Meet The Maker - Matilda Press

Today we're talking to Matilda Press and her 'Capture Collection'. 

Matilda's collection responds to humanity’s ability to create so much artificial light that it dims stars from view. Exploring this tension, Matilda’s work takes the form of geometric structures made from precious metal and gemstones. The stones are suspended within metal grids, partially obscured yet contained, capturing their essence in a new light. 

We were drawn to the contrasting lightness of the geometric structures that hold bold oversized gemstones. The mismatched pairings and asymmetrical designs are lightweight and eye catching, capturing the essence of light and movement.

When did your jewellery making journey begin?

My Jewellery making journey began when I was introduced to making paper maquettes and body adornments during my first year at Dundee University (DJCAD). During my foundation year basically all teaching had moved online, and so for the jewellery block the only option was making from paper. As someone who has aways enjoyed ‘cutting and sticking’ it was the perfect and un-daunting way into making jewellery and imagining shapes on the body. From there I moved onto metals and was completely hooked. 

Who inspires you the most? (No rules here, other jewellers, artists or even family & friends)

There are a couple of jewellers I’m always brought back to that inspire me massively. Fernando Jorge, a jeweller who’s work was introduced to me by a lecturer. I love the way all his work is connected to and takes inspiration from the world around him, even if not completely obvious to the viewer at first. It’s organic, bold and unique fine jewellery that I’m in awe of. 

At the moment I’m loving and inspired by Shimell and Madden. They have the most amazing wire working skills and produce such clean geometric and elegant pieces, I find myself constantly on their instagram watching their amazing craftsmanship! There are many more and I’m always coming across new designers and makers that inspire me!

How do you work - Please can you tell us a little bit about your creative process?

My work always seems to begin at the bench, with the materials in front of me and a vague idea of direction, designing as I make. Sketch-booking in a traditional sense was never really for me, I tried at University to make it a larger part of my process but was always playing catch up with it. I’ve since realised I most often figure out new compositions, shapes and settings with the metal as I go, leaning from past pieces, seeing what works and what doesn’t, a kind of trial and error process. I always design alongside my slightly experimental process, either drawing out quick sketches or detailed final designs and different possibilities. 

Sounds of the Studio - what are you listening to? 

I love a podcast or audiobook, either jewellery related or not! There’s something so nice about having people quietly talking in the background. I also love a having a the radio on in the studio as sort of background noise, while everyone else there works away on their own stuff and chats to each other as they go. 

What’s next for you and your brand?

My work mostly takes the form of earrings, as I’ve always loved how they are kind of like tiny little sculptures with hooks and backs on them making them wearable. Someone’s earrings are always the first thing I notice them. However I really want to start pushing myself with designing and making a collection of rings. I love rings but seem to always struggle to translate my work and style into them. With trial and error I’m slowly getting there, and aiming for a collection of statement but wearable rings in the new year. 

Which is your favourite piece either historically or from your current collection?

My favourite pair of earrings I’ve made was during my 3rd year at Dundee University, a pair of sculptural wire earrings based on shapes created by Lava. These earrings were one-offs for a project and were so time consuming to make, however i’d love to go back to them at some point and bring them forward into a new collection!

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

My absolute dream at the moment is to start working with and making anything in gold. With its crazy price right now that’s not quite possible, but as a gold wearer and lover, the idea of realising my work in a buttery gold tone really excites me. 

Matilda's Collection is available to view and purchase as part of our New Designers Exhibition.  Dedicated to championing emerging artists and offering a supportive platform for graduate jewellery designers to showcase their collections.

Showcasing the talented works of:

Maisy Beardmore, Makila Nsika, Matilda Press and Yosef Salih Murad.