Kirsty Taylor
Jewellery
I am currently based in Corbridge, Northumberland, where I have a workshop and shop. I am available in the shop Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm and am happy to arrange out of hours appointments.
I have a degree in Psychology, so no relation to what actually do!
After taking a short course I became interested in making Jewellery (which had been a little hobby for years). I initially made mainly beaded Jewellery and used old and interesting finds from markets to create one-off necklaces. I was asked to supply a gallery in Holland and thought I’d better start taking things a bit more seriously.
I was offered an informal apprenticeship with a Silver and Goldsmith and stayed for 5 years, mainly using traditional techniques to make Jewellery.
During this time I set up my own business and opened a shop in Corbridge and built a strong client base. Last year I moved to larger premises within Corbridge. The shop stocks all of my work; the collections, the one-off pieces and the experiments as well as stocking handmade gloves, hats, scarves, bags etc.
Exhibitions:
- Minature Exhibition – The Artworks Gallery, October 2008
- Contains Exhibition – Newcastle City Centre, October 2007
Galleries:
- Mouncey Fine Art, Barnard Castle
- Dazzle Gallery, Helmsley
- Cocuveda, Rothbury.
On a day-to-day basis my time is split between making work for the shop and other galleries and private commissions.
I try to produce a few new collections a year and managed to produce the Doric and Aureole collections launched in October this year.
The commissions I take on can vary greatly from a simple rejigging of a bead bracelet to the redesigning of a ring using precious stones and metals. I enjoy the challenge of commission work, it has encouraged me to learn new techniques and requires a high level of interaction with a client.
Q&A's
Describe your creative practice in 20 single words.
Solder, form, design, source, file, polish, melt, hammer, set, reticulate, granulate, measure, calculate
Describe your influences using 30 single words or short phrases.
Heirloom pieces of jewellery, contemporary with a quirky twist, weight, quality, rough hewn, colour combinations, contrasting textures, interesting forms, ancient civilizations, quality finish, craftsmanship.