Shirley Smith
My work has always been influenced by found objects. A beachcombing ’addict’, my latest collections reflect my fascination with the eclectic detritus to be found on the shore-line. Eroded pebbles, scraps of rusted metal, fragments of shell and strands of sea weed along with other found objects are translated into a range of jewellery that is characterized by its simple shapes and textural qualities.
Using a mixture of silver and various carats of gold, textures are added via techniques such as roller printing, sand blasting and reticulation. The pieces are then either oxidised to give a dramatic effect or simply polished for a more traditional finish.