Made in Britain, Meet the Maker - Charlotte Bezzant

Today's Meet the Maker is Charlotte Bezzant - the super talented jeweller from London.  Over to you Charlotte:

Please can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your work? 

My name is Charlotte. I make jewellery in silver. Sometimes I like to include solid silver casts of little bits that have inspired me, like twigs and shells, in my jewellery. Sometimes I etch little phrases that I have scribbled in my sketchbook or have heard. I am inspired by all sorts of things, and make jewellery that I like to wear. 

Apart from creating things what else do you do? 

As well as making jewellery, I am a mum to two boys (in fact jewellery making has to fit round their lives). I run marathons (but not this year!), grow my own vegetables, and keep chickens in my London garden. 

When did you know you were an artist/maker? 

I have always known! Back in the sixties my mum studied Three Dimensional design, and my dad trained as an Architect. I grew up in a house where drawing and making things were part of everyday life. I genuinely feel that doing something creative is as necessary to me as breathing. 

What do you love most about working in your chosen discipline? 

I just really enjoy making things; so to translate something that inspires me, into something I want to wear brings a smile to my face. Some of my happiest times are when I am in my garden studio, the sun steaming in, the doors flung wide, and the birds singing, while I am busy making. 

Where does your inspiration come from? 

It can come from anything, but normally somewhere I have visited. The work in Made in Britain came about after an amazing trip to the Arctic wilderness. The glittering ice and snow was breathtaking and beautiful. The little twig incorporated in the work was plucked from the snow in -20 degrees. The words were scribbled in my sketchbook after coming inside to escape the ice that formed on your lashes. 

Describe your studio or workspace? 

I have the most amazing purpose built studio in my garden. I've already mentioned how I love working there in the Summer, but I also love it when the rain is drumming on the roof, or when it's frosty outside. It's well insulated so I am always snug and warm. One side looks out on my veggie patch, the other on my chickens, it white, and bright, and it's my own little sanctuary! 

If you could peek inside the studio of any artist, designer or craftsman (dead or alive), who would it be? 

I am a nosy wotsit, and love looking in all creative spaces. I cant pin myself down to one name, but I would pick a mixed media artist so I could gawp at fabrics and found treasures. 

How would you describe your creative process? 

Something I have seen will inspire me. I might be able to scribble in a sketch book straight away, or it might be something that sits at the back of my mind for months, waiting for me to work out where I'm going with it. Sometimes I just buy gemstones. Some shout at me, and I have to have them, then I will make a ring that's just right for that particular stone. 

What handmade possession do you most cherish? 

Right now it's a little canvas of Cherry Blossom on blue sky, painted by my seven year old for Mother's day. 

What do you when you are stuck in a creative rut? 
It hasn't happened yet, but it could be a good excuse for an inspiration seeking holiday! 

Where would you like to be in ten years?

I can't possibly think that far ahead. Right now I think I am lucky indeed to be able to do something that I love, that some other people also like it enough to buy, and that it can fit round my family so I can always be there for my boys.

Thank you Charlotte! We all have serious studio envy!  You can find Charlotte's beautiful pieces of jewellery in our Made in Britain shop until June 2013.

Made in Britain shop is now OPEN!

Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm

Sun:  11am - 5pm

Quakers Friars, Cabot Circus, Bristol