Artwork for Carol James
silver pendant
textured rock silver ring
silver rock ring
silver circle pendant
Details
My work has various elements to it. Many of the pieces I make come about through my love of texture and how the light plays on the metal, adding definition and bringing previously flat surfaces to life. My background as an archaeologist, specialising in prehistoric rock art, is a huge inspiration, drawing on the beautiful designs of our ancestors to create something contemporary and wearable today. Little treasures found on my travels are also brought into play, be it beautifully textured pebbles or patterned shells from a distant beach or a little leaf from a local wander.
Being an artists has given me a way to connect with people and share my love of the past. Many people are unaware of the existence of rock art in the UK but through my creations I am able to raise a little awareness of this precious, and endangered, resource. There is nothing so satisfying as chatting with someone about a site that has inspired a piece of my work only to have an email or call to say, 'We went and visited the site my necklace is based on!'
I am a silversmith, trading as Silverfish Designs and creating handmade contemporary silver jewellery.
At present I am between studios. I had been based at the lovely Blue Ginger Gallery for around 13 years, but the pandemic has seen the gallery close and so my studio is no more. I am working on a new studio and display area at home where I hope to be able to run classes in the future. I usually sell my work through UK galleries and local arts markets.
BA hons Archaeology
MA European Archaeology
OCN in Silversmithing
Co-Director of the Welsh Rock Art Organisation - a not-for-profit organisation identifying and verifying prehistoric art throughout Wales, providing educational opportunities, field trips and excavations.
Participant in EU funded GestArt - working with teams throughout Europe. As an archaeologist I recorded the prehistoric carvings in Barclodiad y Gawres, Anglesey and as an artist produced a range of work inspired by the site, culminating in a joint exhibition at Oriel Ynys Mons in 2014
Iapetus Gallery, Malvern
Mango Juice, Worcester
Take 4 Gallery, Ledbury
Brewery Arts, Cirencester
Treeline Gallery, Bakewell
