The Blog Interviews feat. Emma Morris
This is a very exciting post for me as it is the beginning of something new that I have been planning for a long time: The Blog Interviews!
As you might remember from the first post, I was saying that I want this to be a platform for fellow artists and creative people where they can get some free exposure. Sharing an artist's work is very important because it is a big help to present them to a public that might have not seen them and who might become their new fans.
Therefore, I have decided to start this series of interviews and give the opportunity to creative people to present themselves and their work to possibly new people. As I said before, I believe that, given the current circumstances, having an on-line presence is more important than ever.
We are kicking off the series with an interview with Emma Morris. She is an amazing jewellery designer whom I stumbled upon randomly on Instagram. I instantly liked her work and started following her, and little did I know then that she would end up giving me a couple of very important pieces of information about some tools and techniques. I really appreciate and am happily impressed when people reply to questions from strangers and give advice and tips to others about techniques or materials that they are using. I believe that as long as you don't give out your 'secret ingredient' that makes your work yours, sharing tips and tricks is something we should all do.
“My current jewellery collection ‘Playscapes’ is inspired by playgrounds and theme parks. Looking back at my work, I have been inspired by play for many years…”
Moving on, I'll leave you with Emma's interview and a few photos of her work. Make sure to check out her website and follow her social media accounts (links at the end)!
Give us some background (where you're from, where you live, where/what you have studied, anything from your past that has brought you to where you are today).
My name is Emma Morris and I am a Jewellery Designer from Glasgow, Scotland. In 2019 I graduated from the Glasgow School of Art with a BA Hons degree in Silversmithing & Jewellery Design. During university I explored many materials and techniques and explored making sculptural art jewellery pieces. Since graduating, I have set up a small business and have been focusing on making wearable jewellery keeping to my playful aesthetic.
Why contemporary jewellery?
From a young age I found that I liked to think and make in 3D forms, often small sculptural pieces using various materials that I could find. In school I was lucky enough to have discovered jewellery design as an art form, combining my small sculptural, mixed media work with wearability. The way I work naturally led me into the field of jewellery and with my experimentation with materials, forms and sculptural pieces, I found myself in a contemporary art jewellery field. Contemporary jewellery allows me to explore my ideas and I love seeing people wear them too!
What inspires you? How has your work changed from the very beginning?
My current jewellery collection ‘Playscapes’ is inspired by playgrounds and theme parks. Looking back at my work, I have been inspired by play for many years, often making mixed media pieces using play toys or creating interactive objects that are playful. My work has kept its playful aesthetic however, I have refined my aesthetic and techniques. My jewellery now takes on a more structural and sculptural form with my wire work.
Are there any rules that you always follow in your work and ethics?
My work practice focuses on making by hand from start to finish. Making by hand allows me to push materials and understand their properties. I find understanding the processes that I use important also. When I want to use a particular process I teach myself how to do it instead of outsourcing. For example when I wanted to coat my jewellery, I learned the technique of powder coating. I also find sharing knowledge is important, particularly in the small jewellery community, and I always seek to help others with what I have learned.
Any events coming up?
My next event is ‘Dazzle Exhibitions’ taking place in Edinburgh at the Dovecot Studios. This is happening from 22nd August - 12th September. Dazzle is a jewellery show showcasing contemporary jewellery from many different designers.
Where can we see your work? (galleries, shops, your social media accounts, website)
Instagram: @emmamorris_design
Dazzle Exhibitions - Dovecot Studios Edinburgh : 22nd August - 12th September 2020