|
|
May '08
Arrival of Lilian Busch at AvantGarde
May will see the arrival of pearl, silver and gold jewellery by Lilian Busch. Lilian has a prestigious list of exhibition locations to her name, including the Lesley Craze and Electrum galleries in London, as well as those in Japan, Austria and Denmark. Lilian trained at Sir John Cass Faculty of Art at London Guildhall University, and Epsom School of Art in Surrey.
Lilian's work is an example of how worked precious metals and natural pearls can be harmoniously combined to stunning effect.
Her work with pearls saw her triumph in three categories of the important Tahitian Pearl Trophy 2005 UK – Bracelet, Pearl Row and Necklace.
She came 2nd in the same categories in 2007.We will be selling Lilian's work in the gallery, and online shortly afterwards. Please contact us if you require further information.
April '08
New jewellers - Diana Porter & Alexis Dove - join Avant Garde this Spring
The coming months will see five new jewellery designers join the gallery, but for the time being we're keeping three of them under wraps.
Diana Porter
Next month the well renowned designer Diana Porter's work will add a new dimension to our already diverse collections.
The result of three years training and 15 years working as a designer and maker, Diana's jewellery has become collected and loved by the women and men who buy it.
Diana says of her work: "My jewellery is chunky and androgynous; it has an intrinsic integrity in both design and finish. My creative inspiration comes from personal and political beliefs, expressed through words which form a major feature of my work."
"These are used as decoration in combinations of gold on matt silver, acid etched for contrast of finishes and tactile qualities. Often, words are split between two, three or four pieces so that what initially appears as indecipherable marks make sense only when joined with complementary pieces, giving my work an intriguing additional dimension."
We are delighted to be able to confirm that Diana's highly popular 'On and on…' etched silver collection will be in the gallery and on the website this Spring.
Alexis Dove
While searching for silver jewellery with pearls, we discovered the beautifully feminine and tactile work of East Sussex based Alexis Dove Jewellery.
The designer jewellery collections are inspired by cultures & traditions of adornment. Nature is an important influence as are amulets, talismans & momento mori. Shells, flowers & skulls are combined with gemstones & pearls to adorn the wearer & create contemporary jewellery that is both wearable & beautiful.
Fortunately for us, Alexis and her partner Justin agreed to supply us as the sole retailer in the area, and we are shortly to take delivery of her Wild Rose, Beachcomber and Kali collections.
|
|
|
a
Earrings by Lilian Busch
a
a
Earrings by Lilian Busch
a
Bangles by Diana Porter
Heart pendant by Alexis Dove
Pearl pendant by Alexis Dove
Silver and gold 'On And On' rings by Diana Porter
Gold shell pendant by Alexis Dove
|
|
March '08
Diversifying jeweller captures the beauty of steel in her latest work
Known best by our customers for her silver and perspex jewellery, Carole Leonard has been given the opportunity to reassess her work and research the use of steel in contemporary jewellery. The Herefordshire based jeweller was recently given Arts Council funding in order to explore pattern welding in the blacksmithing department of Hereford College. The results of the work are not only accomplished, but also truly individual, as each piece of steel is unique in its pattern structure. Ancient swordmaking technology
Carole’s recent work combines gold and silver with Damascus steel imported from Devin Thomas based in the USA and Damasteel in Sweden. Damascus steel was developed in the 12th century for blades as a way of protecting hard steel (which is sharp but brittle) by fire welding it with a milder steel (which is more flexible). The process is similar to making flaky pastry; these layers of different steels can be seen in the blades of Samurai swords. It has also been used in a spiral form in the barrel of shot guns.
Body chemestry
The metal is very physically hard, and therefore also difficult to work. For Carole, the advantage of the intricately patterned steel is that the pattern goes all the way through the material rather than being a surface decoration. The contrast on the jewellery’s surface should improve with constant wear as it will be affected by the wearers body chemistry. Carole says “I find it intriguing that the look of the jewellery, particularly rings, can change differently depending upon the wearer. This means that the jewellery becomes even more individual over time”.
Beautiful forgery
Having recently completed the construction of her own forge, Carole has also begun to form the metals she uses in her jewellery. The challenge for Carole is to work on a larger scale to that which she is used to with sheet Perspex and silver. Of working with wrought iron and milled steel she says “I quite like to change scale, and I quite like hitting things!” Avant Garde is privileged to be the first outlet to display Carole’s new work. We have necklaces, rings and brooches. Although un-hallmarked, the pieces combine Damascus steel, beautiful yellow gold and silver, with some stunning gem stones. ”
|
|
|
Damascus steel rings
Damascus Steel and Perspex Brooches
Steel gold and moonstone necklace
Damascus steel ring with 22ct gold
|
| All website content is protected by copywright law which prohibits use without prior permission of the owner. |
|
|
|
|
