This talk by Bottomley and Gordon explored themes of sustainability and Jewellery education in cycles of collaboration and partnership, in work and projects presented by both makers.
The conference theme ‘Jewellery for life’, afforded an opportunity to explore a narrative that transcends the object to reflect the ‘maker, wearer and viewer’ (Cunningham, 2007) and the surrounding and interwoven ‘human-caused phenomena’ (Cheng, 2019).
The circle is one of the oldest and purest of geometrical forms and the association with jewellery, the ring, the collar, the bracelet is among many of its recognised symbolic forms. The References are made to the new edition of Pensieri Preziosi / Precious thoughts , an exhibition of contemporary jewellery that for over fifteen years has been staged in the magnificent and unique venue of the Padua Oratory of San Rocco, Italy. This year’s exhibition was co-curated by Mirella Cisotto Nalon and Maria Rosa Franzin under the title ‘Devotional Jewellery’ with the themes including memento mori and the pandemic reflected in the work shown. The presentation references work from the exhibition, as well as the opening 25.11.22 attended by Bottomley as an exhibitor.
Continuing the theme of the cycle of life, second part talked specifically to jewellery. Gordon presented a range of collaborative projects by the Glasgow School of Art Silversmithing and Jewellery department from the pandemic to the life cycle of materials.
The ‘Bus Stop Jewellery Conversations’ project is derived from collaborations between students, staff and the local Garnethill community during the Covod pandemic. The Glasgow School of Art’s Renfrew street address is where the GSA’s Reid building for the School of Design faces the Mackintosh building , which is undergoing restoration after the devastating 2018 which impacted on both the neighbourhood and the School. The spirit of recycling , renewal and provenance is also reflected in a 2022 project with Roll-Royce looking at recycling parts of retired engines as luxury item of crafted jewellery.
Professor Stephen Bottomley, Head of the School of Design & Anna Gordon, Head of Silversmithing and Jewellery Department; Glasgow School of Art, Scotland.
The 'Jewellery for Life and its Impacts on People' was a unique international event, with a Symposium, Exhibition, Workshops and Docufilm at the School of Design and Creative Arts, Loughborough University, UK.
