Artist’s statement about her ‘Old and new’ brooch

This was the last piece I created during my diploma year and it was the first time I truly felt like a designer and a maker. The theme for the term was "old and new," and my inspiration came from a sketch I had made of London’s Shard and St. Paul’s Cathedral. I was fascinated by how London is like a huge melting pot of history and modernity. This got me thinking about the photo app on my iPhone and how, as a picture hoarder, I always had old and new photos simultaneously saved in the same app. My design stemmed from an abstract idea inspired by the iPhone photo icon, and I crafted the piece using a hydraulic press, which sparked my interest in creating relief and form in metal.

Follow Jessica on Instagram @jessaah

About the experience at K2 Academy

Coming from a background in metallurgical and materials engineering, I had some understanding of metals and design, but starting my introduction in jewellery design at K2 Jewellery Academy expanded my knowledge in a profound way.

Initially, my goal was simply to learn basic bench skills to secure an apprenticeship, but I gained far more than that during my time at K2. I gained valuable insights into working with non-ferrous metals and responding to design briefs. Each term had a design theme, and we learned how to follow design processes—from concept to final piece—which I found enriching.

Kevin and Katrin were especially kind and generous with their knowledge, helping me think through different ways to solve problems and exposing me to a range of jewellery-making techniques, from texturing to press forming. The workshop was a vibrant creative hub, filled with books and tools, and the small class sizes created a comfortable environment where I could ask questions, even though I was incredibly shy back then. This interactive setting was a skill I was able to carry into other areas of my working life, from Stephen Webster to Bleue Burnham to Bishopsland. There is no doubt that starting my journey at K2 was instrumental in shaping my early years as a jewellery designer and maker.

Artist’s journey after K2

After my studies at K2, I was offered a mentorship program with Stephen Webster. I had the chance to work in the company’s workshop and design studio and gain insight into how the business operates. I also received a Leopard Award, an honour recognising young and emerging jewellers, alongside four other women just starting in the industry. It was there that I came across an exhibition catalogue by Wartski on Japonisme, which sparked a deep influence on my work. While still at Stephen Webster, I was offered a position with the then-up-and-coming jewellery brand Bleue Burnham. As I delved deeper into the metalworking techniques practised by Japanese artisans in the 19th century, I recognised that it was inevitable to go to the source. After spending over two years with Bleue Burnham, I decided to travel to Japan in 2024 to study traditional Japanese decorative metalworking techniques like ke-bori and katakiri engraving, chasing, shibuichi, and damascene inlay. With my love for nature, I look forward to integrating these techniques into my future designs, to draw on metal. Currently, I am continuing my artistic journey as part of the Bishopsland Residential Programme 24/25, where I am committed to developing my craft.