Liz's work is inspired by the environments that she sees around her while out running. Travelling on foot through the landscape allows us a greater appreciation of the colours, contours and textures of the world around us, and gives us the opportunity to see aspects of the environment not often noticed in the rush and chaos of day to day life.
Each piece evolves from an aspect of a run that catches her attention, from flat slate pebbles on a beach that slide sideways when stepped on, or a footpath disappearing down a lichen-rich tree tunnel, to being surrounded by the vibrant colours and noises of a large road race like the London Marathon.
She uses silver and gold wire to form an appropriate shape for the piece, and then hand stitches over part or all of it with silk threads, occasionally using pearls or semi-precious stone or glass beads, to add the colour and texture relevant to the run she is trying to portray. Although this is a time consuming process, it does mean that Liz is constantly reminded of her favourite places to run whilst she works!
Image credits (from left): Pebbles necklace – Silver & Silk Thread (Keith Leighton), Fenland Sunset necklace – Oxidised Silver & Silk Thread (Keith Leighton), Autumn Leaves brooch – 9ct Gold, Silver & Silk Thread (Keith Leighton)
Liz Willis Jewellery
Jewellery
T: 01462 712373 / 07919430984
Contact: Liz Willis
contact@lizwillisjewellery.co.uk
Forthcoming shows:
“Natural Beauty”–Diana Porter Contemporary Jewellery, Bristol 3rd Feb–27th April 2012; “Rising Stars”–New Ashgate Gallery, Farnham, Surrey, 4th April–5th May 2012; “Made in Clerkenwell”–Craft Central, 24th–27th May 2012; British Craft Trade Fair, Stand 257, Harrogate, 15th–17th April 2012; The Contemporary Craft Festival, Bovey Tracey, Devon, 15th–17th June 2012