Now this is where one begins to understand the understand the relevance of archiving collections. As I wasn’t setting out to build a ‘collection’ as such, and really just spotting pieces I liked or being inspired by another - as with Grace’s brooch commission in the last post - I didn’t make records of when I bought particular examples. So during this process of collating and writing about my brooches I have realised that the little grey cells do not automatically jump into action, so I am not exactly clear as to the order of acquisitions or the relevant dates. That is more of a note to self really as it’s not of huge importance in this scheme of things, but I would be interested now to realise the progression (and I do love a nice spreadsheet to keep things in order!)
I always make a point of visiting New Designers each summer at the Business Design Centre in London. The annual showcase of ‘most’ UK arts courses yields a wealth of talent and innovation and it can’t fail to surprise and delight. Working very ofter across all genres in applied art I have a lot to cover, particularly in week one which showcases textiles, ceramics and glass, mixed media and jewellery and silversmithing. Through those latter two categories I could come away each year much poorer of purse, but much richer in immensely creative objects to adorn myself and my home. It’s just as well I have a responsible level of self control.
I have however bought several pieces over the past few years, either directly from the designer at the show or subsequently. The first piece was from a graduate of Edinburgh College of Art, which showcases a consistently high level of creativity year after year. I could have come away with work from at leat five of this particular years’ cohort (this I do remember clearly), but being ‘oh so’ in control, I bought one - which was my second ever commission. The maker was Alice Bo-Wen Chang and she had a beautiful collection of jewellery which was made in a combination of silver and powder-coated copper, intricately cut and fabricated. As in the first commission with Grace, I felt her brooches were a little on the large size and so we discussed one of her earrings being adapted (a bit of a theme emerging here…) Edinburgh does more than nurture highly creative designer-makers, they also instil a high level of business acumen and a sensitivity to client interaction. Alice was very professional and a delight to deal with - which isn’t always the case when speaking with graduates at this or other events.
So my second commission and as with my first I was more than excited to receive the package when it arrived. It’s a lovely piece as you can see below and it always prompts comments when wearing - always a good sign. It is beautifully made with careful consideration of the double fixing pin and is so well balanced.
I believe that Alice is no longer working as a jeweller, but she did initially set up as a maker after her degree and her work was sold in various outlets for a few years before she re-located and started a family. Thank you Mariko Sumioka for that update a while ago and too for prompting the date of this piece. Alice and Mariko graduated in the same year and so a quick look at Mariko’s website confirmed the year.
Alice Bo-Wen Chang, silver and powder coated copper, 2011