Emily Nixon creates fine jewellery with a sea worn character, inspired by forms and textures found along the shore where she lives in West Cornwall. Following her training in Fine Art and Textiles and ten years as a gallery curator, she returned to her own creative process in 2002.
Drawn to asymmetry and imperfections in nature, I work in gold, platinum and gemstones, excited by the juxtaposition of luxurious materials and a rugged sea worn aesthetic. Seaweed is a constant fascination; I collect and dry it and these sculptural tendrils and tangles hang on my workshop wall for reference.
Dazzling sapphires and diamonds, captured amongst folds and frills, create ‘seaweed settings’ which have become my own distinct creative language. In particular it is the hues found in natural sapphires which provide my palette. This play between form, texture and colour creates the earthy luxuriance I look for in my designs.
My process is informed by a background in sculpture and textiles – I use soft beeswax which I model with my hands and the bespoke tools I have made or found myself. I model, twist and manipulate shapes and love the serendipity and freedom that results. I then use the lost wax process to cast these forms, meticulously finishing each piece, keeping the deliberate scuffs and irregularities that hark back to the organic, beach found inspiration.
This creative process results in entirely unique, one-of-a-kind designs. I also work on small limited editions of repeatable pieces and re-imagined designs using clients own diamonds. A meaningful relationship with the wearer is paramount; to be worn as part of your everyday, to be treasured as heirlooms of the future.
