Designer of the Month – Christine Pearson
Jewellery maker Christine Pearson has a very interesting history in jewellery making and specialises in colourful pieces that are mostly made with enamel. She likes to create unusual pieces that are bold and envision the personality of the wearer. View some of her work, read about where she gets her inspiration from and more in this month’s Designer of the Month interview.
Let us know a bit about yourself, detailing your background, study and training in the jewellery making industry.
Arts and Crafts have always been part of my life, as a maker and as a teacher. Way back in the 80’s I completed a degree in Silversmithing and Jewellery in Leicester. This gave me the chance to learn technical skills in a creative setting.
For several years I was employed as a designer for a large jewellery manufacturer. I learnt so much during my time with them – selling, pricing, mass production and the different ways of making jewellery used in the Birmingham factories. My work was produced in 9ct gold, using the lost wax process and stamped out on fly presses. It was amazing to see my ideas produced by the thousands on the production line, and then in shop windows. It always feels good when someone chooses your work and wears it.
I continued to work freelance as a designer and started to teach jewellery to adults. I also worked in secondary schools as an art and design teacher. Over the years I have never stopped making jewellery and now I spend all of my time creating my own work to sell at craft fairs as well as making jewellery for individuals.
Tell us about your work – are there any particular materials or techniques that you favour?
I had tried enamelling on my degree course, but only rediscovered this amazing way of adding colour to metal a few years ago. There are so many different enamelling techniques and I feel that I am always learning. I mainly use silver and copper in my current work. Starting with sheet metal I add textures using a rolling mill or steel punches, before cutting and forming the shapes.
The enamel colours are added a layer at a time, and fired between each layer. The way the colours react with one another can give unexpected results, which adds to the charm of the process. Each of my pieces is a one-off.
Often I am asked to make a special piece of jewellery. These commissions often make me try new design ideas and ways of working.
How would you best describe your design style?
Simple shapes, bold colours and subtle textures. My aim is to create distinctive and unusual pieces of jewellery that are very different from mass-produced pieces. Wearable art.
I believe that jewellery is a very personal art form. It can reflect the personality of the wearer, create a conversation, or make a statement. My work includes large items as well as smaller, more affordable pieces.
Where do you like to get your inspiration from for your pieces?
Inspiration can come from the shapes, colours and textures around me. Ideas for colour combinations can come from looking at peeling paint, fields, crumbling brickwork, or a seascape. The textures I use may be inspired by a rocky ledge, some rusty metal, or cracks in a pavement.
Experimenting with materials and processes can also lead me to new ways of working. I keep a sketchbook of drawings, notes and imagery. I always have ideas for my next project and find it hard to stop!
Do you have a piece that you have made which you favour or are particularly proud of?
My current favourite is an extra-large enamelled copper pin. The design is very simple, but I think it is that simplicity that appeals to me. There are three different greens layered onto the copper circle, with some orange threads placed on top for the final firing. Part of the fun of enamelling is never being quite sure how your work will look when it comes out of the kiln, and with this pin I knew I had done enough.
What is the one item in your jewellery making workshop that you could not live without?
Just one? Well, the item I would have to instantly replace would be my enamelling kiln.
What upcoming trends do you see being popular soon?
There has been a lot of interest in re-working heirloom pieces. I am often asked to adapt an old piece of jewellery, or melt it down and remake it into something new. It’s great that people want to use an old piece rather than leave it sitting in a box gathering dust.
With my enamel jewellery the trends are often about colour – this year I think the bright blues, will be popular, and I’m also starting to use Chartreuse green and yellows.
I do feel that people love to see handmade jewellery. They like to meet the maker and learn a little about how it was made. I hope that this trend continues to grow.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt from your time in the jewellery making industry?
Making jewellery takes time and patience. Think ahead and don’t rush into making. It saves time if you have an idea of the making processes in mind before you start, even if you need to change your plan along the way.
It is also good to remember to take breaks. When soldering, or anything that needs your full attention, a few minutes away from your bench and a cup of tea can prevent expensive mistakes!
Do you have any particular advice that you would give to up and coming jewellery designers, or someone interested in getting into jewellery making?
Someone said to me that all the time you are in the workshop you are learning, especially when things go wrong. So learn from any mistakes and don’t be disheartened!
Develop your technical skills with lots of practice, there are no shortcuts for this one. A jewellery course is great as you can ask your tutor questions and they can point you in the right direction. If a course isn’t possible for you – there are loads of good books and online videos as well.
Invest in a few hand tools when you start and add to these as you learn new techniques. My first jewellery project was made using my Dad’s old pliers, some fuse wire and old beads. Buying some good quality pliers, top cutters and silver plated wire felt like real progress after that! A new piece of equipment is great incentive to try new techniques.
Finally, time for a bit of fun in our quick-fire round!
Tell us your favourite…
Colour – Red
Biscuit – Chocolate
Drink – Tea
Place – My workshop
Animal – Cat
Gemstone – Aquamarine
Food – Curry
Sport – No, too busy hammering metal
Film – Too many to choose from, I will pass on this one
City – Leicester
Many thanks to Christine for being our Designer of the Month this month and for sharing this information
Want to discover the work of other jewellery makers?
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source https://www.cooksongold.com/blog/designer-of-the-month/designer-of-the-month-christine-pearson
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