1 November 2022
Kier Alexander
We were delighted to welcome back silversmiths from across the UK to the 2022 edition of Elements, showcasing a fantastic array of individual and unique artistic practices and methods. Join Specialist Kier Alexander as she takes a closer look at a few of the fantastic exhibitors that joined the fair.
Traditional methods continue to be a key element within many silversmiths' making process. Annabel Hood and Katie Watson include hand engraving to create visually appealing surface decorations. Where Watson uses engraving to create imaginative illustrations of lively creatures and scenes from nature, Hood uses the techniques to engage the mind of the viewer and allude to her inspirations from climate change.
Echoes from nature also combine with tradition in Scott Smith’s work. Smith uses carving, raising and casting of wood chips found in his studio, in a meditative way to create his silverware, which is inspired by the wild Scottish landscape.
Scott Smith, was one of our speakers for our Saturday evening talk in conjunction with the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council winners exhibition, which saw Fred Rich’s impressive ‘Fair Game’ enamel vases on display. As the recipient of the 2D Goldsmithing Award sponsored by Gosset Champagne, Smith discussed his rapid rise in the industry. Other speakers included Lynne Maclachlan and a talk from Theresa Nguyen and John Andrew showed the relationship of patron and silversmith and the astonishing result of her ‘Meadow Centrepiece’ which came to fruition due to their partnership throughout lockdown.
Inspirations from nature and Scotland are also present in Emma Louise Wilson’s work. Wilson takes her inspiration from the Scottish landscape and weather and creates unique silver bowls by hand-raising in a contemporary way. Several of the silversmiths purposely apply traditional techniques to reinvent and revive. Wilson and Jessica Jue offered insight into how tradition can be reinvented. Jue uses the ancient art of hammering to give expression to her sculptural designs which convey a sense of rhythmic movement. Kyosun Jung intentionally uses traditional techniques, to revive them, Jung’s contemporary silverware blends modest form with animated decorations to create great visual impact.
Digital techniques in the design process combined with traditional metal working skills to create innovative silverware. Sheng Zhang and Caiyan Yin, (a recent recipient of the Silver Society award), uses the aid of digital techniques to produce work which conveys the aesthetics of minimal style, demonstrated through purity of visual language. Karen Westland makes handmade 3D printed silverware using 100% recycled materials inspired by equipment built to explore outer space.
A fascinating process came from Alice Fry who uses electric current at different voltages through niobium to create a variety of hues from orange to purple. A technique first explored in the 1960s Alice has honed her skill and now has an instantly recognisable product with her geological inspired forms.
This selection of Element’s exhibitors and the emerging talent from the colleges show how diverse and imaginative all the techniques and works are. We were delighted to welcome so many people back into the sale room at Lyon & Turnbull auction house for Elements Festival and gives clients the opportunity to really engage with each maker.
Elements is an annual celebration of the UK’s most significant designer jewellers & silversmiths. Held each November in the stunning our Edinburgh saleroom, Elements brings together the finest UK-based designer-makers for a selling fair, an exhibition and a series of events. This event is presented by The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust and Lyon & Turnbull.
