Artwork for Kim Allwright
New quarter studs
Eclipse earrings with moon stoppers
First exploration bangles
First exploration hoops
Large eclipse pendant
Large first exploration pendant
Details
I create colourful, minimalist, contemporary jewellery. The sixties and seventies very much influenced the shapes that I use, in particular early space travel, which showed us the planets and moons, planetary eclipses, and even Saturn's rings, like we had never seen them before.
I love the elegance and minimalism of space and the fact that so many people from such diverse backgrounds worked together to make NASA's missions a success, not just technically, but creating meaningful pieces and awe-inspiring moments.
The Golden Record aboard Voyager I, with peace greetings to the Universe in over 50 languages and whale song was one such piece... and the moment the space probe was turned around to take an image of Earth before leaving our solar system forever was a turning point that allowed us to see ourselves like we'd never seen ourselves before.
These major early influences inspired my first exploration into working with recycled silver and eco-resin.
Today, my work also draws on social and global issues - the drivers behind what I do. I often contrast the turbulence and chaos of modern times with calm and playfulness, as is human nature, preferring to 'speak in colours' rather than words.
Since 2019 Wilde Works has donated a percentage of sales to conservation.
Until an operation in 2012 which left me in considerable pain, I worked as a translator. Several follow-up operations took the edge off the pain, but I was no longer able to put in the long hours required for working to short deadlines under great pressure.
In 2015, I delivered my last translation and left a life-long career to make a go of what had up to then been a hobby.
Physically, working as an artist allows me to manage my pain, as I am constantly switching between tools, standing one minute, sitting the next and several times a day running up and down the stairs to a few larger tools.
Mentally, it has put me in a better place, as it is easier to pace the amount of work I do. As a translator, you never know when the next translation will come in, so you juggle deadlines and work long hours to fit them all in.
It has also given me more creative freedom. I can now freely express my thoughts and feelings through the pieces I make. As a translator, there is a limit to how creative you can be, as you are bound to conveying the essence of the original language.
What they both have in common is an eye for detail and a meticulous approach, but I prefer my workshop over my office any day!
Designer/maker of contemporary jewellery trading under the name Wilde Works.
Jewellery making and hoping to expand into teaching workshops in the future
2015 CAD Rhino Jewellery/Matrix for Designer Makers, Birmingham School of Jewellery
2011 Stone Setting, Birmingham School of Jewellery
2019 Makers Market Winter Exhibition, Old Mayor’s Parlour, Church Street, Hereford
2018 Alloy Winter/Christmas Showcase, The Courtyard Centre for the Arts, Hereford
2018 Crickhowell Open Art Exhibition, Oriel CRiC Gallery, Crickhowell
Books and Articles:
2024 Included in New Earrings: 500+ Contemporary Jewellery Designs by Nicolas Estrada, Hoaki Books, Barcelona, Spain
2018 The Carrot Box on 8 August 2018 about my Rings of Saturn collection: ‘What soothing whale sounds are to some people, these clean, minimal, perfectly tidy rings are to me.’
Galleries:
2023 John McKellar Designer Jewellery, Hereford
2021 The Craft Centre and Design Gallery, Leeds
Additional:
Part-time bench Jeweller at John McKellar Designer Jewellery in Hereford, from 2020 until the business was sold in 2024
Former long-term member of Alloy Hereford Jewellers Group
Member of the Herefordshire Guild of Craftsmen
Member of the Crafts Council Directory
Member of the Association for Contemporary Jewellery
My work is currently not at any stockists as I am instead focusing on in-person markets this year.
