Traces
Rust, Dust & Belly Button Fluff
Ten New Graduates Finding Beauty in Hidden Places
17th Nov - 29th Jan 2012
Yorkshire Post, Nov 12th 2011
YORKSHIRE POST
Saturday Nov 12th, 2011
WE LOVE: Onyx and gold plate jewellery
THESE glorious chunky, decadent beads and bracelets will add drama to any outfit. The work of new designer Victoria Kelsey is included in Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery's annual graduate show at Salt's Mill, starting on November 17. The necklace costs £270, the bracelets from £128.
Yorkshire Post, Nov 12th 2011
YORKSHIRE POST
Saturday Nov 12th, 2011
HOME SHOPPING: The latest interior trends with Sharon Dale.
THESE eccentric teapots by Mirjana Smith cost from £200 each and are part of the Traces: Dust Rust & Belly Button Fluff exhibition at the Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery at Salts Mill, Saltaire (November 17 to January 29). The teapots are made of rusting vintage tins sourced from charity shops, boot sales and auctions.
www.kathlibbertjewellery.co.uk
Findings, Spring 2012
FINDINGS
Spring, 2012
TRACES : RUST, DUST & BELLY BUTTON FLUFF
Ten New Graduates Finding Beauty in Hidden Places
Kath Libbert Jewellery, Salts Mill,
17 November 2011 - 20 January 2012
Reviewed by Jessica Briggs
Kath Libbert's annual Graduates' exhibition is born out of 'New Designers' where work which can intrigue, excite and interest is sought: no mean feat, as
Kath has curated shows for the Gallery since 1996.
From an initial selection, a theme emerges and with careful additions and editing, a cohesive group is arrived at. This show's title is enticing, referring specifically to some whilst encompassing all and the resultant work offers collections
of both quiet reflection and extrovert exuberance.
Work is arranged around the gallery with Samantha Hesford's big, bright neckpieces opposite the entrance. With strong visual impact, these pieces have a cat-walk scale and presence, providing welcome contrast to more constrained pieces.
There is a quiet understatement to Nicola Roberson's brooches, beautifully finished in matt enamel. The considered whole of the brooch is extended beyond it: each piece is sold boxed with the photo from which the design is drawn.
This commercial consideration is differently evident in several makers with some welcoming commissions for personal pieces and others developing strong, sale-able ranges of jewellery. Students, now more able to value their time and skill, have a stronger commercial sense than in the past and this is welcome providing it is not at the cost of creativity.
There are no such fears with Kerry Howley. Working with discarded human hair, Kerry wishes to play with notions of attraction and aversion, and does so very successfully. Already in receipt of an Award and an advertising commission, this maker is one to watch.
Dealing with a familiar subject matter, Nicola Mather's well-conceived jewellery range is inspired by seed heads and dandelion clocks. Her interpretation of such delicate forms through the use of laser-welded steel, gives an unexpected sttength without sacrificing lightness and apparent vulnerability.
Close study of Michelle Oh's contemplative collection reveals subtle textures and intimate alliances. My only disappointment here was that the pieces containing lint balls weren't actually made from belly button fluff!
Mirjana Smith's 'teapots' are the only non-jewellery items selected, but with their provenance of rusty tins and forgotten pots, these ingeniously constructed characters clearly fit within the exhibition's criteria. Each piece, fondly and appropriately named, is capable of putting a smile on anyone's face.
They are the last thing you see as you leave the Gallery. Kath Libbert Jewellery, tucked away within the magnificence of Salts Mill, not only gives new graduates an opportunity for wider recognition and sales, but Kath also eloquently promotes the makers and their work. Always keen for visitors to have a broader understanding of content and context, they are engaged in conversation as Kath enthuses her advocacy of contemporary jewellery. Long may she continue.
Picture: Kerry Howley. Neckpiece. Hair.