Shirley Smith

My work has always been influenced by the textures and patterns of time worn surfaces. A beachcombing 'addict’, my current collections reflect my fascination with the eclectic detritus to be found on the shore-line. Eroded stones, sea washed glass, corroded metals and fragments of shell are translated into a range of jewellery that includes rings, pendants, bracelets and earrings. I mostly work with silver, occasionally adding gold for colour and detail. Textures are added via hammering and reticulation (heat texturing). Many pieces are oxidised to blacken the surface - the final finishes being achieved by rubbing the oxidisation back to give an ‘aged’ surface.