ARTIST STATEMENT

An open-minded approach to challenging the boundaries of jewellery coupled with an intuitive relationship with materials is the driving force and motivation behind her practice based research.

Design ideas arise by experimenting with a breadth of unconventional materials; often industrial in nature she redirects these manufacturing processes to offer a new direction to the discipline. These processes continually serve to initiate a visual language which is capitalised upon to create her work.

The aesthetic qualities combine and contrast a vibrant, energetic colour palette in combination with striking pattern, sensuous form and tactile surfaces. Furthermore the jewellery is flamboyant in nature, sculptural, and wearable. Its dynamic personality is attention grabbing often utilising repeatable elements to create work with an exaggerated theatrical scale.

Her work is exhibited within an international arena and recent accolades include being selected for the European Prize for Applied Arts (Belgium), Cominelli Foundation Awards for Contemporary Jewellery (Italy) and the ITAMI International Contemporary Jewellery Exhibition (Japan). Alongside her practice she is Course Director for BA (Hons) Jewellery Design and Related Products at the world renowned School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University, UK.

Why do you choose these kind of materials? + What idea do you want to express with this work?

"I am a maker, I am inquisitive and I love to experiment, explore, discover, and I'm always searching for something new. I design through making and it's often the process of questioning and challenging my-self, through problem solving, and trial and error which leads me to make my work. In essence I am not afraid to make mistakes as these often offer new directions.

Within my teaching practice I often describe the design process as making a cake, for me this means bringing together different ingredients, mixing it all up and as a result a wonderful object is created. For me the ingredients can be visual research, various materials, a variety of processes, conversations, and ultimately a desire to make something different.

Furthermore, I have a fascination for non-precious materials and particularly those materials that have a sensual and tactile quality. I enjoy the sensory and inherent qualities certain materials possess and I am constantly touching everything around me. Recent materials research has led me to explore plastic, rubber, and flock fibre, in combination with processes of resin casting, dye sublimation, and using a wood turning lathe.

Additionally I am drawn to bright, vibrant colour, and this coupled with the overall form and surface enhances the tactility of the work and I feel these materials express the desired aesthetic I am striving for. " Zoe Robertson 2011 Quote from "Contemporary Jewellery Art: Innovative Materials