I have always enjoyed creating with my hands and I started off painting and drawing at a young age, which eventually led me to taking life drawing classes at Edinburgh College of Art. I then became interested in designing and creating jewellery.
Over a period of time, I attended classes at Edinburgh College of Art. I was also very lucky to be taught by a wonderful teacher called Bill Wilson at the Edinburgh and Pentland Lapidary Society, to whom I am eternally indebted.
On a trip to Florence, I discovered a gold Etruscan style ring and was captivated by its use of the ancient technique of granulation. This led me to taking a granulation course at ECA. Eager to learn more about how the Etruscans granulated gold, I took a one-to-one course with Master Goldsmith Giovanni Corvaja in Italy. I continued with a further one-to-one course with him in metal weaving, where we made alloys and drew down 22ct. gold wire as fine as hair which was then woven. During this course I also learned the Korean technique of Keum Bo. Giovanni is an inspiring teacher and a very talented man.
I have travelled extensively and this has allowed me to experience other cultures which often influence my jewellery. My inspiration comes from nature and artistic disciplines such as architecture and sculpture. In my designs I strive for simplicity, and purity. I am passionate about the material I work with and am fascinated by the tactile quality of silver and gold.