Wednesday, 1 August 2012

Pitt Rivers Jewellery Collection

From the Pitt rivers collection the fighting rings, cuffs and armoury stood out the most for inspirational purposes. I loves the different shapes and forms that were used however the actual fighting element I was less concerned with as this did not interest me. 

I began looking more about how the pieces interacted with the body and how they fitted. Metal wrapped about the body in different ways created a lovely effect and so the experimentation began...


Forming rings and elongating spirals to see their form and what is created by altering the techniques slightly.

Above are two rings produced from inspiration of the hook rings from the Pitt Rivers Museum trip to Oxford. I have added stitch to the second ring which adds a hint of fragility to the otherwise strong statement outlandish ring.


Again these rings are based on the hook ring with the overall look of the ring changed ever so slightly to create another look.


The two fingered ring above is more comfortable than I ever thought that it would be. The comfort ability of a ring or even piece of jewellery has been one of the key features of this project. If it is not comfortable to wear then I would not wear it and therefore would not expect anyone else to either. I really love the simplicity of the second ring in the above picture this I made in sterling silver.


These knuckle rings are made in aluminium as mock ups of the final two fingered knuckle rings. The are so easy to wear and have been made in a way where you could quite easily type away on the computer and forget that you even have rings on your fingers. The stretch over the back of your hand therefore you do not need to worry that they will not fit the width of your hand.


Below is another two fingered ring that I have laser cut from black perspex. This is so light and easy to wear and just one of those lovely experiments in jewellery making.


The above S.O. ring has been forged from copper and lacquered black to give a matt-effect. I have also handmade this knuckle two finger ring in sterling silver and left with either a shiny or matt-look and also oxidised black for an alternative look. This ring would fit any hand.

Contemporary Forged Clear Perspex Ring Handmade By Stephanie Orman

This is a huge statement ring forged from perspex to create a completely unique ring. There is not another ring like this one and once it has gone that is it. It looks like a beautiful ice sculpture for the hand.



Contemporary Forged Clear Perspex Ring Handmade By Stephanie Orman

These selection of perspex rings were a great experimentation that ended in creating a lovely collection of contemporary handmade jewellery in perspex. They not only look great on the hand but also feel great.


Below is another ring straight out of my sketchbook and into reality. It is made from sterling silver and has a unique silver knot delicately placed on the top.

Contemporary Sterling Silver Knot Ring Handmade By Stephanie Orman

I have taken the above ring and also created matching earrings that have been left as shiny silver but also a set of oxidised earrings and ring to match.


Again more photographs of my S.O. two finger knuckle rings. I just love the simplistic lines of the rings and how comfortable they are to wear. A definite statement when worn.


Contemporary S.O. Knuckle Ring Handmade By Stephanie Orman

Making these collections of jewellery has been really enjoyable. I have got lots more ideas to taking this range further and for creating new ranges.

The jewellery collection has also been exhibited at Franny & Filer in Chorlton, Manchester through June & July 2012.

You can also follow me on Facebook through my page Stephanie Orman Jewellery

Pitt Rivers Visit & Jewellery Outcome

For the final project of the year on my Jewellery and Applied Arts course based in Manchester we had a trip to the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford. I had never been to this museum but oh was I glad that I did. The museum contains the most amazing artefacts from armoury to vases to jewellery to instruments. There are three floors in total, each with different sections of artefacts. If you have never been to the Pitt Rivers Museum then I advise that you go but be warned one day is not enough, you will need about a week to see everything!

So for my starting point for this short end of year jewellery project I began sketching the artefacts and taking notes about the pieces. I also took a huge amount of photographs of the Pitt Rivers collection so that I could refer to them at a later date. Below are just a few to give a small taster of what is there.

Pitt River Museum, Oxford, England, UK.  Photographs by Stephanie Orman
I was really taken with the fighting cuffs, rings and general armoury because of their interesting shapes and how they were attached to the body.

Pitt River Museum, Oxford, England, UK.  Photographs by Stephanie Orman
Pitt River Museum, Oxford, England, UK.  Photographs by Stephanie Orman
 These statues and totoem poles were magnificent too.
Pitt River Museum, Oxford, England, UK.  Photographs by Stephanie Orman
So from this visit to Pitt Rivers Museum a collection of jewellery was made based on what was seen. See the next blog post to see what handmade jewellery was made.
Pitt River Museum, Oxford, England, UK.  Photographs by Stephanie Orman


Pitt River Museum, Oxford, England, UK.  Photographs by Stephanie Orman
Pitt River Museum, Oxford, England, UK.  Photographs by Stephanie Orman
Pitt River Museum, Oxford, England, UK.  Photographs by Stephanie Orman

Monday, 30 January 2012

Acrylic Sheet Contemporary Jewellery

I have been working very hard on creating my next piece of contemporary jewellery whilst learning a wide variety of new jewellery making techniques. Below I have added a photograph of my final outcome.

Acrylic sheet and chain.


It was based on the fountains found in Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre.

I thourghly enjoyed creating this piece of jewellery and look forward to further honing my skills to create other pieces!


Stephie

Sunday, 1 January 2012

Happy New Year 2012

To mark the new year I have made this blog.

My name is Stephanie Orman and I am currently studying a FDA in Jewellery and Applied Arts.

The aim is to blog about the techniques and skills that I am learning on this course and to take photographs of the jewellery I create. Hopefully the processes along the way will be documented too!