I Graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone Art College in 2007 with my degree B(Des) Hons. I design and create jewellery to be exhibited all over the country from the remote Highland village of Lochinver. I was awarded a grant from the Scottish Arts Council to help with this My jewellery is inspired by rich, decorative patterns and forms from a bygone era i.e intricate lace work, architectural features, wallpapers, fabrics. I aim to bring this into a contemporary setting by adopting modern techniques and processes along with traditional techniques. So a unique hybrid of vintage and contemporary is achieved as for a timeless piece of jewellery.
Once I have confirmed a design by experimenting with decorative forms and components in a 3D modelling package, I create 2D vector artwork in the programme Illustrator. The shape and pattern created in this is then fully and/or partially photo etched from sheet silver. I then have decorative components which I piece togetherand use a variety of techniques to achieve a final piece, including: riveting, stone setting, doming, fly pressing. I also use a cold enamelling technique using quite subtle contemporary colours. This is like a resin which is painted on and hardens to a very durable finish. I then sand back and polish.
barbara-macleod.com
Layered Swirl Brooch - Silver with 18ct gold settings, aquamarine, sapphires, topaz with various blue enamels
