Goldsmiths’ Commission   2013  
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Bird Vase   
Silver, enamel, 24ct gold and fine silver foil.
Dimensions  - 135mm x 150mm 

The design for this vase was inspired by drawings of the landscape in Shetland… the rugged texture of the sheer cliffs and the wheeling, circling birds. My intention was to capture a strong feeling of movement, both in the sweep of the asymmetrical shape and the design of the birds in flight.
The main body of the vase was hand raised; it was then part etched and a recess was carved into the silver which was enamelled. To convey the sense of atmosphere, I used a monotone palette of grey, black and transparent enamels
building up the enamels in layers, adding areas of 24ct gold and fine silver foil with
each firing.

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​Original drawings and test pieces.