Through my jewellery-making, I dream of a paradise garden, overgrown with strange but somehow familiar large-leafed plants. Sometimes this place seems very far removed from life in the city- so my love for it endures and its importance grows.
Among the parts of a plant, there may be Leaves, Flowers or Fruits- but it is the Stem that joins them all together. From the Stem, everything emanates.
The idea of emanation or radiance is a thread that runs through my work.
The effect of light on a plant is such that it shapes a plant's very form; in the same way that sunlight radiates down on a plant, the plant radiates up to receive the light.
So you see, a leaf is designed to catch the light, just as a jewel is. It seems irresistible that these realms should overlap...
And of course they do- I've realised that the making of botanical jewellery is so historic and commonplace,- like some sort of universal default decorative subject....
...which leads me to ask myself: "is it boring if I do it too?"
Well, I am never bored by plants themselves, be it the humble Lawn or the honoured Flower Behind A Girl's Ear.
So a challange hangs over my work; "Can I say something unique and valuable in the age-old conversation that is botanical jewellery?"
