Tuscany studio

Not many jewellers get to go on holiday and find a bench has been set up, with stunning views across the hills.

liked the knot of wood on the edge which worked well as a bench peg

I did a few hours of filing in the best studio space ever, looking out across the valley at Panicale. Was relaxing to do a bit of work - followed by sunbathing, then eating, then a bit more work.

Wouldn't mind working from a hilltop studio in the future.

It's easy to work when you have views like this.....

Italy mountainscapes

Just back from Tuscany and the two weeks have been chillout time - and pretty productive too. We had a big art studio set up for kids and adults. Some varied creative approaches to painting! 

I did some paint play, using my Chinese brushes (and a bit of salt) and 

am happy with these dramatic little pieces. It's just fun to have a go. 

Ultra Vanities at Goldsmiths

I dropped off a ring at Goldsmiths today for early hall and called in to see the summer exhibition 'Ultra Vanities- Bejewelled Make-Up Boxes from the Age of Glamour'. I had about half an hour before closing time. Ten minutes before the end, I started drawing a Cartier compact, then a Rozanes compact, each made from Onyx and Jade. The more I drew, the more I saw.

I'll call back again when I pick up my client's mother of pearl ring and I'll return with my pencil and paper.

These little bejewelled compacts, 'necessaire de beaute', from the 1920's to the 1970's are exquisitely crafted, with tiny drawers and compartments for wealthy fashionable clients' make-up and cigarettes. Van Cleef and Arpels is one of the fashion houses represented and has some of my favourites, but I loved the Cartier compacts, similar to the one below, with the chain and tube (is that to hold a tiny lipstick? Will have to find out.....)

The Oriental influence is seen in many 1920's compacts, like this one from Cartier with green jade, black onyx

Masterpiece 2. Bill Viola

Lifespans

I was so pleased to see the new Bill Viola video 'Lifespans' premièred at Masterpiece through his London Gallery Blain Southern. I chatted to a helpful person from the gallery about Viola, who is one of the most influential artists of our time and one of my all-time favourites. I was delighted to hear about a new installation by Viola which will be coming to St Paul's sometime soon. The first of its kind, it will be a permanent installation in the cathedral. I'm looking forward to seeing that.

I've loved his work ever since I was mesmerised by it at the Tate Modern years ago - slow-motion videos in reverse, of people diving into water. Mesmerising and meditative, the room was packed full of silent crowds, immersed in the darkened room with four large screen videos. Very special to experience art like for the first time: ground-breaking art that which slows you down to reflect on life.

This interview with Viola, in which he explains the underlying reason for his fascination with water, is worth watching.

Boxpark

Getting off the train at Shoreditch I came across Boxpark for the first time. Boxpark is the world's first pop-up mall. I saw personal favourites like Marimekko alongside lots of new designers. Big brands next to emerging ones - great combination!

With shops made from shipping containers this is vibrant community of a range of designers selling on a very cool level playing field.

Choral celebration at St John's Smith Square

We heard an incredible performance last last at St John's Smith Square from a larger than usual Oriana Choir - the last with their current musical director, David Drummond - with many members from previous years joining to create the most spectacular sound, accompanied occasionally by two pianists and percussionists. And a trumpeter for a couple of pieces.  With a wide range of music from Renaissance to contemporary, it was uplifting, poetic, moving and entertaining. Favourites were Rossini, Holst and the powerful and dramatic  'O Fortuna' from Carmen Burana. 

A few members of the choir, but last night the numbers must have been around 100

Interior of St John's 

Just had to add this drawing of the church in its original setting!

So special after hearing such a performance, to then walk along the riverbank past the Houses of Parliament and Westminster and realise what an amazing city we live in.

Masterpiece 2013

I was given a ticket for Masterpiece last year and knew I'd be back in 2013 to see it again.
Interesting walking through what was the Chelsea Flower Show only a few weeks ago to see yet another amazing exhibition in the same grounds, this time all under cover.
Highlights for me this year were the galleries showing contemporary Chinese Brush Painting: I loved Gao Xingjian's sublime ink on paper, in the Aktis Gallery and Yang Yanping in Michael Goedhuis Gallery.

Work by Gao Xingjian, similar to one I saw at Masterpiece 

I missed the talk on contemporary Chinese brush painting given by Michael Goedhuis and hope to hear another one sometime soon.

Jewellery Week 2013

One year on from Treasure 2012 at Somerset House, I'm delighted to be in the group show Luxe By Me  10-16th June which is showing during London Jewellery Week.

Call in and see nine fantastic designers at Luxe by Me in Craft Central, Clerkenwell.

Cathy at Chelsea

Last day at Chelsea and the sun's out - hooray.

If you visit, stop by and see my sister's sculpture - Cathy Hart and all her creatures. Saw lots of people stopping and smiling when I visited on Weds. She's had her best ever show at Chelsea this year.

Well done Cathy!

Chelsea Colours 3

Loved the artisan retreats at Chelsea but my absolute favourite this year has to be jeweller and anthropologist Pippa Small's - complete with afternoon tea laid out, golden tree and friendly people to chat to.

                                                              A gorgeous gem of a retreat!

Chelsea Colours part 2

Looking around the Chelsea Flower Show on Wednesday evening, I loved the artisan gardens, and especially the Japanese artisan garden with running water and oval frames in the walls. Designer, Kazuyuki Ishihara, won the Best Artisan Garden and a Gold Medal for An Alcove (Tokonoma) Garden.  

Japanese artisan garden at Chelsea

It reminds me of the circle shape I see in gates and doors when in China. This is my favourite gate from a local park near where I lived in Kunming. Very serene. 

Entrance to the park in Kunming

I also liked this miniature mountainous landscape recreated in the Great Pavilion at Chelsea, full of my favourite flowers, the orchid.

Chelsea Colours 1

Aren't these colours good for the soul? 

Chelsea Flower Show 2013......more to follow!