ZOE ROBERTSON, UK

Illuminate it explores the notion of green issues, environmental concerns and finite energy resources. What will the future bring? A rise in sea levels through global warming, the destruction of polar regions and the dawn of a new ice age? Who knows? We can however question our personal habits in relationship to these global issues. Therefore this light up neckpiece can be switched on and off by the wearer. So by interacting with ‘Illuminate’ you decide how much energy you consume. So pause for thought? (Illuminate it neckpiece, Steel fixings, rubber lassos, free spun and thermoformed plastic, flock fibre and light up electronics)

CHRISTINA KARABABA, Greece

One can only demand a war or shampoo when the appropriate products are available. The output file, taken from a digital archive for video games, was processed through 3D printing and transferred from virtuality into real space. I have changed the gun in a 3D program, on a technical-mechanical level, so that the revolver no longer fulfills its purpose and thus becomes detached from its function. Its own elements make the gun dysfunctional and a peaceful piece. It’s more a comment than a toy, it’s dangerous fiction but silly too (Bang Bang, Polyamid, gummie coated)

YONG JOO KIM, South Korea

I work with a material others may find unattractive, mundane, or insignificant: Velcro. Through a series of dialogues with the material, I am continually surprised to uncover qualities of beauty hidden inside. By assembling, grouping, clustering, and piling these materials, I accentuate such unexpected qualities. In doing so, my work becomes complex, and grows into sculptural objects that embody an overall quality of beauty that I also did not expect. (Requisite Variety S5- EV7 Brooch, Velcro hook-and-loop fastener, thread, sterling silver) 

SUZANNE BEAUTYMAN, USA

Vitreous flowers on dark, chipped metal – some plump and luscious. Hand-forged architectural forms in steel and mesh are decorated with flowering plants. While wheat is wealth and the buttercup riches, geranium implies envy. Together they are a symbolic bouquet, suggestive of the germinated and rampant wanting of giver and recipient (Brooch, Horti-Culture (Geranium) Steel, enamel)

KARL FRITSCH, Germany

The ring is desperate, desperate to find a finger, desperate to tell you: I love you, I am beautiful, I am rich, I am cool, I hate you, I come from Ireland or Austria, I want more, I have enough, I am married, I am funny, I am scary, stupid, important, I can´t help you. I am. (Ring, 9ct white gold, green stones)

FELIX GILL, Australia

Felix Gill uses his surroundings of the Australian bush as a source of inspiration. The landscape has evolved with fire and drought, now much of the fauna depends on fire for its survival. After a bush fire the landscape is left blackened, but almost instantly new growth sprouts to take advantage of the lack of competition and an amazing vista of black and vibrant greens is formed. (Burnt Green neckpiece, anodised aluminium. See this piece in Suspended in Green 15 August – 20 September)

MERCEDES CASTRO CORBAT, Argentina

Mercedes is inspired by her memories of summers spent inventing necklaces made out of twigs, flowers and leaves. She trained as a visual artist and began to consider the fit and use of objects on the body in a practical way, creating pieces that have a strong visual impact. Working mainly with recycled materials, Mercedes likes the idea that she can give them new life and meaning and transform them into something that is not related to their previous use. (Green Garland neckpiece, fabric, iron on adhesive . See this piece in Suspended in Green 15 August – 20 September)

ALICE CLARKE, UK

Inspired by her rural roots Alice chose to look at the colour green in response to the land; she combines materials to form a subtle narrative exploring her interpretation of ‘lambing time’. “When the grass grows green the lambs are on their way” This piece ‘Bottle and Brew’ is made from knitted Wensleydale sheep wool, a found dolly peg, silver, plaster and Yorkshire tea casts of 2 china tea cup parts, castration bands and lambing teats. When a Lamb is orphaned the farmer will take it under his wing and bottle-feed it by the Aga in the farmhouse; the same place where the farmer has his ‘brew’. (A bottle and a Brew neckpiece. See this piece in Suspended in Green 15 August – 20 September)

SPOTLIGHT: SOPHIE STAMP

Sophie creates tactile and kinetic jewellery inspired by industrial, horological and vintage mechanisms. From mesmerising spinning pendants and swivelling lockets embellished with fine lines of pure gold to her signature rolling rings, each piece is individually handcrafted through interpreting age old, traditional hand techniques in a contemporary way. Sophie relishes the challenge of making pieces that look simple, but are very technical in their construction, engineering minimal forms and keepsakes in precious metal.
Sophie's collection will be on display in the gallery so come along and take a closer look at her wonderful work