Tamed Wire and Other Contemporary Crafts

This is my folio of more contemporary work. The historical influence is obvious, modern materials and techniques further shape the character of these pieces.

After being drawn from the earth with fire and wind, the various metals in these pieces are coiled and linked to make objects of fluid beauty.

This chain has been made by linking each link to four others, the same way as in a Scots byrnie, but in a round section rather than flat. This way of taming wire is usually named after the great city of Miklagard, created by the emperor Constantine and where greek philosophy and mysticism of the roman empire survived after the empire split.

Chain has a grain to it. The picture below shows samples of chain where each link is linked to four others. In small strips two effects can be created depending on how the material is extended. On larger pieces it is very important to consider the direction of the grain for practical reasons. In small pieces the difference is mostly aesthetic.

This is a choker made using 4 in 1 flat. I used square section spilt rings and lined it with soft reindeer hide. It has been fastened with lacing, but I have also used clasps and antler buttons depending on the wearers preference.

This necklace is the result of a collaboration with Leom Heath. A London based artist who usually works with beads. It is inspired by a neckerchief and uses both blackened metal and bronze links.

This Key ring uses chunky square section industrial spring washers to give it a solid presence. Despite it's weighty feel, the flexibility of the links bring life to it as a piece - reminding me of a minnow.

These rings are modeled on the hoards of hack silver jewelry that were buried in times of trouble. They have a simple, rough, style and historically would have been hacked into pieces and weighed out to exchange for goods or services.

Each item has been hammered from a bar of silver. Designs are punched into the surface using a selection of stamps to give a range of patterns.

No precious metals used in these pieces, but the focus is on form rather than function. Iron can be like Plasticine sometimes, and it is always fun to play.

It can get quite warm down in the south of England in the summer. This gives plenty of opportunity for body art. While I was living there I decided to combine the multi cultural influences of Southampton with an artistic style influenced by Celtic manuscripts and carved stones. With the help of a few willing volunteers these knots and swirls were born using henna paste. When the dark paste dries the design is left on the skin in a rich reddish brown colour.

I find that the flowing patterns work well with the organic surface that the human body provides, and to a large extent the design shapes itself as it is drawn. The challenge of producing a design which both reflects the identity of the person wearing it and my own ideas as an artist is also very interesting.

One of my friends was even so confident about his appreciation for my work that he asked me to design a permanent tattoo for him. He saw two stags boxing one morning when he was on a site visit, and so this design was born. His clan motto, which I didn't design, can be translated as "Fear the Wrath of a Just God"