There was lots to see at the Glasgow School of Art, but I'm focusing on my favorite sections because I'm selfish like that. On Monday it was Fashion & Textiles and today is the turn of Silversmithing & Jewellery. There was plenty to see, unfortunately most of it was behind clear surfaces, so please excuse the reflections in these photos.
I seem to have been attracted to a mix of bold colours and strong textures. I was a bit disappointed by the lack of artist statements but the collections all looked really strong. Here's a closer look at some of my favourites, starting with the brighter pieces.
Duan Hangchen
Cao Zhouyi
I loved Duan Hangchen's use of color and the mix of it through out the collection. So bright and bold! I especially enjoyed the neon pink in the brooch pictured, it looks like cells with colourful little nuclei.
Cao Zhouyi created some real statement pieces, especially the bright yellow necklace above. The random pink spike really lifts the piece and the size of it was mighty impressive. The rings also caught my attention, looking like bright little satellite dishes that could possibly be used for alien communication. Or is that just me?!
As well as color I also fell for a lot of interesting textures and shapes. Just look at these beauties.
Lotte Letch
Lindsay Hill
Kirsty McQueen
Lotte Letch's rings really caught my eye. The texture of the colourful elements mixed perfectly with the unusual settings that almost looked like they could come alive and start moving at any moment.
The work of Lindsay Hill was truly stunning. Again it was the rings in particular that attracted my attention. I love the way the stone sits in them and how the metal reflects traditional gem cuts. The brooches were also rather impressive, with some of the metal shapes giving the impression of crystals forming.
Kirsty McQueen's work was displayed in amongst stones and skulls, which is always a winner for me. Each piece had a rough texture but in a completely different way, creating many unique pieces that also managed to become part of a cohesive collection.
I would have happily added all of these jewels to my collection (bank balance permitting) but it was some humorous and fun pieces that really captured my heart.
Liu Tong
I am a sucker for jewelry that doesn't take itself too seriously but also has a bit of a creepy edge. Liu Tong's collection fit into this category perfectly. It mixes two of my favourite, and completely disjointed things, into statement pieces of jewelry. Those things being hands and sharks. There are also a number of other fun animals thrown into the mix for good measure.
Next week I'll be sharing some photos from my visit to the Gray's School of Art and then I think that's it for the degree show fun for a while.
