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.
IMPERFECT JEWELLERY
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.
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.
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.
