Most of my jewellery incorporates slate or enamel. When I first set up in business I concentrated on hand cutting and filing slate, sometimes inlaying silver and mother-of-pearl. With the purchase of a kiln for enamelling I began to introduce colour combining enamel with slate, making many pieces reversible to give the wearer a choice of colour. I use enamel powder dry, sprinkling on thin layers of colour, sometimes drawing into the powder enamel or rubbing it back once fired to reveal colours underneath. I also enamel on thin copper shim overheating the enamel to make it burn away from the raised marks that are scored into the metal. More intricate brooches made in 2002 were influenced by the composition of Elizabeth Blackadders paintings with many elements including mother of pearl and semiprecious stones being riveted on to the enamel.
My latest work now involves simple, bold shapes, which are concave or convex. Each piece is usually one colour although there may be many colours and shades underneath giving the colour depth. The finish is matt making the enamel resemble ceramic or stone.