| Carol James has lived in Malvern, Worcestershire for all of her life. She spent four years at Southampton University where she studied for a degree in Archaeology, followed by a Masters degree in European Archaeology.
She has spent time studying some ancient art forms including aboriginal art and South African rock art and is still involved inarchaeology including working on a project finding and recording rock art in Britain and Wales, specialising in prehistoric sites. These influences can be seen to be reflected in some of the pieces produced.
Her interest in Jewellery making really began as an escape from a busy job when she joined an evening class in silver smithing at a local college. What began as two hours a week on a recreational course turned into a two year OCN course, completed in 2004.
In 2007 Carol was invited to join the Guild of Herefordshire craftsmen and her work can be seen at many of their events throughout the year.
|
She now works from The Little Studio at Blue Ginger Gallery on the Worcestershire / Herefordshire border and has her work on display in the studio.
Carol has spent much of her time experimenting with different metals and decorative techniques and the effect of heat on the metals surface. Her jewellery is handcrafted to her own designs, mainly using sterling silver, with some pieces being embellished with red and yellow gold.
Her style is contemporary and organic, exploring textural effects and contrasts, and the way light plays on the surface of the metal. She takes influence from the natural world and surroundings and developes these to form unusual and unique pieces to be worn and enjoyed everyday or saved for special occasions.
More recent work has incorporated a larger element of her archaeological background, drawing particularly on Norweigan and Welsh Rock Art for inspiration. This has lead to a new range based on the Bachwen burial chamber in North Wales, which she hopes to develope further this year into a collection of pieces inspired by other prehistoric sites within Wales.
|