AN EXHIBITION OF EXUBERANT FLORAL JEWELLERY

15th July - 26th Sept 2010

YORKSHIRE POST
July 7th, 2010
Quirky characters inspire dramatic new looks
Elizabeth Cox

FLORENCE Welch, Van Gough and Cate Blanchett will all be honoured at IntoFlora, a dramatic exhibition of jewellery at the Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery in Saltaire, which features show-stopping pieces created by eight international designers in homage to inspirational characters.

Creations include a beautifully coloured body sculpture by British newcomer Mikaela Lyons, inspired by Florence Welch, quirky frontwoman of Florence and the Machine. "The piece encompasses ideas of woman, mother nature and empowerment," says Mikaela.

There's also a myriad of purple paper blossoms which Barcelona jeweller Ana Hagopian has carefully sculpted in dedication to Cate Blanchett, and Masayuki Nagata's contribution of a ring and necklace combination crafted out of rusted iron and inspired by Che Guevara.

Kath Libbert Says: "The work of the eight artists I've chosen is truly a floral feast for the eyes. "And as a bonus their "I'm Into..." pieces offer a fascinating insight into their processes of inspiration" Look out too for a piece from Russia's Natalya Pinchuk, who is known for her exquisite jewellery made from wool, leather, plastic and artificial hair, who themes this creation on American food activist, Michael Pollan.

Anna Atterling (Sweden) offers a beautifully intricate silver crown for her "I'm Into.. Tilde Bjorfors", a circus manager for whom Anna says she would like the crown "to be special, light and sensitive to match a queen like her" and the UK's very own Selina Campbell shows her appreciation of fabric designer Tricia Guild, whose own patterns frequently present floral elements.
• The exhibition runs from July 15-September 26 at Kath Libbert's gallery in Salts Mill, Saltaire. Visit
www.kathlibbertjewellery. co.uk
or call 01274 599790.

Picture Caption: STRIKING: Mikaela Lyons's Floral Necklace, inspired by Florence Welch from Florence and The Machine, and Natalya Pinchuk's, In Full Bloom.

JEWELLERY FOCUS
July 2010
Midsummer motivation
by Janet Fitch
As a summer break from the social scene in London, I'm planning on going to Harrogate for the Home & Gift show, and of course the famously yummy Betty's Tea Rooms, with a side trip to Salts Mill, Bradford, to see the new summer exhibition, IntoFlora at Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery. It's an exhibition of flamboyant jewellery by eight international contemporary jewellers; each piece is dedicated to a personal hero, like the Campanula necklace of paper and twine inspired by Cate Blanchett's elfin beauty, created by Ana Hagopian from Barcelona. (Exhibition held from 15 July to 26 September) www.kathlibbertjewellery.co.uk

Picture caption: Model: Bex Bardon; Photographer: Jon Crook

YORKSHIRE POST
July 23rd, 2010
Contemporary jewellery exhibition is all about saying it with flowers
Robert Sutcliffe
SEX, seduction and strength are to feature in a Yorkshire exhibition of contemporary jewellery.

Kath Libbert, who has curated the exhibition at Salts Mill, near Bradford, has added a playful aspect to IntoFlora, asking several international artists to create special floral tributes to famous individuals who have inspired them.

She said: "The work of the eight artists I've chosen is truly a floral feast for the eyes." Among those included at the exhibition are Mikaela Lyons who has created a sumptuously colourful collaged body sculpture in honour of Florence Welch of Florence and The Machine.

Ana Hagopian presents Campanula, a delicately beautiful tribute to actress Cate Blanchett - a myriad of purple paper blossoms that sit gracefully on the body.

Lisa Juen chooses as her inspirational person the provocative Canadian rock star Peaches - whose extreme performances push boundaries in the same way that her jewellery does.

She said: "My fascination with light paired with the imagery of the flower, the symbol of femininity, seduction, sex and strength, found strong support and inspiration in Peaches' performance."

The exhibition at Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery on the second floor of Salts Mill runs until September 26

STATEMENT: Steve Baker, top, models In Full Bloom by Nataliya Pinchuk at the exhibition while, above, jeweller Ana Hagopian presents a more delicate tribute to Cate Blanchett.
Main picture: Tony Johnson

ANTIQUES TRADE GAZETTE
24th July, 2010
Summer bloom
CAMPANULA is a necklace fashioned from purple paper blossoms by Barcelona-based contemporary jewellery artist Ana Hagopian. She drew her inspiration from the actress Cate Blanchett, whose beauty the artist finds "evokes the magic sound of nature". It will cost £248 from Kath Libbert's new jewellery exhibition, IntoFlora, at her gallery in Salts Mill in Saltaire, Yorkshire. The necklace is modelled here by Bex Bardon.

Photo Jon Crook

Nouse - University of York's Student Website, July 30th 2010

NOUSE
July 30th, 2010
Into-Flora
Described as a “floral feast for the eyes”, the latest exhibition to open at the Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery, Saltaire celebrates all things bright and botanical about contemporary jewellery design. Beth Walton catches up with Kath and assistant curator Ruth at the Gallery to discuss the inspiration behind the show and why they firmly believe that Jewellery is as exciting an art form as any.

Into-Flora, an obvious pun on the name of the well known florists chain Inter-Flora, is a show of work byeight internationally renowned jewellers all inspired in one way or another by the power of nature and in particular by flowers. “I met most of the artists in Munich where I go every year to a huge jewellery competition and exhibition,” explains Kath. “Hundreds and hundreds of people congregate in the city for about a week and that’s where I go to look for people to show. Sometimes I go with a clear idea of what I am looking for, but on this occasion I went with an open mind. I was looking for work that excited me and I just kept seeing flowers everywhere.”

In addition to inviting them to show existing work, Kath then asked her chosen few to think of someone whom they considered to be inspirational and then to make a ‘floral tribute’ to that person: “I asked everyone involved to pick someone that would inspire them to make a new piece. This part of the show we called ‘I’m Into’. At first we thought it could be anyone, but then made it someone well known to engage visitors that bit more. The public can’t really be inspired by someone’s mother.”

And in terms of curation, Kath says, “we have done this Graphic presentation,” referring to a wall of pictures and post-its, the idea for which also came from the shows in Munich: “I saw this exhibition in which they took shirts from charity shops, and just pasted them onto the wall, and then each shirt had a big brooch attached to it. They were all different shirts, laid out they looked like the outlines you draw when someone has been killed! I just thought it was such a good way of displaying work and so beautiful to look at. Actually I was a bit distracted from the actual work, because there were no cabinets. So we thought lets use some of that but do it in a more accessible way, and people can see it and then come in and get to know a bit about it.”

The wall is decorated with pictures of the celebrities chosen by the artists involved, underneath each of which are ‘bouquets’ of post-it notes left by visitors: “As people make their contributions we hope they will become beautiful big bouquets, blooming and blossoming all over the place,” says Kath. “It’s lovely to get people in who wouldn’t normally be interested,” agrees assistant curator Ruth. “There is even a post-it that reads ‘I don’t normally like jewellery’,” Ruth continues.

Of all the works on display probably most notable are those by German artist Lisa Juen. Her giant sized glitzy brooches are made using LED screens, industrial switches and false fingernails: “Working in Shanghai she is inspired by traditional flower sellers, but then at the same time behind that is all the neon and bling and madness going on. Her inspirational person the provocative rock star Peaches, whose extreme performances push boundaries in the same way that her jewellery does. She made a pussy brooch you can wear on your underwear in tribute to her, she’s been in touch and loves it!”

Another piece of work which is sure to draw attention is an unusual necklace and adjoined ring by young British jeweller Mikaela Lyons, designed with Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine in mind. Hanging off the body almost like a beaded sash, “it’s a piece for the hand and the heart. All the photos are Mikaela’s own which she then massively manipulates. It’s about Mother Nature and fighting back. We haven’t been able to make contact with Florence, although we have got very close. Hopefully we still will we would love for her to have it.”

But not all the pieces on display are so over the top. “I kind of like to go for a real mixture of both technically innovative and delicate work. Sometimes we choose to show work much more to do with ideas, other times pieces which are purely visual,” comments Kath placing, an extremely delicate snowflake-like brooch into the palm of my hand, a piece by Swedish designer Anna Atterling: “Its just one sheet of silver. It’s very finely repoussed, which usually involves denting the material, but she has chosen to punch straight through, It’s not an obvious flower, but there is a subtle alluding to the shape.”

To co-incide with the show, Kath has also organised a talk with Joanna Hardy Head of Jewellery for Sotheby’s: “Joanna is also a resident expert on the Antiques Roadshow. She will be here to discuss the way that flowers have provided inspiration throughout the ages for jewellery and about the the language of flowers and what each different one means. There is a long history of people going on expeditions and bringing back unusual botanical specimens and of jewellers finding inspiration from the new and exotic flowers they brought back.”

It will be 15 years next year since Kath opened the gallery, and since then she has gone on to inspire a whole new generation of jewellery curators, including Ruth: “I started two and half years ago and always wanted to go on to set up my own gallery. Initially I always assumed it would be a mixed gallery, but actually whether it’s fine art or jewellery doesn’t matter, and working here has opened up my mind to a whole new world and art form.”

And as for Kath: “If you’re asking me what the difference between jewellery and painting is? I’m not sure there is one… For me they are just artworks you can wear on your body.”

You can see Into-Flora at the Kath Libbert Gallery, Salts Mill near Bradford, until September 26.

HOMES & ANTIQUES
September, 2010
OUT & ABOUT
INTOFLORA
Until 26th September

Flowers have been a perennial muse for artists for centuries and this exhibition, at the Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery at Salt Mills near Bradford, explores the theme with a display of floral pieces by eight contemporary jewellers. Pop in on 21st September for Roadshow expert Joanna Hardy's free talk on the symbolic use of the flower in jewellery through the ages.

01274599790;
kathlibbertjewellery.co.uk

Own Art Bulletin (Arts Council England), August 16th 2010

OWN ART BULLETIN
(Arts Council England)
16th August 2010
News

IntoFlora

15 July – 26 September 2010

Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery, Salts Mill, Saltaire, Bradford BD18 3LA
Open Monday to Friday 10am – 5.30pm. Weekends 10am – 6pm

Curated by Kath Libbert, this exhibition of exuberant floral jewellery is an absolute must see this summer! Also featuring special pieces created in honour of famous personalities who have inspired the eight makers, it’s a fascinating showcase.

The exhibition is themed around a subject matter which has inspired great artists and makers across time. Van Gogh’s vibrant sunflowers; Wordsworth’s golden daffodils and Georgia O’Keefe’s suggestive blossoms have all conveyed the beauty, purity and danger of the form and Libbert’s selected artists are no different.

In addition to the main bodies of work presented, the exhibition has a playful aspect in the form of I’m into.., where Libbert has asked each artist to create a special floral tribute to a famous individual who has inspired them.

For example, up-and-coming British jeweller, Mikaela Lyons has created a sumptuously colourful collaged body sculpture in honour of Florence Welch of Florence and The Machine - ‘The piece encompasses ideas of woman, mother nature and empowerment.’

Ana Hagopian from Barcelona presents Campanula, a delicately beautiful tribute to Cate Blanchett - a myriad of purple paper blossoms that sit gracefully on the body.

German maker, Ines Schwotzer, is inspired by nature and uses traditional lace-making techniques to shape steel wire into floral forms and textures that express growing and fading, opening and closing, frailty and tightness. For this project, she has chosen Van Gogh as her inspirational person and has of course made the most exquisite sunflower!

Don’t miss the opportunity to find out what the other floral feasts for the eyes are by visiting the show in person! Own Art is available to use at Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery!

Exclusive Collectors Event – 21 September 2010

An exclusive Collectors Event will take place on 21st September 2010, at the gallery. Joanna Hardy, former head of jewellery at Sotherby’s and jewellery expert on the BBC Antiques Roadshow, will discuss the symbolic use of the flower in jewellery through the ages. Mikaela Lyons, one of the featured makers in the exhibition, will also talk personally about her creative process.

To book your place please contact the gallery on 01274 599790 or email info@kathlibbertjewellery.co.uk

Picture Caption: Ines Schwotzer, Sunflower Brooch, for Van Gogh, traditional lace-making techniques and steel wire

LEEDS GUIDE
August 4th-19th, 2010
Preview Into Flora
A bold jewellery exhibition that draws inspiration from flowers shows creativity is in full bloom comes to the Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery

Blossoming at the Kath Libbert Gallery in Saltaire this month are some very interesting contemporary jewellery designs - inspired by flowers and famous faces.

The exhibition of bold floral jewellery, titled I'm Into... is a celebration of the unique role flowers play as inspiration in our lives - acting as tokens love and worship as well as instruments of seduction or gifts of remembrance.

For the exhibition, eight contemporary artists created unique pieces of jewellery in honour of an inspirational famous person. The results are pieces that blur the boundaries between art, jewellery design and fashion. Described as "wearable art", the jewellery was created using a surprising range of materials and techniques, including false nails, freshwater pearls and rusted iron.

Necklaces, brooches and rings and other bits pay homage to people like Florence Welch from Florence and the Machine, Gate Blanchett, Che Guevara and Van Gogh. It will be on show until 26th September at the Kath Libbert Gallery in the Salt Mills gallery at Saltaire, which is also home to the world's largest collection of work by David Hockney, born in nearby Bradford.

I'm Into... is part of a larger IntoFlora exhibition, curated by gallery-owner, Kath Libbert. She says: "The work of the eight artists I've chosen is truly a floral feast for the eyes!"

Inspired by: Florence Welch - singer from Florence and the Machine
The up-and-coming British jeweller Mikaela Lyons created a sumptuously - colourful collaged body sculpture in honour of the lead singer of Florence and the Machine. Mikaela says the bold necklace she made "encompasses ideas of woman, mother nature and empowerment".
Inspired by: Vincent Van Gogh - post-Impressionist painter
Ines Schwotzer's work is inspired by nature - she uses traditional lace-making techniques to shape steel wire into floral forms and textures that express growing and fading, opening and closing, frailty and tightness. For this project, she has chosen Van Gogh as her inspirational person and has of course made the most exquisite sunflower.
Inspired by: Cate Blanchett - Hollywood actress
Ana Hagopian from Barcelona made a delicate tribute to Cate Blanchett - a myriad of purple paper blossoms that sit gracefully on the body, and can be worn as a necklace.
Inspired by: Michael Pollan - American food activist and author
Natalya Pinchuk uses wool, leather, plastic and artificial hair to make fantastical jewellery installations. She created a larger- than-life piece of jewellery inspired by the American food activist and author of The Botany of Desire, Michael Pollan
Inspired by: Tricia Guild - fabric designer
Selina Campbell pays homage to the interiors guru and fabric designer Tricia Guild, whose own designs feature strong floral elements. Selina incorporated dyed freshwater pearls for a splash of colour into a dahlia design - one of Tricia's favourite flowers.
Inspired by: Che Guevara - Marxist revolutionary
Japanese artist Masayuki Nagata created large blossoms from chemically rusted iron, which he then intricately decorated. He used camellia buds to form a ring and necklace in honour of Che Guevara. Masayuki says: "Like Che, I share the desire to change things."
Inspired by: Peaches - Canadian rock star
Lisa Juen chose a provocative Canadian rock star, Peaches, as her inspirational person. Lisa's pieces are provocative in the same ways — her "pussy brooch" is sure to raise eyebrows. "My fascination with light paired with the imagery of the flower, the symbol of femininity, seduction, sex and strength, found strong support and inspiration in Peaches' performance," she says.
Inspired by: Tilde Bjorfors - director of Cirkus Cirkor
Anna Atterling is a Swedish designer who made a dainty silver crown, inspired by Tilde Bjorfors, director of contemporary circus company, Cirkus Cirkor. Anna describes the crown as "light, special and sensitive, to match a queen like Tilde. She is an amazing person. She works with all her heart to make the world a better place."

The IntoFlora exhibition will also feature a collectors' event on 21st September, where Joanna Hardy, a jewellery expert from the 'Antiques Roadshow' and former head of the jewellery department at Sotheby's, will discuss the symbolic use of the flower in jewellery through the ages. Mikaela Lyons, one of the featured jewellers will talk personally about her creative process.

Until 26 September, Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery, Salts Mill, Saltaire, Bradford, BDI8 3LA, 01274 599 790. Open Monday to Friday I0am -5.30pm. Weekends I0am-6pm.
www.kathlibbertjewellery.co.uk
SH

Craft & Design
Newsletter, September 2010
IntoFlora
Until 26 September

Kath Libbert, renowned for her imaginative approach to curating contemporary jewellery, has added a playful aspect to IntoFlora, asking each artist to create a special fl oral tribute to a famous individual who has inspired them, called I’m Into….
Kath says, ‘The work of the eight artists I’ve chosen is truly a floral feast for the eyes! And as a bonus their I’m Into… pieces offer a fascinating insight into their processes of inspiration.’

The artists and their Inspiration:

Up-and-coming British jeweller Mikaela Lyons has created a sumptuously colourful collaged body sculpture in honour of Florence Welch of Florence and The Machine. Jeweller Ana Hagopian from Barcelona presents Campanula, a delicately beautiful tribute to Cate Blanchett .
Natalya Pinchuk, (Russia/USA) cites her inspirational person as the American food activist and author of The Botany of Desire, Michael Pollan.
Selina Campbell, (UK) makes her own homage to interiors guru and fabric designer Tricia Guild, whose own designs feature strong floral elements.
Japanese jewellery maker Masayuki Nagata has created a ring and necklace in honour of the Marxist revolutionary, Che Guevara.

Lisa Juen, (Germany/China), chooses as her inspirational person the provocative Canadian rock star Peaches – whose extreme performances push boundaries in the same way that Lisa Juen’s jewellery does.
Anna Atterling is a Swedish designer who has chosen the director of Cirkus Cirkör, Tilde Björfors. Ines Schwotzer’s, (Germany), work is inspired by nature – for this project, she has chosen Van Gogh as her inspirational person and has of course made the most exquisite sunflower!

IntoFlora and I’m Into… explore the sensual delights of fl oral abundance, inviting visitors to take a look into the processes of artistic inspiration and creation. The exhibition will also feature an exclusive Collectors Event on 21st September where Joanna Hardy, a jewellery expert from the BBC Antiques Roadshow and former head of the Jewellery Department at Sotheby’s, will discuss the symbolic use of the flower in jewellery through the ages and Mikaela Lyons, one of the featured jewellers will talk personally about her creative process.

Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery,
Salts Mill, Saltaire, Bradford BD18 3LA
www.kathlibbertjewellery.co.uk

Picture Captions:
Natalya Pinchuk, Growth Series Neckpiece No 2
Ana Hagopian, Cherry Blossom Necklace

IntoFlora

Cool Construct

Alternative Wedding Show 2010