20th July - 2nd October 2005

An exhibition following the progression and influences in the work of leading jewellers and metal smiths.

METRO
19 July 2005

EXHIBITION
Follow Me

We take for granted that the work of any designer will have something that sets it apart. But we rarely examine the process that takes a craftsperson from initial inspiration to the production of pieces with the stamp of a particular identity. This show of work by seven jewellers and metalsmiths showcases that progression. As well as the works on display, the gallery is filled with the recorded sounds and images of each of the featured designers working.

Yoko Izawa draws on her work as a packaging designer in Japan to develop a wrapping technique that uses hand-dyed, knitted nylon to cover objects (pictured). Her jewellery has an ambiguous, enigmatic feel despite the bright colours and enticing shapes.

The simple, almost barbaric shapes of Dot Sims' dramatic neckpieces, bangles and rings are influenced by the Fife coastline where she lives. Her pieces are shaped in waves, with strong, fluid lines that reflect the sea's elemental power.

Fiona Cameron's enamelled silver jewellery reflects the physical process of battering metal into shape; other influences in her work are the forms and shapes of her Scottish homeland.

Light relief comes from Cathy Miles' wallpieces, made from snippets: of found objects, conversation and observation. These make their way into funny, grumpy pieces in which bad-tempered birds give vent to very human frustrations.

Tina Jackson
Tomorrow until Oct 2, Kath Libbert Jewellery, Salts Mill, Victoria Road, Saltaire, Mon to Fri. 10am to 5.30pm, Sat and Sun 1 Dam to 6pm, free.
Tel: 01274599790.

Yorkshire Life, September 2005 review of 'Follow Me'

YORKSHIRE LIFE
September 2005

Follow me...
VISITORS to Salts Mill could also take a look at Kath Libbert Jewellery, which is showing the work of seven talented jewellers and metal smiths. The exhibition, called Follow Me, shows diverse collections of work, and invites visitors to explore and understand the processes behind the designers' creative development. A series of recorded sounds and images follow the designers through their working day, revealing the very different materials and techniques that they employ, and offering insight into their sources of inspiration. Work includes delicate and ambiguous pieces by Yoko lzawa, who uses a technique of veiling materials such as acrylic, pearl or glass in hand-dyed knitted nylon tubing. In contrast, metalsmith Jennifer Wall takes inspiration from natural forms such as pebbles and crumbling cliffs to produce tactile pieces such as platters, spectacle cases, rings and pendants in mixes of hammered copper. brass, bronze and silver.
Salts Mill, Victoria Road, Saltaire. Until October 2. Tel: 01274 599790.

LEEDS GUIDE
July 2005

Preview Follow Me
An exhibition of jewellery and metalsmithing that takes a crafty look behind the scenes

A collection of work of seven jewellers and metalsmiths whose pieces have been featured at Kath Libbert jewellery Gallery since they graduated, Follow Me offers the chance for visitors to look beyond the work and see what processes are involved in its construction.

Much of the artists' work is on show, from metallic spectacle cases to wire birds, but it is the documentary presentation of their journey from conception to the final piece that offers the most insight into each individual's journey. Featuring stills of the artists at rest and in the studio, they talk through their designs, as well as their methods of working, personal lives, background and experience.

Yoko Izawa creates 'veiled' jewellery which she feels relates back to the japanese culture in which she was raised, whilst Cathy Miles' birds made from iron binding wire and found materials are often vehicles for her own moods, as she wants people to see her 'view of the world'. Dot Sim sees her jewellery as reflective of the Scottish countryside in which she lives, taking inspiration from her daily observations, whilst Annabet Wyndham takes her fascination with kitchen objects and manifests it in the creation of a collection of small table utensils. Lynne Kirstin Murray's colourful jewellery (pictured) contrasts delightfully with Jenifer Wall's sleek platters and spectacle cases, and Fiona Cameron completes the exhibition with her collection of jewellery and vessels constructed from base and precious metals, drawing on the Scottish landscapes of her childhood.

Follow Me is at first a fascinating exhibition of the many creative possibilities of metal and jewellery, all differently approached but with equal measures of skill and dedication. Delving into the makers' psyches adds a very welcome dimension though, as it's often a perspective that is difficult to see and even harder to guess at. Until 2 October, Kath Libbert Jewellery, Salts Mill, Saltaire
KW

Findings, December 2005 review of 'Follow Me'

FINDINGS - The Association for Contemporary Jewellery's quarterly newsletter.
December 2005

Follow Me
Kath Libbert Jewellery, Salts Mill, Saltaire. 20 July-2 October
Precious few exhibitions concentrate on process. Follow Me focuses on the trajectory of seven jewellers and metal smiths from inspiration to finished piece. A collaborative venture between Kath and sound producer and photographer Jon Crook, the exhibition is accompanied by a video in which customers have the rare opportunity to engage directly with the maker's working environment, their intuitive behaviour, sketchbooks and thoughts, all of which we are familiar with but are drops of nectar to those interested and wanting to know more.

The video situates the viewer right at the jeweller's bench. In this way Yoko Izawa demonstrates the making of her delightful knitted nylon pieces. Her subtle use of colour and elegant choice of form, induce a sense of calm and serenity. Like walking alone in a park in autumn, watching the occasional leaf fall in slow motion, this work is peaceful, quiet and immensely evocative.

A wilder scene in Scotland explains Dot Sim's large silver curled pieces. Set against this backdrop of horizontal wind and crashing waves, they come alive with the rhythm of the sea and with her more recent interest in flamenco. Fiona Cameron from Nairn near Inverness picks up the rich colours of her landscape, beautifully represented in her sketchbook. I so enjoyed looking at these drawings, brought right into her jewellery by the inclusion of rust and pale blue enamel against oxidised silver. Every cup shape and flattened circle was hand formed, lovingly treated and assembled in a wealthy cascade, reminiscent of Etruscan jewellery.

The beach theme continues in Brighton where Jenifer Wall is beating various metals into submission. This she does with great mastery, using splashes of solder to decorative effect over the copper she uses, producing the largest work in the show. An impressive display of spectacle cases and carrying containers are testimony to this maker's craftsmanship which form a private beach of hand formed pebbles to treasure and collect. Annabet Wyndham's silver tea, coffee and table accessories including strainers, spoons and scoops, are equally collectable, an attractive proposition to take tea with a special friend.

Perhaps the most challenging artist is Lynne Kirstin Murray. Employing materials like wood, paint, felt and whatever else she deems necessary, this jeweller has a fearless conviction that pushes most boundaries into orbit. It is unusual for a British jeweller to show such confidence with colour. But confidence is a common link here, as Cathy Miles also demonstrates. On the wall over one of her pieces she writes: "I got stuck on a very long pier with the most boring man in Britain. As I got increasingly fed up I wondered what the birds thought of this interminable old man." Her delicate birds, drawn in binding wire, are the exquisite results of careful observation and sense of humour. How the birds must love her, they respond so well to her handling.

Kath Libbert marks another step in the development and awareness of contemporary jewellery with tireless energy and unique style.
Sarah O'Hana

A DVD of the documentary video described by Sarah is available for sale at £9 plus p&p and obtainable from the gallery. Please contact Kath Libbert Jewellery, Salts Mill, Victoria Road, Saltaire, W Yorks, BD18 3LB, T: 01274 599790, to secure your copy.

YORKSHIRE POST
21 July 2005

Exhibition birds go down to the wire
Sally Cope
A SUSPENDED flock of birds flew into Salt's Mill in Saltaire yesterday to mark the opening of a new exhibition by metal smiths and jewellery designers.

The birds, crafted from wire, were among pieces of work by six artists to go on show in the Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery.
The exhibition, entitled Follow Me, includes audio-visual records following the designers through their working day to demonstrate the techniques, equipment and materials they use, along with their sources of inspiration.

Pieces on show range from bright, colourful jewellery and large metal platters to the "flock" of wire birds, more of which adorn the walls of the gallery. One of the featured artists is Fiona Cameron (pictured), a Saltaire-based designer, who is also Jeweller in Residence at the Yorkshire Craft Centre in Bradford.

Her delicate, enamelled jewellery is created using huge hammers, drills and a kiln.
Follow Me runs until October 2 and Salt's Mill is open daily from lOam - 5.30pm.

Follow Me

Cracker

Wedding & Valentine Show 2005