Growing up in Scotland, my family often used the phrase “a wee brightness”. In those days it usually referred to a sweet treat to go with a cup of tea or a special little something to cheer you up, but what better way to describe my collection of fused glass jewellery.
Glass, and in particular, dichroic glass is an amazing medium to work with. The vibrant colours, the way it changes in different light and its versatility makes it perfect for jewellery. The brightness of the different colours and the way those same colours when arranged or layered create beautiful effects that are sure to brighten the day.
Colour is an important part of my creative process. Being completely self taught, I often find it is the colour and texture of the glass that dictates the direction the final piece will take rather than a particular end result I have in mind.
Taking inspiration from the beautiful New Zealand scenery, blues and greens feature regularly in my work, mirroring the sea, sky and trees around my home in the Marlborough Sounds. Every piece of jewellery is an experiment in what new effect I can achieve and each one will be unique. Colours and effects can be manipulated with other glass products or techniques but sometimes they just happen when you least expect them producing that little surprise to the day.
Living in a little piece of paradise with my husband Alan, our two dogs and Rosie the cat, I still enjoy a tasty treat with my cup of tea while enjoying the view, but now A Wee Brightness means so much more.
