Living and working in the northwest highlands I have become very aware of our smallness on this planet and frequently come into contact with the other creatures who co-exist with us, making me think about the relationship we have with them.

I have walked along a deserted west coast beach in the fading evening light with a seal swimming beside me, watching from the safety of it's ocean habitat. I have also found dead seals on the beach, shot by local fishermen - a continual conflict in this part of the highlands. Of course, shooting seals does not protect fish stocks from over fishing - but try telling the fishermen that, it is like telling gamekeepers not to shoot foxes, golden eagles or badgers which share their stalking grounds, a futile crusade against tradition and ignorance.

In my work I try to make people contemplate these issues. With "Selkie's Song" the aim of the piece is to show the natural beauty of the seal and the ethereal beauty of the world from which it occasionally raises its head and makes eye contact with the jeweller on the beach.

 

"Selkie's Song" Lapel Painting fine silver and cloisonne enamel.

"Trophies" is a reflection on how i feel about the culling of seals, it is akin to trophy hunting. It may make the fisherman feel good but it has no impact whatsoever on aquaculture. It does, however have an impact on the unfortunate tourists who find seals that have been shot washed up on west coast beaches.

"Trophies" Seal's tusks set in enamelled fine silver mounts on a neckpiece of sterling silver and "peacock" pearls.

 

"Dish of Fish" shows two small mackerel on a white plate with gold cutlery on either side, implying that in the future mackerel and other such species will become so over fished by commercial trawlers that they will become a rare and expensive delicacy. For me it conjures memories of mackeral caught in the fading light off a rock on the north west coast, cooked and eaten on the beach whilst watching the sun redden the sky.

"Dish of Fish" Lapel Painting, fine silver, gold and cloisonne enamel.

 

 

"Perseverance" I am very influenced by the enamelled jewellery of Rene Lalique, who in turn was influenced by Japanese decorative art. Golden carp were an important symbol of perseverance. The continuous chain of fish symbolises the continuous circle of life beneath the ocean.

"Perseverance" Necklace gold, fine silver, cloisonne enamel and freshwater pearls.

 

"Perseverance" earrings gold fish on enamelled fine silver ear studs.