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| Tessa Holland |
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| The principle strand of my practice has been a specialisation in and exploration of plique-à-jour enamelling. This technically demanding process suspends fused glass across thin air, filling voids in a structure of precious metal… but the effort is rewarded with delicate skeletal forms and jewelled colours.
IMAGE left: Plique-à-jour earrings. A continuous twisting form that pierces the ear from behind - the curve sweeps forward to balance the weight, holding them securely in place. In a parallel strand of practice (exploring other techniques) one of a kind, sometimes eccentric pieces emerge from exhibition briefs, commissions or personal interests. I find it stimulating to explore political, environmental or just playful trains of thought through the medium of jewellery. Manipulating materials invites one to consider their intrinsic properties - like an alchemist - combining pure chemistry and a kind of amimism. The ways we source, commodify and attribute meaning to precious metals is part of their hidden identity, and am exploring these ideas as part of an Anthropology Masters at Durham. The course is a big learning curve and time commitment, but the intellectual stimulation is invigorating - and is already inspiring new ideas in the workshop. Work can be ordered or made to commission. Comments on these few thoughts are welcome. |
More Images
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| plique-a-jour enamel ring: 18ct gold |
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| Genetic profile. Sterling silver: photo-etched, formed and marked. |
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| Sketches in precious metal... experimenting with new forms. Work in progress combining beaten discs of gold and silver (April 2010) |
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The Association for Contemporary Jewellery PO Box 37807 London SE23 1XJ United Kingdom Telephone: + 00 44 (0)20 8291 4201 Fax: + 00 44 (0)20 8291 4452 Email: enquiries@acj.org.uk