Manchester School of Art MMU
Specialisms: Jewelry / Film / Storytelling
Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
First Name: Sam
Last Name: Holmes
Specialisms: Jewelry / Film / Storytelling
Sectors:
My Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
University / College: Manchester School of Art MMU
Course / Program Title: 3D Design BA
In my studio practice, I approach jewellery making as a
personal and immersive experience that begins with a profound
connection to nature. Before entering the studio, I embark on
journeys to secluded spots in nature, where I find inspiration in
the textures, colours, and ambiance of the surroundings. Armed
with sketches, notes, and a newfound connection to the
environment, I return to the studio ready to translate this
inspiration into wearable art. I work with a variety of materials,
allowing the organic forms and elements discovered during my
nature excursions to guide my designs. Through a thoughtful
combination of traditional techniques and contemporary artistry,
each piece is carefully brought to life. My studio practice is not
just about creating jewellery; it's a narrative journey, weaving
together the beauty of the natural world with the artistry of
handcrafted adornments.
With this project, my aim was to infuse my personality into my work and forge a meaningful link between my deep appreciation for nature and creating unique jewellery. To authentically capture this connection, I realised the importance of immersing myself in natural environments, crafting jewellery directly inspired by the places that inspire me. Throughout this project, I’ve designed and made jewellery in environments such as: an urban park, a riverbank, a cliffside, an abandoned mine, and the workshop. The biggest effect of leaving the workshop, to design and make my jewellery in nature has been how my creativity has improved. I found that being able to see, feel and listen to how my inspiration reacts to its real life environment. I found altering my environment encouraged me to try new techniques which subsequently leads to an added level of uniqueness, and how the pieces I made were tailored to their location. The bespoke nature of each piece was amplified by the weather, time of day and many other factors. For example, snow melting off the branches of the trees while I was working on the river bank, dripped onto me and my tools, causing me to put them away and use them less often, prompting a unique less refined finish on the final piece. It's evident that the environment plays a profound role in shaping not only the physical characteristics but also the conceptual depth of the jewellery I create. By embracing the challenges and embracing the unique opportunities presented by each location, I've discovered a deeper connection between my craft and the natural world.