Jewels Vine: My training is long term, over 25 years, part formal apprenticeship and a greater part self-tuition. I’m always learning new ways to do things and am a bit obsessive about the creative process and the many specialised tools “necessary” (: to make my work.
I made my first jewellery at a 2 week workshop where I met Jens Hansen, maker of “the one ring” for the lord of the rings movie and a wonderful human being. I subsequently served an aprenticeship in his workshop, exhibiting my own work at many shows during that time. Jens sadly passed away in 1999.
Nowadays I am having fun making the quirky kind of pieces that catch my imagination and love of tiny objects. They must make me smile and enjoy holding and looking at them. With the skills I have learned in the traditional diamond jewellery trade and also self-taught wax carving methods I find I am able to make things I never would have thought possible when I started.