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Meet The Maker - Scarlett Cohen French
Posted on 11 Jul 08:05
This week we speak to Scarlett Cohen French as part of our Meet the maker series. We are thrilled to be showcasing pieces from both her 'Burnt Blues' and the 'Disarray' collection for our Summer Statements Exhibition.
'Burnt blues' features a collection of enamelled jewellery with signature 24c gold leaf, like shimmering ripple on the ocean. The disarray collection is inspired by her love of geometry and characterised by the layering and repeating of geometric patterns.
When your jewellery making journey begin?
I’ve always been drawn to jewellery—back in my art foundation days, I’d experiment by knitting with wire and turning textiles into wearable pieces. I’ve also been collecting gemstones since I was a teenager—I've got little boxes of them stashed everywhere!
But it was at Glasgow School of Art where my real journey with metal began. That’s where I refined my skills, figured out what truly inspires me, and learned from some incredibly inspiring tutors. I also did a study exchange at a jewellery school in Tokyo, which completely shifted how I think about making. The Japanese approach is so precise and considered—it really made me reflect on my own process. Now, my studio practice feels like a constant dance between chaos and control, spontaneity and structure.
Who inspires you the most? (No rules here, other jewellers, artists or even family & friends)
Oh many many makers and studio buddies. But right now probably my 3 year old son is giving me the most drive- mainly because I now appreciate how precious my making time is (especially now is cut in half!)
Where did you find inspiration for the earrings in the exhibition, tell us a little bit about each one if you can?
My large statement earrings are inspired by short films I create, which I call digital feedback loops. I take stills from these films and deconstruct them into harmonious graphic shapes and patterns. The octagon appears often in my work—it’s essentially a rotated pixel, and it’s become a recurring motif in my jewellery. I'm also deeply inspired by spontaneity, especially when working at the enamelling kiln. I use heat almost like a drawing tool, coaxing colour out of the metal. It’s a very instinctual process—this is where the ‘chaos’ element really comes into play.
If you weren’t a jeweller what would choose as a career?
Art teacher- its always in the back of my mind! I had very inspiring art teachers and have much respect for the job!
Sounds of the Studio - what are you listening to? We’d love to hear about podcasts recommendations/ studio playlists/ the sounds that motivate you?
I listen to audio books- classics and a little trashy!! Gilles Peterson on radio 6, extensive playlists. If the job is particularly gruelling and repetitive (like a lot of batch jewellery making!) I’ll even stick on a TV show in the back ground to keep me at my bench undistracted!
What’s next for you and your brand?
This year I’ll be at Goldsmiths fair in September and MADE Marylebone in October. I’m also working of a new ring collection- something I’ve been thinking about for along time.
Which is your favourite piece you’ve ever made?
Brooches, brooches- always brooches. Sometimes—and it’s rare—you finish a piece and it’s just perfect. There’s nothing nagging at the back of your mind, the process felt smooth, like everything just clicked. The stars aligned. Those are my favourite pieces, and they always seem to sell straight away. There’s a kind of magic to them—they’ve got that something special. In over 12 years of making, I think I’ve only had about 10 or 15 like that.
Here are a couple of them!
If you could choose anyone, historical or current who would you love to create something for?
Joanna Lumley for the stylish joy and enthusiasm she has with everything she touches!
Finally, for fun, what would be your absolute dream piece to make?
I’d love to make one of my epic big chain/necklaces in 18ct gold. Pure decadence for some rapper out there maybe!
