the beach shack project
the beach shack project
http://www.folksy.com/shops/beachshackproject
"Jewellery is always a treasure, and though it may not be made of gold and diamonds, it should still have that sentiment.” Tom Binns
My work stems around a central idea of taking objectionable elements and altering them so they then become objects of desire. The concept of imperfections being beautiful and items of little worth being transformed into contemporary designs revolves around the found objects I use within my work. Most of my materials are gathered from the coast whilst beachcombing so my jewellery is heavily influenced by this. Other inspiration comes from Ancient Cultures jewellery, as well the more traditional and often underlooked macraméd hemp jewellery beloved and made iconic by the surf fraternity. The idea that jewellery has a purpose purely to be decorative may be applicable to mass produced pieces but jewellery first emerged as a way of expressing what we did, and ourselves, who we were. The oldest known pieces of jewellery date from 100,000 years ago and consist of shells with holes bored with sharpened flint. Although a shell necklace from 100,000 years ago may contrast aesthetically with a necklace made recently, they will both have been worn by people with links to the sea. Although my work is heavily focused on using found objects, often detrimental to the coastal ecosystem, my work didn’t begin as a recycling project. I use the beach as a platform for gathering new ideas and materials, and then the pieces design themselves in my head. I never see what I find as rubbish, but just an unfinished part of something else..I am a member of the ACJ and Craft Central in London.