Come and celebrate the arrival of summer! Bringing the coast to Birmingham at The RBSA Gallery’s Craft Gallery, this exhibition features designer makers who capture the essence of the British seaside, inspired by memories of childhood holidays and the coastline’s physical landscape. This fun display of colourful jewellery and ceramics will brighten up your day!
Featured Makers:
Ruth Tomlinson is a contemporary jeweller who applies a range of diverse classical references to her work. Raised by the sea in Morecombe Bay, Ruth’s inquisitive nature and creative flair developed early. Throughout her childhood she was encouraged to explore her local landscape and became fascinated not only by the nature around, but also by the treasures that filled her family home. Surrounded by an eclectic mix of contemporary and antique artefacts, Ruth developed her curiosity for the stories of objects and preciousness of materials. Each piece of her jewellery contains a secret treasure or personal history.
Diamonds sit alongside fragments of glass, ceramic flowers, antique beads and pearls. Antique gems are given a new lease of life – fractured and reset in bands of gold.
Jeweller Kate Wimbush specialises in making silver and resin pieces and has developed a method of combining modern digital technology with traditional hand-crafting techniques. Based in a workshop in the Manchester Craft and Design Centre, Kate’s creations continue to reflect her love of all things miniature.
The need for exactness and precision provides her with the stimulating challenge she enjoys. Her inspiration is found in many things, especially her lifelong love of the great British seaside and nature.
Salisbury-based jeweller Helen Noakes is widely recognised for her quirky and humorous resin and silver pieces. Following a chance discovery of a single set of miniature figures, along with a book on working with resin, Helen quickly developed an obsession with combining the two into her varied collection. An element of surprise and humour is integral to each piece of her jewellery – a second look is a must.
Rachel Foxwell’s colourful ceramics are inspired by her observations of coastal landscapes and her interest in vintage and modern objects. Elements of line and colour are interpreted into geometric designs for her range of unique, handcrafted cylindrical vessels. All of her vessels are made using slab-building, a process that enables Rachel to use earthenware clay as a canvas. Layers of different slips and oxides are applied using printmaking techniques. The exterior of each vessel is spliced with highlights of bold colour that flow freely in contrast with the interior’s solid, bold colour.
Why not pop along and enjoy a little summer fun at the RBSA’s Craft Gallery
