about AlyS
Designer, maker, teacher, creator, mentor, jeweller.
Hello. I'm Alys. I graduated from The University of Derby in 2004 with a BA in Sustainable Design and Practice and completed an MA in Contemporary Craft at Nottingham Trent University in September 2016. I have worked as a self employed designer, maker and jeweller since 2004 and I'm lead tutor at Nottingham Jewellery School. I've written three books on jewellery making and creative practice and I support other makers and jewellers as a creative and business mentor.
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IMPERFECT JEWELLRY
FOR IMPERFECT BODIES
​​I don't make regular jewellery - even the rings and bangles I create are irregular, oval shapes. No-one has round fingers so why would we wear round rings? The imperfect forms fit our imperfect bodies and are flattering, comfortable and contemporary. I create work in small collections of one of designs and explorations of a theme. I also create bespoke, commissioned work combining my creative practice with the requirements and desires of each customer.
INSPIRATION
& MAKING
My work begins on paper. I use drawing, mark making and collage to discover and learn, inspired by the natural and man-made world around me. Recording observations, experiences and responses.
Current collections explore natural forms such as mitochondria, botanicals, shells, stones and bodies as well as man made objects - standing stones, tools and architecture. These moments of inspiration feed into my drawing and marking making which in turn inspires the more abstract forms of my jewellery.
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Each piece of jewellery is a sculptural exploration of colour, texture, line, form, and pattern distilled into imperfect simplicity. I take each design element to it's simplest and most refined form whilst maintaining the spontaneity and energy of the work.
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I work in a range of materials - metal, wood, stone, enamel - each piece is a one off and hand made, by me, start to finish.
