Who is..?
Fiona is a contemporary jeweller working in an experimental manner with recycled papers. She exhibits regularly in the UK and in Europe, both in specialist jewellery galleries and exhibitions dedicated to jewellery, paper or textiles. Her work also features in a number of recent jewellery publications.
Inspiration behind my work...
I am interested in the translation of the non-precious into the precious – a form of alchemy. I highlight the question of value through skills, materials, resources and by embracing contemporary ecological issues. My inspiration comes predominantly from a combination of
• observation of natural forms in the landscape and plant life, and
• a love of exploring materials and letting my experiments speak.
Favourite material...and why...
Being ecologically mindful, I am particularly drawn to natural materials, materials which can be given a new life and found objects. Currently my work focuses predominantly on paper -having begun with experimentation with newspapers found left on the London Underground! Paper is a versatile and beautiful material: both delicate and strong, light and colourful. I am also drawn to its ability to be transformed or recycled in many different ways resulting in the potential for numerous stories.
Each piece of my jewellery contains a life-cycle of stories: from wood to paper and the daily news articles; through the newspapers’ journeys - taking a part in one commuter’s life and then left for another; to its transformation into a unique piece of contemporary jewellery. The final chapter is provided by the wearer adding their personal expression of individuality.
Why am I the one to watch?
I am not afraid to be different! I enjoy a challenge and value the pursuit of originality.
Collections I will be exhibiting at Brilliance
For ‘Brilliance’ at Coutts London Jewellery Week, I am making a new collection of pieces with specific links to London. These pieces focus more closely on the narrative in addition to highlighting the vast variety of beautiful papers we use and discard. Some of these pieces will be even more striking, being larger and more daring to wear and doubling for ‘installation’ on display.
What does the future hold?
The future holds some time for reflection and development and possibly diversification. Come back and check for updates on my website: www.fionawright.me.uk