Marianne Kerby
I can't remember a time
when I haven't been interested in jewellery, whether it was the vary
basic string-your-own beads as a young girl in the 60's to copper
enamelling in the 70's. to the more serious gold and Silversmithing at
the Goldsmith's School in the 80's (where I am still a student).
One of the influences in
my life war. being with my great-aunts who would create knitted and
crocheted garments from a single strand of thread. This always intrigued
me. perhaps leading to my interest in braiding and weaving elements of
silver to creative jewellery. The chains I make also start out with a
single strand of wire, which is then turned into links as part of
bracelet and necklaces, etc. A fascination with puzzles also helps one
overcome some of the frustration experienced when developing the more
complex chains[ Like a good puzzle, it takes determination and
perseverance, then finally success.
The artistic side of my
work is really a melange. I admire the cool, clean Scandinavian styles:
the almost clinical look and feel of German jewellery: the richness of
Italian work: the "anything goes" of American jewellery and the
beautiful simplicity of 'ethnic' work. It's very hard to place my work
in any particular style, as I like to choose design ideas from many
different sources and influences. Generally I will see something I like
- perhaps lines in the sand on a beach or the way a shadow falls on the
ground and then think of ways to incorporate that into a piece
jewellery.
Generally I work in gold,
silver and gemstones, however my particular passion is enamelling. I
love the brilliance and clarify of the colours. Technically, the medium
is a real challenge to work with and there are often unexpected results
regardless of one's expertise. The miniaturisation of the world into
enamels gives me a real thrill, as one must be able to manipulate the
powdered glass grains that are no larger than grains of sand.
I personally think that
jewellery should be worn to make a statement. I leave it to you to
decide what statement you'd like to make.
