I am a designer and I am a maker. I am not a storyteller. What I am concerned with is form and function and it’s aesthetics. From an early age I was interested in how everyday objects were created; how an idea became a design and that design realised into three-dimensional form. At university, I fell in love with the work of the Art Deco movement and Le Corbusier, the architecture of Mies van der Rohe, the Bauhaus and Frank Lloyd Wright and I found much similarity between structural designs of buildings, bridges and jewellery. Here, I subconsciously collected the stimulus that forged the guidelines to instruct and inform my language of design for the future. Thus, the clean lines of manmade structures and natural forms, the delicacies of nature as well as subtle movement within objects are still my origin of inspiration. Edges and Equilibrium focuses on the spaces where beauty and serenity can be found; the place of balance we seek in our surroundings. Through the harmony of the natural materials and created objects as well as the edges where the varied materials, colours and textures meet and interact, this space can be occupied. Much of the work in this exhibition has been created outside of my usual boundaries of scale but I’ve still been mindful to maintain a complete handmade process through the raising, forging and fabrication of every metal piece. Each of the hundreds of hammer strikes have stretched and manipulated the metal into tactile forms, which sit well alongside the natural elements to form a complete piece. Beauty begets happiness. I have always aimed to create pieces of subtle and lasting beauty that will bring some joy to those who view and eventually own my work. Bowls are fine vessels for collection, storage and safekeeping and can even be symbolic containers of feelings, memories, dreams or prayers. Through these current pieces you are invited to start your own story.
Sterling silver planished brooch with gold plate 5.5cm diameter x 1.5 cm deep
Fine silver planished bowl on Appamat tray with found local stone wood - 35.5 x 19.2 x 4.2 cm max, bowl - 8.9 cm diameter, 3 cm high
A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: Its loveliness increases: it will never Pass into nothingness: but still will keep A bower quiet for us, and a sleep Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing. Excerpt from Endymion, Book I John Keats, 1818
Detail of Small fine silver planished bowl and Sterling silver planished brooch with gold plate
Selection of planished and textured rings in sterling silver and 18ct gold with precious stones
Large fine silver planished bowl on Appamat tray wood - 36.7 x 17.1 x 2.9 cm max, bowl - 14 cm diameter, 3.5 cm high
Fine silver planished bowls on Appamat tray wood - 49 x 20.2 x 3.6 cm max, large bowl - 14 cm diameter, 3.5 cm high, small bowl - 8.9 cm diameter, 3 cm high
Sterling silver spiral brooch 6.4 cm diameter x 2.8 cm deep
Sterling silver spiral bowl on Mahogany block bowl - 13.8 cm diameter, 8 cm high max, block - 11.4 x 11.3 x3.8 cm
Born in Trinidad in 1972, Janice migrated to England at the age of sixteen. In 1996 she graduated with a BA (Hons) in Silversmithing, Jewellery and Allied Crafts from the prestigious Sir John Cass faculty at London Guildhall University. The following year Janice received a Clerkenwell Award from the Clerkenwell Green Association to set up her studio near the heart of London’s jewellery quarter, Hatton Garden. In 2005, Janice returned to Trinidad where she continues to develop her jewellery and silversmithing practice. Over the last twenty one years Janice has exhibited her work in Germany, France, Ireland, the US, Trinidad, Japan and across the UK. Her pieces have been featured in Vogue (UK), Harpers and Queen, World of Interiors, The Sunday Times (UK), The Guardian (UK), Retail Jeweller magazine (UK), Instyle magazine (UK), The Evening Standard (UK), Time Out London, The Newsday (Trinidad), Trinidad Express, Trinidad Lookbook, 6 Carlos (Trinidad) as well as The Rings Book (UK, 2002), 1000 Rings (US, 2004) and The Contemporary Jewelry Exchange (Denmark, 2015).
PUBLISHED BY Y Art Gallery 26 Taylor Street, Woodbrook, Trinidad and Tobago (868) 628 4165 PHOTOGRAPHY Michele Jorsling WOODEN ELEMENTS CRAFTED BY Richard Hubbard LOGO DESIGN Nadia Huggins DESIGN AND LAYOUT Melissa Miller PRINT Office Authority Print Devision . © 2017, All rights reserved.
Y Art and Framing Gallery 26 Taylor Street, Woodbrook, Trinidad and Tobago. © 2017, All rights reserved.