Exhibitions
Traces
Traces presents a collection of contemporary jewellery from conceptual jewellery maker Becca Macdonald.
Inspired by material experimentation, a common theme within her practice is documenting the evidence of presence and human expression, grasping the untouchable. Most notably the artist paints with silver. With an interest in both fluid movement and organic shape, she explores the notion of continuous change in the making of each piece, the space where liquid becomes solid and hard meets soft. Fleeting gestures and malleability are preserved and transformed into distinctive, pieces of wearable art with a strong narrative, evoking special moments, places we’ve been to and memories of people close to us.
Her brushstroke collection is evidence of this; pieces are individually hand-painted using silver clay and then transformed into solid silver by torch firing, capturing the legacy of the painter’s presence and the traces they leave behind. Her Paint Pot pieces take on an ephemeral form which are the results of the residue left behind from a painter’s pot. These pieces are the result of lost wax casting. Although casting is traditionally a method of batch production, to preserve a sense of individuality to each piece of jewellery, Becca creates unique waxes for every piece made. A layer of 18ct yellow gold is used to accentuate the designs. By using durable materials such as silver and gold vermeil, the artist’s work is centred around the power of memory. Rings and family heirlooms are usually passed down or bestowed as symbols for familial union. In doing so, we are invited to trace back these moments whilst also noticing the long lasting relationships we make by sharing these tokens with those we care most about.
Traces is free to visit and on display in the Craft Space.
About the artist
Becca graduated from Chelsea College of Arts in 2015 with a First Class Honours degree in Textile Design. Following this, she was then employed in London design studios and artist’s workshops where she assisted in the creation of immersive sculptural installations, furniture and bespoke artworks. An introduction to jewellery making during an evening course reignited a passion and influenced a change in direction and scale. After launching her jewellery business in 2018, she was recognised by the National Association of Jewellers as an IJL Kickstart winner and chosen as a finalist in The Professional Jeweller Awards for Young Jewellery Design of the Year.
What is silver clay?
Silver clay is a manmade material that combines recycled silver particles with a natural binder. During firing, the binder burns away and the silver particles melt back together, resulting in a solid silver piece.
Her brushstroke collection is evidence of this; pieces are individually hand-painted using silver clay and then transformed into solid silver by torch firing, capturing the legacy of the painter’s presence and the traces they leave behind. Her Paint Pot pieces take on an ephemeral form which are the results of the residue left behind from a painter’s pot. These pieces are the result of lost wax casting. Although casting is traditionally a method of batch production, to preserve a sense of individuality to each piece of jewellery, Becca creates unique waxes for every piece made. A layer of 18ct yellow gold is used to accentuate the designs. By using durable materials such as silver and gold vermeil, the artist’s work is centred around the power of memory. Rings and family heirlooms are usually passed down or bestowed as symbols for familial union. In doing so, we are invited to trace back these moments whilst also noticing the long lasting relationships we make by sharing these tokens with those we care most about.
Traces is free to visit and on display in the Craft Space.
About the artist
Becca graduated from Chelsea College of Arts in 2015 with a First Class Honours degree in Textile Design. Following this, she was then employed in London design studios and artist’s workshops where she assisted in the creation of immersive sculptural installations, furniture and bespoke artworks. An introduction to jewellery making during an evening course reignited a passion and influenced a change in direction and scale. After launching her jewellery business in 2018, she was recognised by the National Association of Jewellers as an IJL Kickstart winner and chosen as a finalist in The Professional Jeweller Awards for Young Jewellery Design of the Year.
What is silver clay?
Silver clay is a manmade material that combines recycled silver particles with a natural binder. During firing, the binder burns away and the silver particles melt back together, resulting in a solid silver piece.
