just as nature is never static, much of my
work alters and moves as you wear it - pearls tremble on pendants, metal
components slip and slide over each other, necklaces lengthen or shorten,
textures become clearer as surface patinas mellow and gold accents sing out.
The making process continues the development of an idea with designs evolving
in ways not always anticipated and often fuelled by the acquisition of new experiences,
skills or materials.
If I must be shoehorned into a box, I
fit best into the Slow Art category, with a carefully considered design
process, laborious hand fabrication and finishing techniques and a close eye on
sourcing materials responsibly as well as minimising waste.
I work primarily in silver and gold but
using copper has allowed me to create larger pieces that can incorporate a
wider and bolder range of colours, two of which have been used as illustrations
in Mark Runfola‘s 2014 book ‘Metal Patination Techniques for Jewelers and
Metalsmiths’ (UK - Thames & Hudson).”
Each piece of Ann’s work is
individually made, either unique or of a limited edition.
She is a member of The Devon Guild of Craftsmen (based at
The Riverside Gallery, Bovey Tracey, Devon).