Isolation Inspiration #3 - Modern Alchemy Jewellery
I really am being too slow with these! Annie is the maker behind Modern Alchemy Jewellery, and some of you who have visited the shop may be familiar with her beautiful silver jewellery. Annie works out of the lovely Hebden Bridge, and has been kind enough to tell us about working with silver, and taking inspiration from the moon!
How did you get into your craft?
“I got into jewellery making by accident. I was originally going to train as a journalist but life had other plans! After taking a stained glass course, I discovered I was good with my hands and had the patience for fiddly things. I then took a jewellery course, and I was hooked as soon as I made my first silver ring and my business grew from there.”
What do you love about your chosen medium?
”I love how silver has to go through various stages before it becomes something beautiful. It often doesn’t look that attractive mid-process, but it emerges looking shiny, like treasure! I also love its malleability and the challenge of working out how to turn my ideas into something that can be created in metal.”
How do you get the inspiration to come up with a new series?
”I usually choose a subject that I am interested in or drawn to at the time, for example the Moon. I then do a little study on this topic, so I will paint the moon, read all about the moon, study its surface and forms. I then take these textures and shapes and translate them into test pieces and design ideas. Finally I pick my favourite ideas and these become a collection of jewellery.”
How is Covid-19 affecting you and your work at the moment?
”Work has slowed down considerably during the pandemic. All of my six stockists have closed during lockdown. Even though my website is still open for business people have understandably cut back on buying luxury items like jewellery, so sales are few and far between. Most of my silver suppliers also closed as they run large operations. I’m using this time to do things I never get around to, I’m having a little jewellery sale and planning how to move forward in these difficult times.”
Have you got any advice for people who want to use this time to tap into their creative side?
”Don’t take it too seriously. Just have a go. I think there is a lot of pressure (especially via all the beautiful work you see on Instagram) to create something perfect straight away. I’m trying to get back into painting. I’m too much of a perfectionist and that can make me avoid giving it a go but I’m trying to relax about it and just enjoy it!”
