An association of Cornwall's finest craft makers
SELECTED MAKER
Brown, Abigail
Jewellery / Silversmithing
Abigail studied Silversmithing and Jewellery at Loughborough University School of Art & Design graduating in 2001. Following her degree, she spent a year at Bishopland Workshops in Oxfordshire, and in 2004 she undertook a residency at Edinburgh College of Art with renowned jeweller Dorothy Hogg. Abigail is now based in Cornwall where she has a workshop at the Old Grammar School, in Redruth. She also teaches jewellery, silversmithing and metalwork techniques at Truro College and University College Falmouth.
'My particular interest is in the lines, folds and forms of the human body and how these are continually changing. I am fascinated by the sensuous qualities that our bodies possess, and often portray areas of the body that are not normally associated with these attributes.
I try to represent the warmth and softness of flesh in a material that is by nature hard and cold, aiming to create a piece of silverware or jewellery that is tactile and sensual, and invites interaction.
I am interested in the similarities of form and shape that appear within nature; and in the marriage of organic and structured form, and I seek to create a union between the two, such as in my Square Fruit Bowls and Square Folds Neckpiece.
I create bowls and vessels by raising and sinking flat sheets or discs of silver, using a variety of metal and wooden hammers and stakes. The spontaneous nature of the work means that each piece is unique and sculptural.
The jewellery has evolved directly from my silversmithing work. I use the same raising and sinking techniques to produce small pieces of silversmithing for the body. The range has now developed from cutting larger pieces of silversmithing into units to create necklaces, bracelets, brooches and earrings. I like the concept of jewellery inspired by the body that is then related back to the body when it is worn.'