Pieces and Their Inspirations

[Miriam Rowe]

I talk a lot about what inspires my jewellery designs, and in case you're just joining us, here's a quick run-down:

"I am interested in European fashion and design: I love going to museums and photographing the interesting things I see, then turning these photographs into pieces of jewellery.

During my Masters degree I developed a range of jewellery that uses plaster as a main component. While plaster has long been used in architectural decoration, the plaster I use has been chemically changed with modern products to create an altered material that is waterproof and suited for use in jewellery production. I am continuing to explore surface decoration through image transfers and decorative metal fittings on the plaster, combined with decorative and functional metal fittings to create functional pieces of jewellery.

The images and forms I use come directly from my photos and drawings, based on objects seen on my visits to museums and stately homes. My interest in the forms, patterns, and images from the rich history of European design inspires this collection of contemporary jewellery."

I decided to make quick Photoshop images that put my original inspirations with the finished pieces. I feel like these images make the pieces instantly understandable, and they almost make an artist statement completely unnecessary! I think I'll keep playing around with this idea and think of ways to incorporate this concept in future photos of my work.

Which piece/inspiration combination do you like the best? Would your pieces benefit by being shown in the context of their inspiration too?

If you'd like to see more piece/inspiration combinations, check out the album on my Facebook jewellery page (and "like" it if you want to keep up with things via Facebook!)

[Catherine Marche]

I love these wallpaper brooches

[Miriam Rowe]

Thanks, Catherine! They are some of my favourites, too, because the wallpaper photos are actually from the house I'm living in at the moment- it was decorated in the early 1900's and hasn't changed much since then, so it's pretty fun to be living in such an inspiring place :)

[Julie M.]

I love how your pieces reflect where you are. You take the inspiration directly from your surroundings. The teacup brooch is sooooo "British", it is actually quite funny. Thank you for your posting.

[Miriam Rowe]

Haha, I didn't even think about how "British" the teacup one would be- that's going into a show here in Birmingham next week, and if it's the first one to sell I think I'll have to laugh :) Thanks for commenting!