Hi Jeannette, tell us about you and what do you do?
Hi, I've always had an interest in crafts, spending time with my grandma who had a huge passion for making things gave me an opportunity to learn crafts from an early age. She was disabled and needed a lot of help to do the things she loved. It meant I learnt how to sew and use a knitting machine before I hit my teens. What I do now is part of that creativeness she gifted to me, but in mediums that I love - which is glass and silver, sometimes together!
Why do you do what you do?
I love glass in all it's shapes and guises, I usually see something I like and try and make it happen in glass. With silver it's much more organic, the material is such a joy work with and looks delicious when it's finished, shiny or matt. It's a great way to unwind and be immersed in something that asks nothing from you.
Hi, I've always had an interest in crafts, spending time with my grandma who had a huge passion for making things gave me an opportunity to learn crafts from an early age. She was disabled and needed a lot of help to do the things she loved. It meant I learnt how to sew and use a knitting machine before I hit my teens. What I do now is part of that creativeness she gifted to me, but in mediums that I love - which is glass and silver, sometimes together!
Why do you do what you do?
I love glass in all it's shapes and guises, I usually see something I like and try and make it happen in glass. With silver it's much more organic, the material is such a joy work with and looks delicious when it's finished, shiny or matt. It's a great way to unwind and be immersed in something that asks nothing from you.
What’s your background?
I'm a Scuba instructor, IT professional and wife. So not much business being in the artisan world. One day, I will only be an artisan...
What art do you most identify with?
I love blown glass. Phil Vickery's pieces are amazing, as is many others, the skill and physical strength to do some of those pieces is amazing.
What work do you most enjoying doing?
Right now I am loving the silver work, I just wonder how perfectly you can join pieces of metal together!
What’s your favourite art work?
Of course, always a nod to the masters would be Van Gogh - how could you not love those unique brush strokes. Gwen Seemel is also a phenomenal artist, I can stare at her artwork for hours and just marvel at the intricacies of how she builds her paintings. Erm, shall I stop now?
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
The first time my husband said "wow" to my red wavy bowl as it came out of the kiln! He hasn't said it since either...
What research to you do?
I research things for my entertainment, shapes, colours and textures but there are plenty of things in my scrap bin!
What is your dream project?
I'd love to do statement jewellery piece for a James Bond film.
What wouldn’t you do without?
The internet! It keeps you connected, you can look for inspiration, you can connect with people to ask advice and share ideas, especially when trying something new.
Tell us about your workspace
Oh, that's embarrassing. I use my utility room for cutting glass, a stolen piece of garage for my kiln, I silversmith in front of my PC using a temporary jewellers peg and finally use my husbands welding bench for lampworking. It's a work in progress to get a studio! Maybe before the winter!
