Claire Hart talks to House of Jewellers about design, travel and
cultural influences and inspirations
Claire, you have travelled and lived in China, how has this influenced your jewellery designs?
'My jewellery designs have emerged from significant time spent in Yunnan Province, Southwest China, and my narrative has been strongly inspired by my return trips to that region. I am intrigued by features ranging from breath-taking landscapes, unusual details in architecture, through to the tiniest fragments of crafted objects I find in Yunnan markets.'
'I lived in Kunming, capital of Yunnan, which is known as ‘Spring City’ and is becoming famous for being the largest flower export base in Asia. I also make trips to the old city of Dali which is famous for its skilled silversmiths, some of whom I’ve met and spoken to. Dali is known in China for its ‘Butterfly Spring’ which attracts thousands of butterflies every year. The classic themes of roses and butterflies recur throughout all strands of my art, silverware and jewellery.'
Inspirational landscapes in China. Claire's silverware and jewellery designs are inspired by her travels.
Why did you decide to become a jeweller?
'I had one of my first jewellery exhibitions in China at the 2008 Kunming Loft Fair in Nordica Gallery alongside local artists and designers and this was a key event that launched me into making jewellery and working with silver. When I returned from China I discovered Flux Studios which had just opened up round the corner from my home in SE London. That’s when I started learning silversmithing techniques, finding ways to set stones I had bought in China.'
What is your background in the Arts?
'I trained as an Art teacher and so I use a lot of creative ideas for my work in inclusion at an East End secondary school. I've run small design-based businesses with my students and have also taught jewellery making techniques to parents in the Bengali community.'
'I am from Belfast and my degree is in Art History from St Andrews University. After my degree I pursued my interest in art and literature by making my own artist’s books during my Foundation year at Chelsea College of Art and Design, incorporating hand-made paper, drawings, photography and poetry.'
'I love artists’ books and have continued to make my own books and now have dozens of sketchbooks – both bought and hand-made. Some of these books contain the original visual and written ideas for designs I am producing now as a silversmith and jeweller. My drawings and art are at the heart of my designs.'
Sketch books are central to Claire's design process
Where else do you find inspiration for your work?
'Museums and events in multi-cultural London are always a rich source of inspiration for me – my favourite places are the V&A and British Museum, amongst the wealth of galleries and international art exhibitions all around. I particularly love the adventure of travel as I am fascinated by cultural differences and in seeing fusion where cultures merge. I travel as often as I can to China, Hong Kong, Sweden and Italy. I love discovering unusual connections, some of which are described in my blog ‘South of the Clouds’.'
'On my first ever trip to China, I was introduced to an elderly local artist in Chongqing whose work I happened to have seen the year before in a ground-breaking Chinese Art exhibition at the British Library. It was a rare privilege to be shown around the old established artists’ community by this gentleman and to be given a Chinese ink brush painting as a gift from another artist – painted there and then on the floor in front of me.'
Sketches made at museums in London and Northern Ireland
What silversmithing techniques do you use to create your beautiful jewellery and silverware pieces?
'The coral roses, which I first spotted in Guangzhuo, are carved by hand in China and therefore require bespoke settings which is challenging. I have spent much time, with supervision from a top UK claw setter developing my settings for the red rose and pearl flowers. I sculpt and file all my silver by hand, refining my own branch designs to showcase the flowers and butterflies of my brand.'
What is next for you?
'I am working on a new jewellery collection made with silver with rose gold which will soon be at the House of Jewellers. I have been extending my silversmithing techniques, learning from a number of established makers, and I am currently making an exquisite new silver bowl ‘Butterfly Cloud’ which will be seen later in the year.'
New Rose Gold Collection - coming soon!
'My portfolio of work continues to expand with my growing collection of artist’s books and more recently with my paintings. They are made with hand-made oil bars from Sweden – I started with a still-life series of Chinese teacups and fragments of materials bought in Yunnan markets. I will be back in Sweden later this month for a painting holiday to develop my still-life series. These in turn influence my ideas for my silver collections, particularly my bowls and spoons.'
Pieces from Claire's Pearl Rose and Butterfly Collection
We look forward to seeing Claire's new silver and rose gold pieces very soon, watch out for updates on our Facebook and Twitter pages! Take a look at Claire Hart's beautiful jewellery and silverware collections here.
