Mon, 21/02/2022 - 16:10
Claire Zwozny-Bestwick is an eco-friendly Silversmith and Sculptor who runs CRZyBest working from her Shedquarters in Derbyshire. She creates kiln fired sculptures in silver, copper and bronze metal-clay, and then turns these sculptures into jewellery, gifts, accessories and even alternative bouquets. She works on bespoke commissions as well as offering a ready to buy range, and creative workshops.
Throughout her education Claire has always specialised in creative subjects working through school, college and university gaining a BA Hons Degree in 3-Dimensional Studies, Silversmithing and Jewellery and a PGCE in Art. Whilst teaching Claire then studied for her MA in Education with the University of Derby.
Claire comments “I have always loved working in traditional materials, from clay to willow weaving and everything in-between. Specialising in creating with metal clay is a perfect combination of using my knowledge and skills developed from all my adventures in education and teaching.”
Claire has been developing her own processes and she combines traditional silversmithing and jewellery techniques with her knowledge and skills gained from teaching ceramics and mixed media sculpture.
Claire works on bespoke orders alongside building her stock of ready to buy jewellery and is currently planning on creating a new large copper sculpture, Claire explains: “I discovered that my chosen copper clay to work in had only come on the market in 2017, so when I made my large copper dragon it was and still is quite possibly the largest copper clay sculpture that has been made.”
Starting her own business after nearly twenty years of full-time teaching and running a school Art department meant that Claire could use all the skills she’s developed over the years to create CRZyBest. She is still teaching others on a smaller scale through her workshops and craft kits, and now being her own boss, she has the time to dedicate to creating.
Along the way Claire has received lots of business support through different programmes like the D2N2 start-up programme and the Big House Project. Last year Claire was also awarded a Mainframe Award in the Make and Trade category. Claire also participates in voluntary work for a charity called ‘inspiring the future’ where she visits schools to give presentations and support projects.
Claire says about being a Banks Mill member: “I’m hoping that being part of Banks Mill will mean I can network with other creatives that are based nearby, helping me feel part of a community and hopefully encourage and motivate me to grow my business, as being a sole trader working from my Shedquarters can be quite lonely at times. I’m also hoping to get some practical focused business support, which will help me to set goals and grow my business.”
You can browse Claire’s products on her website and follow her activities on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter