Mon, 31/01/2022 - 13:29
We took five minutes to chat with Kate Dawson in her studio recently to find out what she's been up to.
Tell me a bit about yourself/business/practice?
I’ve been at Banks Mill for four years this April and I love my space there! I specialise in fine jewellery - predominately making engagement rings, wedding bands and one-off pieces. Customers tend to visit my studio in person where we can look at samples, sketch ideas and begin the design/making process. My work is normally quite varied, led by my customer’s aesthetic, ideas and tastes to create personalised, individual items. I also specialise in the reworking of heirloom precious stones, taking them from old jewellery and making new wearable pieces.
What are you currently working on in the studio?
2022 is set to be a big year for weddings and it’s already proving busy which is great! I’ve been working on adding to my wedding ring range, especially curved, crown style diamond bands which seems to be a popular choice at the moment.
Describe a typical day in your studio
Working on appointment basis I generally have my day planned in advance. It always starts with a coffee whilst I catch up on post and emails! Then, making sure samples are ready, I’ll meet with customers and discuss their requirements. I’ll usually have some time in the afternoon to sit at the bench for a while and prep some work before getting post together and heading off home
What’s your preferred medium/what do you work with?
I tend to work with precious metals: golds and platinum using diamonds and precious stones. I have a passion for brightly coloured gemstones so these feature a lot in my work of late. I love the challenge of getting the best out of these wonderful stones through elegant and beautiful design.
Who/What Inspires you and your work?
I love Art Deco jewellery, so many of my stock pieces are inspired by original work from the 1920’s. Collaborating with other creative suppliers at wedding events and photoshoots always inspires new and interesting pieces too.
What do you have planned for future work?
Irregular and coloured stone jewellery especially for engagement rings is a growing trend this year, so I’ll be focusing on making new pieces to add to my collection.
Do you have any helpful resources/advice that you would recommend to other artists and makers?
Keep practising what you know and focus on what you enjoy. Over time I’ve narrowed down what I specialise in and I think that helps keep me engaged with what I’m doing and ideas fresh. I have close ties with the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham having worked there for many years, so always advise others to take a trip there for inspiration and get talking to other jewellers.
If you weren’t an artist and could choose any career, what would it be?
I would always see myself working in the arts so feel very lucky to have made a career out of it.
What have you celebrated in the last year?
Like everyone else, surviving the challenging times we’ve been through and keeping the business growing feels like a major achievement!
To find out more visit Kate's website and follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.