Artwork for Sarah Kinnersley
Leafscape recycled silver bracelet
Woodland foraged recycled silver and Agate necklace
Details
My pieces are inspired by materials found in nature, often near my studio in the countryside in the heart of England or from the beaches in the South where I grew up. Creative textures from natural materials in silver and gold, combined with themes and stories that resonate, are my signature. These coupled with contemporary design and organic fabrication techniques result in unique, one of a kind pieces, which I like to think harness a little of nature's restorative energy to carry with us. My pieces range from small, limited editions to one of a kind larger work.
Skylark Jewellery is earthed in strong eco-credentials. Almost all my work is made with 100% recycled sterling silver and gold, and ethically stones sourced. Each piece is individually made with love and respect for our natural world. My vision is to create jewellery which celebrates the energy of nature, makes you feel good, yet doesn’t ‘cost’ the earth.
The work I make always tells a story, be-it a quiet reminder of peace, strength and beauty to be found in our natural world or capturing a personal moment in time for a precious commission piece. It is both a challenge and a privilege to listen to your stories, draw out what feels important and translate that into a beautiful piece of jewellery that someone will treasure. Every commissioned piece is accompanied by a letter to the recipient sharing the thought and meaning behind the jewellery. Clients always tell me they treasure the creative journey and the letter as much as the finished piece.
For me as an artist, finding that sweet spot that touches a heart, resonates, relays a message of love, comfort, celebration or memories is something I never tire of. To be able to bring a smile and lift someone, either through commissions or a one-of-a kind-piece that 'sings' to their new owner, is something that drives my artistic practise.
Whether we are bold and fearless, quiet and shy, I believe we all have our own song, so my jewellery is about helping you sing yours.
Handmade, never the same, singing your song…
My collections allow me to explore my creative practise. Being in the outdoors, close to nature, I'm able to observe the finer details and experiment with smithing techniques, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This often happens directly; be-it forging onto pebbles on a beach, capturing texture and fluid forms or pouring molten gold or silver directly into charcoaled wood from the campfire.
This 'plein-air' way of working brings excitement and energy to my work and almost always something new to the jewellery design. In addition, foraged materials will usually come home to my my studio with me and find their way through a rolling mill or under a forging hammer. I'm always excited to see what new textures and patterns they bring. For me, this direct way of working feels like a wonderful collaboration with Mother Nature.
I’m Sarah, founder of Skylark Jewellery. I create beautiful jewellery that is inspired by the natural world, both coast and countryside, capturing unique natural textures that nature brings. I create ready to wear one- of- a- kind jewellery collections each year, often including 'plein air' practises out 'in the field' working directly with nature. A customer recently described my work as immortalising a fragment of nature...
I also specialise in bespoke commission pieces, created from recycled precious metals and ethically sourced stones. Translating your personal stories into individual pieces of jewellery, woven with my signature style, full of meaning and love.
I'd love to share in my creative journey, so please do sign up for my monthly email list for news and inspiring stories through my website.
Having time out to be creative is both restorative and joyful. And creating a ring from a piece of raw silver wire is immensely satisfying. My small (3 people max) workshops allow you to immerse yourself in making in the tranquil surroundings of my personal countryside studio. I run half day workshops that are perfect for beginners or those with a little experience and those who just want to have a new time doing something new. Perfect for some creative time out. Details are on my website.
My love for making began as a child, nurtured by a creative family and a childhood spent exploring the countryside and coast. This creativity continued throughout my education, culminating in a Degree in Fine Art Sculpture at Falmouth School of Art. The sculptural influence is evident in my jewellery today, driving exploratory practise. Creating and 'finding' textures is integral to all I do, pushing the boundaries of traditional jewellery practice to create pieces of wearable art.
Clay Barn, Alcester ~ A fine finish group exhibition 2023
Blue Magpie, Malvern ~ Contemporary Crafts Christmas Show 2022
Artist in Residence ~ 2023 The Artists Gallery, Ludlow
HArt 2023
Leafscapes ~ online collection 2022
Take Four Gallery, Ledbury ~ Flora & Fauna group exhibition 2023
Blue Magpie, Malvern ~ Contemporary Crafts Spring Show 2023
The Found Gallery, Dunbar ~ Winter exhibition 2022
Blue Magpie, Malvern ~ Contemporary Crafts Christmas Show 2022
Artist in Residence ~ 2022 The Artists Gallery, Ludlow
HArt 2022
Wood & Water ~ online collection 2022
A Pebble in your Pocket ~ online collection 2021
Tidelines ~ 2021 online
Artist in Residence ~ 2021 The Artists Gallery, Ludlow
Various private commissions
I have a website: www.skylarkjewellery.co.uk and an Etsy shop www.skylarkjewelleryuk.etsy.com or you can get in touch with me directly via email skylarkjewelleryuk@gmail.com
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Stockists: Found Gallery, Dunbar, Scotland | The Hay Makers Gallery, Hay- on -wye
I’d love you to share my journey and follow me on Instagram @skylarkjewelleryuk
