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'The more I do the more I realise I need to learn!' - Jessica Ridley

WAES hears how jewellery-making is a fascinating combination of design work and exacting craftsmanship in conversation with WAES jewellery-making student Jessica Ridley as she prepares to exhibit her work at Perspectives, the 2013 WAES summer arts exhibition.

 

 

How did you begin with this area of study?

I first tried out pottery about 4 years ago then migrated to jewellery as I wasn’t very good at pottery - my pots were always too heavy.

I have always loved making things with my hands - drawing, painting, sewing, cooking, felt making and soap making. WAES is my local adult learning centre so I just went along and enrolled one day.

What was your inspiration behind your featured pieces at the exhibition and how were they made?

I am always inspired by nature - especially plants and flowers and old craftsmanship. These pieces evolved from objects I saw in the V&A recently. The necklace (pictured below, top) and bracelet are made of twisted fine silver wire, and the rings (below, left) are cast from wax carvings.

How would you like to develop your skills further - what’s next for you and your art?

I would like to design and make a whole collection but need more practice to develop my skills first!
I wish I had come to jewellery-making earlier in life because it is a fascinating combination of design work and exacting craftsmanship but the more I do the more I realise I need to learn, which is really about putting in many, many hours of practice.

 

“Jewellery-making is a fascinating combination of design work and exacting craftsmanship but the more I do the more I realise I need to learn!”


     


Perspectives

Pieces from Jessica's jewellery project are featured at Perspectives, this year's WAES summer arts exhibition at the Mall galleries, SW1, from 17 to 22 June. Find out more

 

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