| Upcoming exhibitions | As part of York Open Studios 2007, which takes place on the 23rd, 24th and 25th March, Sarah will be exhibiting some of her work at the Mount School, York. Sarah has also been selected as 'Jeweller of the Month' at the Pyramid Gallery on Stonegate in York, and her work will be on display there for a month, from Monday 19th March. If you can't get along to either of these exhibitions but would like to contact Sarah about her work, you can call her on her mobile (07950632889) or email via [email protected] |
I established my jewellery business in 2003, but I have been interested in and making jewellery for over nine years through education and training. When I graduated in 2003 from the University of Central England with a first class BA Hons in jewellery and silversmithing I was granted a second year place at the prestigious Jewellery School on the strength of my work and the distinction achieved on the completion of a Higher National Diploma. I’m now based in York, where I design and create my jewellery for galleries and exhibitions. I love living and working in York, my surroundings and the nature of the people, it gives me great inspiration to create new pieces. | "The individual brooches, pendants and rings are highly detailed, but through the subtle combination of materials they appear calm and sophisticated." | |
‘Detailed and Pure’ was one of the first jewellery collections I created at university. The pieces in the collection combined ornate and decorative pattern with simple geometric form. Opulent wallpaper and textiles found within Victorian stately homes were the starting point for my jewellery collection, and are still a strong influence in my work now. The individual brooches, pendants and rings are highly detailed, but through the subtle combination of materials they appear calm and sophisticated. Precious metals such as silver and 18ct gold are combined with textured porcelain. I use a mix of traditional jewellery skills and modern industrial processes to make my work; this work captures a historic romanticism but appeals to a contemporary taste. I’ve had great success with my work, having gained many national and international awards and prizes. In addition, my work has been exhibited at a number of high profiled exhibitions including the 2002 Inhorgenta trade fair in Munich, a travelling exhibition in America with ‘Lark Books’ in 2004 and 2006, and IJL (International Jewellery London) show 2004. At present my work is moving forwards, but still takes a strong influence from my recent work and interest; I have been looking back through my research, books and notes, and am developing my work and taking the designs further for a new range. I love detail and pattern and mixing it next to plain and calm surfaces. Sarah Chilia | 
