SPRING IN LONDON Last April I did a course in Experimental Jewellry in London. I also spent my time walking around the city and visiting art centers and galleries. The experience was very enriching and I soaked in the positive feeling and excitement that the city breaths these days. For those who are interested in the world of jewellry, I want to explain some new aspects that the course has given me . It was an introduction to techniques in jewellry making using new materials such as plastic and epoxy resin coupled with classic materials such as metal and silver. These experimental pieces, we made with the tools and machinery of a traditional jewellry workshop but, with no standard procedures: the termoforming used to model the plastic or metal knitting yarn, weaving a necklace. It was also been very interesting working with fire, instead of using silver solder, we have made new shapes by the fusion of small elements of twisted silver wire, previously handled.
Books From the literature provided on the course, I name the following books:”500 Plastic jewelery designs: A Groundbreaking Survey of Modern Material” offers a collection of pieces made from various materials that deviate from traditional materials and techniques. “Mixed media jewelery: Methods and Techniques (Design and Make)” where Joanne Haywood proposes the use of tissues and knitting techniques in jewelry making. And a third book, “Wire Jewellery”, autor Hans Stofer, in which metal jewellry directly worked with fire.The teacher of the course, Anastasia Young has written several books on jewelry techniques that are published in Spanish and can be found in bookstores and libraries in Barcelona : “Directory of Materials and Techniques of Jewelry” Publisher Acanthus , “Complete Guide to Workshop jewellry” from Promopress and “Complete Guide embedded in jewelry” also Promopress. http://www.anastasiayoung.co.uk
Shop jewelry and material.
In the course I was provided wiht a list of items of jewelery shops located in the area of Farringdon Tube Station. In addition, to stores of material, tools, gemstones and diamonds, walking through this area you can find author´s jewellry stores . Especially important Lesley Craze Gallery in which mixed jewellry made from synthetic materials and precious metals are exposed. At the same time , display exhibitions devoted to one author . Currently set jewelry teacher Yasuko Hiramatsu, delicated gold pieces wich seems to be made with crumpled paper. http://www.lesleycrazegallery.co.uk
Art Centres and Galleries
At any time you wish to travel to London , bear in mind a visit to these art centers, and enjoye their exhibitions. Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park is now showing the work of Martino Gamper ; the Royal Academy of Arts where there are exposed three James Turrell´s installations at Pace Gallery in London. The Saatchi Gallery presenting a proposal for a large-scale works of contemporary artists from Africa and South America. Tate Modern, on the third floor, featuring a selection of paintings on the theme: Transformed Visions in which grouped by themes opposite works, in style and concept as Yacht Approaching the Coast by William Turner or where Maroon Black Mark Rotkho . And finally, at the Barbican Centre choreographed light group United Visual Artist: Momentum . Very cool !
As an artist and creator , I took the opportunity to visit art galleries which are dedicated to the promotion and sale works done by contemporary artists. I wanted to see what interests are now offer in London. Day London Gallery is a group of 24 art galleries located in the same area of the city near Farringdom Road. I visited some of these galleries and the others I found on website. This website is useful to know what is being exposed as an alternative feature now in London. And also, you can find activities and open calls for artists collaborations. http://www.londongalleryday.com
Hiking I did a tour around different neighborhoods in the city and my favorites are Finsbury, Holborn, Spitalfields, Clerkenwell, Matylebone, Chelsea. There are many more neighborhoods but these I liked especially. What´s more the atmosphere of the neighborhood, I saw that they were fully operational architectural design studios and furniture shops and household items. An example is the Domus store with an art installation on the wall in front of the store, currently dedicated to Saha Hadid. And very close to it, the Saha Hadid gallery that showcases the work of his architecture.
In conclusion, I have to say it was a surprise to find a bookstore specializing in books on interior design and art Potterton Books Chelsea. There, I found a book on materials with stunning photographs: Matières d’ Excepction . Breathtaking materials & their creators . Author Caroline Perrin. Editons Vial. I desire to have among my reference book soon. http://www.pottertonbookslondon.com