Kate Bajic, 2016, UK

Endurance (brooch)

I have always had an affinity for working with metal. During my training as a jeweller I created small-scale, intricate models out of brass and copper shim, as I preferred to work directly with materials rather than sketch out concepts. I still work intuitively with materials and let them lead me in the process of making; happy accidents and discoveries can be the basis for new designs.

My current work is inspired by lichen and seeks not only to create beautiful, tactile, wearable jewellery, but also to inform both the wearer and the viewer in surprising ways, by adding details, such as chemical compound structures, which relate to specific lichen species and their functions in the wider world.

Silver, oxidised silver, 8×7×2cm