What is Precious?

In my creative work, the concept of “precious” is explored through three distinct strands that interweave materials, nature, and naming.

Materials: The first strand lies in my choice of materials. I work with collected offcuts and excess from both my creative practice and domestic life. These materials, often discarded by others, are offered to me by a community of friends and family. I find excitement in the imaginative potential of these materials, feeling a sense of responsibility to reuse them, considering the energy and resources initially invested in their production. By repurposing these discarded materials, I seek to discover appropriate making techniques that elevate them into decorative frames for my vessels, transforming what might be seen as waste into something precious and beautiful.

Nature: The second strand is my focus on plants, which I frame and elevate as beautiful, natural life forms. In my work, these plants take centre stage, drawing attention to their inherent beauty and the delicate intricacies of the natural world. By framing these natural elements, I aim to highlight their value and the importance of preserving the environment that nurtures them.

Naming: The third strand of preciousness in my work comes through naming. Each of my designs is named after a bird species listed on the RSPB/BTO red list, indicating a severe decline in population and risk of extinction. In this showcase, I am presenting the “Starling” and “Curlew” designs. While the pieces themselves are not intended to visually resemble these birds, their names serve as poignant reminders of the fragility of these species and the urgent need for their protection. Through this act of naming, I emphasize the preciousness of biodiversity and the imperative to safeguard it against loss.