Isabel Nelson - Artist's Profile
Isabel
Nelson was born in Guildford but is now based in Preston. She started
making bead jewellery in her teens, having been influenced in South Africa
by the beading techniques used by some of the indigenous people. She started
very simply, exhibiting at local craft venues and developing the confidence
to attend craft fairs throughout Lancashire.
Having built up considerable experience, she sought to learn more about her trade and therefore went to study design at the University of Central Lancashire, before going on to study silversmithing in Manchester. Upon qualifying, Isabel joined the North West Design Collective, the Craft Council and the British Jewellers Association, with which she now exhibits her work at galleries and exhibitions nationwide. She also teaches at Lancaster University.
Statement:
I am experimenting with resin at the moment. At first, it was as a way of adding colour to jewellery; now I can make the shapes and then the mould. After the mould is ready, I can then create pieces of jewellery by pouring liquid resin into the mould and embedding materials into them. They're set in suspended animation; the possibilities of using colour and shapes add to the adventure of creativity.
In the past, I have experimented with chemicals to colour metal and I also attended a course in kiln fired glass and a course in enamelling, but I find with resin not only can you include colour but also embed other materials. So I find that with resin it is more to do with the jewellery piece. It is exciting working with this new medium: I find that I can really work on what my ideas are going to bring out.
I feel that experimenting with colour and a different medium will be both challenging and inspiring, and who knows where this journey will take me and what designs I will create. I’m looking forward to the challenges of working with resin and the new ideas it will bring about. I’m looking forward to the inspiration.
Experience and Qualifications:
Arden College, Northenden, Manchester.
HND, Silversmithing, Jewellery Making and Design.
Passed with Merit, 1993.
University
of Central Lancashire, Preston.
Foundation course, Art and Design.
Passed with Merit, 1991.
Preston College 2003
City and Guilds in 3D Computer Aided Design.
Founder member of North West Design Collective.
Member of the Craft Council.
Preston Arts Board.
Preston Arts Forum.
Isabel has also taught jewellery making and led a number of children's workshops for the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, John Star Side, Lancaster College, Preston College and Lancashire County Council.
All contents copyright Isabel Nelson 2009.