Isabel Nelson - Artist's Profile
Isabel
Nelson was born in Guildford but is now based in Preston. She started
making bead jewellery in the 1970s, 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 and the Craft Council, with which she now exhibits her work at galleries and exhibitions nationwide.
Statement:
My work is based on contrast. On a journey to Lanzarote, I noticed the lava; molten rock that is forced through the earth in liquid form, cooling and solidifying in the air. The ebb and flow of the hot molten lava as it cools becomes something to feel. It looks as if it should be pliable and soft, yet it is completely solid and cooled into these natural forms. I have this same feeling when I melt silver, seeing the texture appear as it cools. I like to emphasise the contrast of this rough, textured silver with well defined polished shapes. The initial creative flow from the lava has metamorphosed into more contrasting designs, utilising different textures and precious materials.
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.
Galleries:
Isabel's work is for sale in several galleries in the UK including:
Exhibitions:
Past events:
April 2004: Great British Craft Trade Fair, Great Yorkshire Showground,
Harrogate
May to August 2005: Craft Showcase, Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston
March to April 2005: NWDC Exhibition at the Atkinson Art Gallery, Southport
August to November 2006: Museum of Lancashire Preston with the Art and
Craft Guild of Lancashire.
November 2006: Chapel Gallery Ormskirk - Christmas Fine Art and Contemporary
Craft Event.
August - 7th September 2007: Brewery Arts
Centre, Kendal with NWDC.
Other past exhibitions venues have included Astley Hall, Chorley; Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool; and Jacob Kramer Gallery, Leeds.
Forthcoming events:
30th November 2007: Christmas Fine Art Event, Chapel Gallery, St Helens
Road, Ormskirk, 01695 571328. www.westlancsdc.gov.uk/chapelgallery
New Work Out
Two new ranges, in silver and using enamel, currently not photographed, but available at:
Chapel
Gallery, St Helens Road, Ormskirk.
Divine, 10
Theatre Street, Preston.
The Edge Gallery,
22 King Street, Lancaster.
Farfield Mill Arts
and Heritage Centre, Garsdale Road, Sedbergh, Cumbria.
All contents copyright Isabel Nelson 2007.