Our featured Artist Member for August is Paul Finch.
Paul was inspired to make jewellery during his travels in Asia and has been working as a self-taught designer jeweller since 1998. He is now based in Southern France.
Paul uses a variety of techniques to create distinctive ranges of jewellery characterized by simplicity and elegance. A love of strong form is key to his work. He aims to create sculptural pieces in silver or gold combined with diamonds or gemstones in unusual settings.
One collection contrasts texture with colour and features diamonds trapped within shell-like forms. In another, natural curving forms combine gemstones, and silver pieces are enhanced with 18ct gold beading. All collections feature a wide range of items such as rings, bangles, pendants and earrings.
Paul enjoys working with silver and semi-precious stones and also produces a number of items in gold and other precious metals including commissioned items such as wedding and engagement rings.
It’s difficult to isolate my source of inspiration. My curiosity leads me down many paths and like many artists the natural world plays a large part. More significantly however, it’s the way in which humans have manipulated nature to attain advancement – using natural materials to construct everything from homes to minute and intricate pieces of jewellery, from fabrics for clothing, to tools designed to shape and transform other materials.
My current workshop, after many many years of working in temporary spaces, is a room in a house I’ve renovated. The workshop is still not complete- maybe one day! My workshop is designed with ease of movement in mind. I’m surrounded by objects that have accumulated over the years.and of course my music amplifier and speakers.
I learnt to make jewellery whilst travelling in Asia. l met a German named Hans who lived in Koh Phangan Thailand. He taught me the basic jewellery making techniques. He made amazing one of a kind pieces using traditional ‘ hand made’ skills including the use of a traditional brass blow pipe for his heat source. I regard him as my main influence. l went on to teach myself with the reference book ‘ jewelry concepts and technology’ by Oppi Untracht These are the things that inspired me rather than other jewellers’ creations. I’m also very romantic about the lifestyles of other artists, particularly those that sacrifice normal life in pursuit of their art, the best example would have to be Van Gogh.
A collection of Paul Finch’s work is available to purchase in the gallery and via our online store.