1. Tell us about your practice and what led you down your chosen path as a maker.

I am now in the 20th year of my practice. I am suited to jewellery as a specialism as I have always made things, and I feel like I have a natural affinity with the materials and processes.

I have taught on the Silversmithing and Jewellery programme at The Glasgow School of Art since 2009.

2. Tell us about your materials.

I use silver and gold in my work. The oxidised silver references various ornamental details that I abstract from my photographs: architectural ironwork, carved stonework, etc. It also refers to the lines and silhouettes of my drawings and lets me directly transfer what is in my sketchbooks into 3-dimensional objects.

3. Can you share more about the process behind your Collect 2024 collection?

I use various techniques and processes using sheet and wire, focusing on surface and outline. In my work for Collect, I made multiple surfaces through etching, engraving (in mother of pearl), enamel texture (reminiscent of Venice's walls), and building grids and patterns in wire. The wireframes on the reverse of some brooches are a decorative support for the front, while adhering to pattern and decoration rules and highlighting the grid's importance in ornament.

4. What inspired your collection for Collect 2024?

The elements of a sense of place appear in my work as a reference to the architecture and decoration surrounding us. Recent work reflects a hybrid of places; the repetition of forms and shapes in classical architecture that inspires me. Viewers will see traces of Venice that continue to influence me. My ongoing interest in ornament, particularly architectural ornament, was a valuable parallel.

5. Tell us about your approach to sustainable making in this work.

In keeping with the traditions of the jeweller, I use recycled metals (often recycling them myself).

6. What do you hope the viewer will take away from this work?

I am content with the thought that people will make personal connections and associations when viewing or wearing my work.