JOANNE THOMPSON

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Joanne Thompson12 necklaces3 - 27 April 2013

“After graduating from Edinburgh College of Art with a 1st class Honours Degree I went on to complete an MA in Jewellery at the Royal College of Art in London. With the help of a ‘Setting Up Award’ from the Crafts Council I began my jewellery studio from which I have been creating one-off pieces alongside batch production ranges since 1995. Using mainly silver and oxidised silver, I employ unit construction methods to assemble necklaces, bracelets and rings. The simple form of the circle is always the starting point when designing each piece of jewellery and this stems from my interest in chain mail techniques. By adapting these ancient patterns, often changing the scale or by adding texture, I am provided with endless inspiration. My design preference is to concentrate on a minimal palette of black and white (silver and oxidised silver) and my aim is to create contemporary striking jewellery, which can be worn both for special occasions and every day. Movement and comfort are important factors in the wearing of these unique handmade pieces, where each design results in jewellery that is durable, tactile, fluid, light and full of volume. For this exhibition at the Scottish Gallery I am showing 12 necklaces, this new body of work has been made with the benefit of a research and development award from the Inches Carr Trust, enabling further exploration into the translation of ancient chain mail patterns into contemporary jewellery.”

Joanne Thompson, March 2013

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List of works

1. Chain Design 7: Pod Necklace in Oxidised Silver, 76cm long (2012) £13502 & 7. Chain Design 4: Curled Lariat Necklace in Silver, 90cm long (2013) £12503. Chain Design 8: Flat Chainmail Necklace in Oxidised Silver, 95cm long (2013) £11504. Chain Design 9: Flat Chainmail Necklace in Silver, 96cm long (2013) £11005 & 6. Chain Design 5: Double Layer Chain Necklace in Oxidised Silver, 75cm long (2012) £675

Photography by Paul Gray