Meet The Maker - Ruth Leslie

This week we speak to Ruth Leslie, Edinburgh based jewellery designer whose signature style of sculptural fine twisted wire jewellery is tactile and playful. Recycled silver wires are finely twisted by hand using an old-fashioned drill which is then cut and wrapped around frames to create tactile, refined forms. Wearable sculptures that are more than just decorative but intriguing and detailed with a subtle movement – "like dangling architecture".

When did your jewellery making journey begin?

I studied Silversmithing & Jewellery in Glasgow from 2011-2015, after many years of being taught art at school with a very fine art focus. I had never worked with metal before and the concept of learning such an ancient skill intrigued me, hence applying to study at GSA. Both my mum and my aunt had unique jewellery collections – my aunt has a real interest in contemporary, art jewellery, so no doubt this had an effect on me too. After graduating in 2015, I had found my signature style and had many designs I wanted to make, so my collection has just been continually added to over these 10 years!

Who inspires you the most? 

I love the work of Norwegian jeweller Tone Vigeland – I am inspired regulary by modernist jewellery from Scandinavia etc. My aunt (mentioned above) is an art teacher and has inspired and influenced me in many ways.

Where did you find inspiration for the earrings in the exhibition, tell us a little bit about each one if you can?

My work is predominantly inspired by fabric, threads, textiles, textile machinery… I aim to create tactile pieces with movement. The Heddle Earrings dangle and have a beautiful sway to them, whilst the Heddle Stackable Studs are more structured sculptures for your ear lobes.

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

I would have my own art gallery/retail space, or do something completely different, like study languages.

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

I design through play – I mock up metal samples regularly. Each new design tends to bring forth a new idea to then play around with. I used to be a lot more active in my sketchbook, which I’d like to get back to in future.

Sounds of the Studio - what are you listening to? We’d love to hear about podcasts recommendations/ studio playlists/ the sounds that motivate you?

My favourites right now are the Louis Theroux and A Bit Fruity podcasts, and I always listen to The Guardian Today in Focus for my daily dose of news. Otherwise I watch a lot of YouTube, mostly when I’m working with my twisted wires.

Which is your favourite piece you’ve ever made?

The Ossein Collar is my favourite sculptural piece but the Heddle Earrings will always have a place in my heart, as they were one of my first designs.

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

I would love to make a huge wall piece – a metal tapestry! Perhaps in the not too far future…

Ruth's Collection is available to view and purchase as part of our Summer Statements Exhibition. Featuring over fifty unique statement earrings, blending artistic flair with innovative design.

Showcasing the talented works of: Deco Echo, Gill Galloway-Whitehead Isobel Sullivan, Loveness Lee, Rebecca Burt, Ruth Leslie, Sarah Straussberg and Scarlett Cohen French.