Hello there! What a gloriously sunny few days we have been having. Perfect! It's also a perfect time to introduce one of our makers. Elin Horgan. Elin creates stunning delicate jewellery pieces and we couldn't be happier to have her work in our Made in Britain Shop. We caught up with her recently to find out more about her creative life...
Please can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your
work?
Hello there, I’m Elin. I’m originally from Wales, but have lived in Bristol for
over 10 years now. I work predominantly in silver to make modern, minimal
jewellery.
Apart from creating things what else do you do?
I spend most of the rest of my time running around after a lively two year old.
When did you know you were an artist/maker?
Probably not until I set up my business last year. I wanted to be a jeweller
when I was at school, but didn’t pursue art beyond sixth form and ended going
in a non-creative direction career wise.
I took up jewellery making as a hobby a few years ago, selling occasional
pieces to family and friends. After the birth of my son I decided it was time to
shake things up a bit and resurrect those childhood dreams!
What do you love most about working in your chosen discipline?
I love the challenge of turning an idea into reality and that fact that as a
jeweller you are constrained by having to produce something wearable.
I also find the whole making process completely absorbing. I’m naturally
impatient, but making jewellery is very calming because you’re forced to work
slowly. If you rush you end up making mistakes.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Anything and everything really, but particularly architecture and the urban
environment. I love walking around the city looking at buildings and noseying
into nooks and crannies. Anything might spark off an idea - from the shape of
a window to the pattern on a manhole cover.
Describe your studio or workspace?
Well, I share it with the washing machine and four bikes, but luckily I don’t
need a huge amount of room. My bench and tool board are tucked away on
one side with jam jars full of files and drawers for various bits and bobs. I’ve
got some speakers so I can listen to music and I’m near enough the kitchen to
ensure a constant supply of strong coffee…both essential parts of my creative
process!
If you could peek inside the studio of any artist, designer or
craftsman (dead or alive), who would it be?
David Watkins – his jewellery never fails to delight and he always pushes the
boundaries of materials and innovative techniques.
How would you describe your creative process?
It mostly happens in my head, but I have to do lots of sketching to understand
whether something will work or not. Sometimes I make up a prototype then
tweak, other times I just go for it on the basis that I can always wear it myself
if it doesn’t quite work. I have quite an extensive collection of not-quite-right
jewellery.
What handmade possession do you most cherish?
A couple of beautiful wooden Shaker boxes that my dad made. He was
a scientist, but also very creative and made lots of things in our house –
everything from cooking utensils to furniture.
What do you when you are stuck in a creative rut?
I need plenty of time to sit quietly and daydream so a long train or car journey
usually does the trick.
Which is your favourite local independent shop or eatery in Bristol
& why?
I love Zazu’s Kitchen on Gloucester Road – it’s just up the road from me and is
great for a dinner as well as lazy weekend brunches.
Where would you like to be in ten years?
Barbados?!
Thank you Elin. A really lovely insight into your creative world. You can find Elin's beautiful work in our Made in Britain shop. Pop on down this Easter to find perfect gifts for your loved ones.
Made in Britain
Quakers Friars
Cabot Circus
Bristol
Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm
Sun: 11am - 5pm
We are closed on Easter Sunday but open as normal on the Easter Bank Holidays
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