This month we welcome Kate Wood to lovedazzle. Kate makes feminine, ethereal jewellery using fine beading and chain work techniques. Using freshwater pearls and tiny faceted gemstones, her beaded designs take their cue from natural forms, growth patterns and textures. Each piece displays a sensuous movement and lightness of touch. We ask Kate some questions to find out a little bit…
What made you decide to be a jewellery designer?
I’ve always enjoyed the process of making things and been attracted to tiny details in objects and the natural world. I’m mainly self-taught, so it was less a decision to be a jewellery designer and more a gradual realisation that it was a possibility. After university I worked a museum curator, and started selling jewellery I made in my spare time at weekend markets. My work developed as I went along, and when I was awarded a studio space at Cockpit Arts in Holborn, having a space of my own combined with business support from the team there really helped me develop my practice.
Who or what has been the biggest influence on your work?
Plant forms and growth patterns are the main influence that seeps into my work although my chainwork pieces are more geometric and inspired by Middle Eastern and Indian jewellery. I sometimes make some rough sketches, but my main starting point is the materials themselves. I design by experimenting directly with wire, chain and gemstone and pearl beads, in a time-consuming process of trial and error. I’m always working towards achieving a harmonious form that moves beautifully on the body.
If you weren’t a jewellery designer what do you think you would be?
I started out as a museum curator but now I think I’d be a yoga teacher or a garden designer maybe!
Image: Tassel Pendants from £125
What’s the most exciting piece you have ever made?
I’m always most enamoured with the latest piece I’ve made. At the moment my favourites are the Labradorite Loop Earrings (Image left) as I feel I’ve managed to create a simple, elegant form which is modern, airy and light. Simplicity is often the hardest thing.
If you could own a piece by another maker in any discipline, no price limit, what would it be?
I’d love a ring by Karl Fritsch, his work is so beautiful in a brutal kind of way and has a lot of humour to it.
If you could choose anyone to wear your jewellery, who would it be?
I think Cate Blanchett would wear it well! But anyone who loves it and is made happy by it really.
How do you relax after a day in the studio?
Yoga really relaxes and revives me and I love being out in the garden, but after a busy week it could well be a couple of beers and a pizza with something bingeable on Netflix!
View Kate’s full collection on lovedazzle
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