An exhibition of new work by Dot Sim combining glass vessels with jewellery is currently on at the Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh.

Dot, who graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art with a Masters Degree in Design in 2001, last year attended a masterclass with Australian jeweller Susan Cohn which inspired her to explore the possibilities of combining blown glass with precious metals.  

With the help of a creative development award from the Scottish Arts Council she was able to return to North Lands Creative Glass in Lybster earlier this year to learn to blow glass and to make a collection of containers for jewellery.

Talking about her new work she says “Working with the hot glass was really exciting. Unlike metal, the material is so fluid and has a mind of its own. But like traditional goldsmithing, the techniques and tools have hardly changed over the years. I am not against new technology, but I personally prefer the hands on experience of traditional working methods.”

Dot, who is based in Tayside, is inspired by the environment.  This new work continues her interest in the role of jewellery as “heirlooms that are handed down, providing intimate memories for future generations.”

She has also studied at the Alchemia Jewellery School in Florence and completed a Masterclass with Italian goldsmith Giovanni Corvaja.

The new work is on show at the Scottish Gallery, Dundas Street, Edinburgh from 11 September to 4 October 2006.  She will then be showing the work at Origin: the London Craft Fair at Somerset House in London from 10 to 15 October 2006.