Six Foot Gallery’s Jewellery Showcase 2017 Programme presents the work of emerging jewellery makers over the course of 2017.

August

Amanda Louise Bernard

at Six Foot Gallery

1st August 2017 – 31st August 2017

Fuelled by my fascination with the Human Body and its health and well-being, my process began by investigating microscopic images of human cells. Focusing my research on their organic forms, vibrant colours and interesting textures, my aim was to dissect and transform these organisms out-with the human body, transferring them onto the wearer in a new light.

Through the combination of silver and alternative materials, I have produced a collection of incredibly colourful and tactile pieces of contemporary jewellery that evoke a sense of fun and play with its audience. The exploration of materials and texture throughout my designs creates a sensory need to interact with the pieces. Therefore, developing a deeper connection between them and the wearer, transforming the relationship we have with jewellery altogether.

For further enquiries please email albernard8@hotmail.com or sixfootgallery@gmail.com – prices available upon request.

 

May

Eleanor Patton

at Six Foot Gallery

10th May 2017 – 10th June 2017

For Eleanor, mirrors represent the presented self. They are a literal reflection of how we wish to be seen, hiding beneath the surface is our true selves. By using whole, broken, and repaired mirrors, this collection of jewellery explores the different stages of mental health and illness and the pressure to present a perfect image of yourself, when inside you are broken.

Using the Kintsugi technique of repairing with gold, she has created pieces of jewellery which show the beauty in the broken. The golden cracks show that the damage is part of one’s history, rather than something to be disguised. Eleanor wants people who struggle with depression, anxiety, every mental health problem there is, to know that it is not something to be ashamed of, that we should feel proud for having fought such a hard and misunderstood battle. Most of all Eleanor wants to show the beauty of having been broken.

This collection represents Eleanor’s personal experience with mental health and she hopes it opens discussions surrounding other people’s experiences.

Kintsugi: knowing that something is more beautiful for having been broken

For more information on Eleanor’s jewellery visit: http://www.eleanorpattonjewellery.com

Photo Credit: http://meredithandrewsphotography.com/

The models featured are volunteers who are dealing with mental illness.

May

Kirsten Manzi

at Six Foot Gallery

10th May 2017 – 10th June 2017

Kirsten Manzi is a jewellery designer and maker based in Dundee, Scotland. She set up Kirsten Manzi Jewellery Design in November 2015 launching her debut collection of structural, handmade silver jewellery.

 

 

After graduating from Duncan of Jordanstone with a degree in Jewellery and Metal Design, Kirsten worked in a jewellery repair workshop for 3 years gaining knowledge in design development, manufacturing and repairs. She has exhibited across the UK at exhibitions including the prestigious New Designers, The Barbican and Lesley Craze Gallery in London. Kirsten also participates in a number of Pop-Up events across Scotland.

Now working from her home studio, Kirsten creates serene, minimalist jewellery inspired by bold geometric shapes and architectural structures. Crafted in solid silver, Kirsten designs each piece using clean, streamlined, aesthetics with many pieces unfolding themselves in the workshop rather than in sketchbooks. With the belief that there is beauty in simplicity she transforms the aesthetics of the built up urban environment into delicate, structural jewellery pieces.

Each piece of Kirsten Manzi Jewellery is designed, made and finished by hand in Kirsten’s home studio, using a mixture of traditional and modern techniques. Focusing on quality craftsmanship and subtle details, Kirsten aims to provide each customer with simple, understated jewellery pieces to be worn and enjoyed every day.

As well as her own designs, Kirsten works with clients to create limited edition and one-off commissions.

For more information on Kirsten’s jewellery visit: www.kirstenmanzi.co.uk

 

 

APRIL

Ntina Doryforou & Christos Vroullis

at Six Foot Gallery

10th April 2017 – 9th May 2017

Ntina Doryforou started establishing in 1991, with her husband Christos Vroullis, in Greece, their own workshop and creating their first handmade items of mouth-blown glass.

After 13 years of experience with glass, working with it freely without moulds, they began making handmade glass beads. Their success in this area encouraged them to create new items and experiment with new materials such as copper, brass and sterling silver.

In 2005, they opened their own shop in the centre of Thessaloniki, Greece. Recently, in 2015, they moved to Edinburgh, where they continue their inspiring creations.
Now, they design and create handmade lights, mirrors, clocks, bowls, hangers, artistic jewellery and anything else that inspires them! They draw inspiration from nature and from ancient history.

They have participated in many trade fairs in Greece, Germany and UK.
All their items are distinguished by their original, natural style which allows the handmade character of the object, and the original earth materials used, to be brought out.

FEBRUARY

Iona Hall at Six Foot Gallery

20th February 2017 – 20th March 2017

This February, Six Foot is proud to showcase the works of Glasgow School of Art Students Iona Hall.

Iona Hall is a third year student in Jewellery and Silversmithing at Glasgow School of Art. Inspired by the natural forms, colours and textures she encounters in the environment around her, Iona works predominantly with metals – particularly wire – bending and twisting it into different forms. By making miniature sculptures as well as pieces for the body, she aims to challenge the traditional role of a jeweller. Iona’s work endeavours to investigate ways of expressing the hidden self, prompting the viewer to consider different life perspectives and allow for imperfections.

By exploring the many strands and intricacies of mental health, Iona challenges the viewer’s prejudices and levels of judgement. Each of the twenty objects on display in the Six Foot Gallery represents a visual interpretation of a different mental health issue. Iona has used – amongst other materials – silver, copper, wire and wood to translate her own understanding of these issues into small holdable objects. Her intention is that, upon holding the work in their hand, someone might be able to appreciate the contrast between the small and unthreatening physical object and the magnitude of the emotion it represents for a sufferer.

JANUARY

Paulina Knapik and Sandra Zinkuté at Six Foot Gallery 

10th January 2017 – 24th January 2017 

 This January, Six Foot is proud to showcase the works of Glasgow School of Art Students Paulina Knapik and Sandra Zinkuté.

Paulina Knapik is a 3rd year, Silversmithing and Jewellery Design student at The Glasgow School of Art.  Paulina’s artistic practice seeks to balance between fine art and commercial jewellery. Her main inspirational sources are: nature, urban geometry, contrasts in the surrounding world, music, paintings. The variety of works on show cover this range of inspirations, and highlight her skills as a maker.

Sandra Zinkuté is a 3rd year, Silversmithing and Jewellery Design student at The Glasgow School of Art. Sandra’s work is influenced by nature and her changing surroundings. Her newest collection was inspired by the architecture of Glasgow and her observations of nature and plants in the Botanic gardens. Rough surfaces mirror that of the organic life in the city while the outline of the pieces offer a more formal structure and contour.  Her objects are interactive, only finished when held in the hand or between the fingers.