Introducing - Angela Strachan

We are proud to introduce the Diana Porter New Designers Award winner Angela Strachan.

We chose Angela as we were drawn to her unique use of materials and traditional jewellery making techniques including the ancient process of lost wax casting and Keum-boo.

Angela takes imprints of stones and sand from special places and includes these in her textural rings. The organic indentations and patterns are sometime emphasised with oxidisation or flashes of pure gold from the Keum-boo process. Each piece is a unique exploration, allowing the process to determine the final result to A wearable relic and memory of the time and place. The organic feel of Angela's' jewellery emphasises the connection to nature and allows the individuality of each design to resonate with the wearer.

When did you start creating jewellery?

I have always loved Art and enjoy making It whether it be sculptures or textiles. However, it wasn’t until I started at university that I got the opportunity to explore the world of jewellery which I loved straight away.

 Who inspires you the most?

I find many other jewellers and artists very inspirational but for me I would have to say my family who were primarily the inspiration for my degree show ‘Treasured Heirlooms’ where I was influenced by the idea of preserving the texture of a special place that we had visited almost like and keeping a memory to hold on to. Also, my husband who always encouraged me and pushed me to follow a dream that I had.

 What was the inspiration for the jewellery in the exhibition?

I have always been inspired by historical castles, artefacts and family heirlooms, things with a rich history that own a past I am fascinated by what untold stories they hold and enduring memories. This gave me inspiration for my work, I like to think that my work will tell a story for generations to come.

If you weren’t a jeweller what would you choose as a career?

I would like to say an interior designer as I have a great interest in house interiors, I love nothing more than to find an antique shop where I accumulate old books and vintage curiosities, I am just fascinated by the history that they hold where I like to mix the old with the new. My family would probably disagree with me and say I should work in a museum as I have been known to treasure a bell jar or two!

Please can you tell us a bit about your creative process?

Nature is a constant source of inspiration to me, I visit locations where I like to do observational sketches, and watercolours, take lots of photographs and take imprints of interesting textures with the use of various wax. I then like to sketch some designs and experiment with the compositions of the wax textures allowing me to visualise a final design. Within my work I like to use traditional techniques including lost wax casting which allows me to utilise the use of my imprints, I like to accentuate these textures with the application of oxidisation and Keum -boo.

What are you listening to? 

I listen to various music, but mostly I just listen to the radio when I am working even if it is just on in the background.

What’s next for you?

 I am looking forward to carrying on what I am doing and adding some new work to my collection allowing me to showcase my work in markets and fairs. I enjoy creating pieces that have a sentimental connection to the wearer something that they can look at and remember a happy moment.  Also, carry on gaining skills I would like to expand my skills in various stone-setting techniques.

Which is your favourite piece?

I think my favourite piece is the silver square ring with the gold stripe and the oxidised version. I like the texture of the shore on it and the way it can be worn in various ways on the finger to show different textures, the square rings are so comfortable to wear.  

Finally, for fun, what would be your dream piece to make or person to make for?

Not sure what my dream piece would be to make, maybe something for a film…. That would be exciting!!