If you want to know how to respond intuitively through the making process, ask Susan Cross. She was the joint winner of the Jerwood Applied Arts Prize 2007: Jewellery.
'Untitled' (11 x 6cm) by Susan Cross; Photo: Mark Howell, 2007
Susan Cross: Jewellery maker; Photo: Neil Bridge, 2007
Where does your inspiration come from?
My creative process is informed by travel amongst other cultures: each developmental stage can be identified with my experience of a place. I am inspired by the physical and emotional impact of these journeys, expressing this through complex structures, flexibility, sensuous line and colour.
'Earrings' various sizes by Susan Cross; Photo: Joel Degan, 1999
What made you decide to work in your chosen field?
Following a diagnostic art foundation course, I studied jewellery at Middlesex Polytechnic (now Middlesex University). Middlesex at this time gave an excellent grounding in metalworking skills, the core of my practise.
What's the process of creation?
I use oxidised silver because it echoes graphite. My techniques come principally from textiles: knotting, crocheting, weaving and winding, forms made from repeated elements using wire.
What are your aims?
I will continue to develop and explore new possibilities. I am also looking at finding a suitable residency, to give me the time and space to work in another country. This would be a new, exciting, challenging step!
How would you describe your work?
I explore the connections between textile and metal. Rich layered textural surfaces and contrasting dark and light metals combine in jewellery pieces that cross the border between textile and metal.
I am also very interested in movement within a piece alongside exploring the sensuality of the body through the tactility of materials.
Email: crossusan@googlemail.com
Telephone: +44 (0) 131 226 6939
Watch Susan's video
Susan describes, in her own words, the creative influences on her jewellery.
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