Our featured Artist Member for December 2023 is jeweller Miranda Sharpe. Miranda’s approach to jewellery is to express what interests her visually, drawing on shape and form from the natural world and presenting it in an abstracted way. Through the design process she explores form through simple lines and how repeating or layering materials and components can change the effect of a piece. Miranda employs a variety of metal forming techniques, using hand tools and skills alongside the casting process.
My jewellery is inspired by microscopic images, drawing on the vibrant colours and forms within them. I am intrigued by the revelation of detail when viewing something so closely. My love of colour is translated with vibrant vitreous enamels, experimenting with surface and pattern to make bold and elegant jewellery pieces. I work predominantly with silver and enamels, incorporating precious or semi-precious stones, gold or other materials on occasion. I see my jewellery pieces as a continuing exploration of colour and form; I make pieces that are designed to be loved and worn yet take a step from the conventional.
My workspace sits at the top of my garden, it’s what we call the super shed! A purpose built out building that offers room for working as well as storage. As a result the space I work within is small but neatly formed. Most of the making takes place on my jeweller’s peg, with all the tools and equipment needed close to hand.
I find this really hard to answer, I don’t think I have one favourite piece. Often it’s whatever is new in the collections, particularly if it is something I’ve been pondering for a while or a one off piece. I am quite taken with my Thrive slinky bracelet, the way that it moves I find very satisfying and it’s always pleasing when a piece works technically in the way you hoped.
There is not one individual that has inspired or influenced me through my making career but many. When at University, learning to make, having tutors that were passionate about their craft was a huge inspiration. When I first started my business, as part of a start up scheme, the mentors and my peers were influential in the direction my work took and highlighting the opportunities available to me. There are so many jewellers I have met or discovered the work of through the years, that inspire me to continue to be a part of this amazing community, to continue to evolve and improve my work.
Miranda’s jewellery is available to purchase in the gallery and via our online shop.