While I love the intricacy and elegance of silversmithing, I sometimes crave a more fluid and colourful media. So this winter I explored the vast world of slip casting in ceramics. I did the exploration during a six week residency in Italy. Six women were chosen to embark on a collaborative journey together, and I was one! It was exciting to collaborate with other women in an intensive and intimate setting. You can learn more about the residency here
The Six Residency, 2025
As the town we were staying in was minutes from the mediterranean, I was inspired by the colours and creatures of the sea. I created a series of work that incorporated slipcasting, sliptrailing, and carving. I focused on brooches and bangles. The pieces were fired in a variety of kilns - soda, wood, and electric (I tried some pieces in the raku but they were not as robust as I wanted).
I loved the speed with which I could produce a base item and the incredible variation offered by the slips and glazes. I was frustrated by the disconnect between what I was aiming for and what came out of the kiln.
One of the things that I learned from one of the other residents was about photographing my work. This gallery of photos was from our time together.
The Six 2025 culminated with an exhibition, which was very exciting. It’s the first time I’ve seen my work displayed as objects of art, rather than as jewellery to be purchased.
This gallery showcases the photos taken by Quin Cheung of my work. She and I were able to collaborate on a number of pieces - in particular the bangles. Thank you!
While I will certainly continue to incorporate ceramics into my work, I’m looking forward to bringing what I’ve learned back into the silversmithing studio!