Lucy Sylvester

This month, we are thrilled to feature local artist, Lucy Sylvester. Lucy is a local handmade jeweller and mum of two cheeky boys; Archie 9 and Alfie 8. Her work is directly inspired by the countryside, from cow parsley stems, rye grass, to lichen, leaves, twigs and dead bugs (!) to create fine botanical jewellery - cast from British countryside plants and insects with a scattering of diamonds. Lucy has exhibited her work around the world, been published in many books and magazines, and shown at London's prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Probably most well known is her Hawk moth and poppy seed head ring which was worn by Sansa Stark in the hit TV series Game of Thrones. Her jewellery is also owned by some incredible people including Country file presenters and the nations favourite Dame!

1.Lucy Sylvester Dragonfly necklace £390.jpg

HOW DID YOU BECOME A JEWELLERY DESIGNER LUCY?

I've always been a nature lover, on walks as a child my pockets would be filled with snail shells and leaves. After my A-levels my plan was to print fabrics. I loved designing and screen printing material. I discovered metalwork and jewellery whilst completing an Art foundation course. From there I studied jewellery at Birmingham's School of Jewellery and then worked on my own pieces alongside teaching jewellery at a local college. A few years later I went back to University to take an MA in jewellery and metal work, this is where I focused and developed using nature in my work.
I started working on a website while I was teaching, so doing both on a part time basis. The college changed, I decided to take voluntary redundancy. It gave me the push to leave my safety net and work for myself full time. The first time I applied, I got accepted to have a stand at London's Chelsea Flower Show and I’ve been in business ever since.

WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES YOU?

I am inspired by Nature - it has the most beautiful lines and textures and changes with the seasons, so I use it as directly as possible.
My studio is filled with skip salvaged science jars filled with woodland and beach finds including a wasps nest with the coloured stripes from all the different woods. Bird nests blown from trees entwined with feathers, twine, grass and sheep wool and small skulls and bones. I love the textures that nature brings, much of my work uses the fine details taken from bark, leaves and shells.
My mouse nibbled hazel nut pendant came from my garden after we moved house. I'd seen a mouse occasionally run along a wall in our garden. Under some tiles I discovered a stash of nut and seed husks, including the hazel nut shell, now in solid silver.
Andy Goldsworthy is one of my favourite artists, his work is just stunning. I like to create patterns inspired by his work when I'm in the woods or on the beach with my boys.

WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?

I take moulds from delicate woodland finds, dead insects, twigs, fallen leaves, and cast into the cavity they leave, this process allows me to create exact replicas of life in solid silver and gold that retain the finest details.
My insect based jewellery designs are all made from naturally deceased specimens, found by me or sent to me by people who know my work.
I give the specimens a new life in solid silver or gold, modern day fossils of the wildlife we have today.

Inspiration- tools-jewellery. 18ct Gold moths with uncut rubies and diamonds £4875.00.jpg

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?

The most recent collection is the coastal collection, inspired by shells and sea urchin shells which have the most incredible textures.
Living in Oxfordshire means we have to plan trips to the coast, the coastal pieces have evolved after family trips to stunning beaches on the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Cornwall and Wales. West Scotland is next on my hit list.
The coastal work is perfect for the summer, and compliments the leaves and seed head collections that can feel autumnal or wintery.
I've recently tried creating Cyanotypes. I've used the natural forms that I'm drawn to in my jewellery, but it was a very different way of working. I loved it. I shall be using my results in a new collection! The Cyanotype course was with Laura Boffin at Boffin photography.

WHAT JEWELLERY DO YOU WEAR?

My wardrobe essential is the hawk moth necklace. I have the short chain version. It's a statement necklace that works with jeans or dressed up in the evening.
I also wear a gold stack of rings, a gold bark band, a gold twig ring set with a cabochon rainbow moonstone and a gold bat made by a friend.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR FELLOW ARTISTS?

If you can find others to help you in your business, use them. The more you can do that, the more time you have to think and be creative. Also find ways to make life easier, I use programmes like FreeAgent to do my accounting.
I have a stone setter and engraver that I send jewellery too, I can stone set, I do much of it, but it takes me much longer than someone who only does setting everyday.
When you get stuck -
Try something new.
Meet a friend for coffee.
Have a few days off!
And remember we all have good and bad days in the studio!