Sketching is a key part of Luke's design process, so seeing this exhibition of talented artists was hugely inspiring. The sketches showcase various techniques, drawn in black chalk or coloured pencils. The exhibition is a must-see, especially if you are a creative.
Insider Information: here Luke is inspecting the enamel and micro-welding - which
uses argon gas, another way of soldering without havng to apply heat.
Featurng Eye Candy ring made with an amazonite gemstone and set in silver.
Collaboration
Here at Luke Goldsmith Jewellers, we love teaming up with talented, hardworking individuals or businesses. Being next door to The Skinny Kitchen, we thought it was about time we popped in and tried one of their famous juices. And who better to take then esteemed Canterbury poet, Katrine Lynn Solvaag. From chilly Bergen in Norway, Katrine has just finished a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Kent. Often found performing at spoken word events in venues spanning from a yurt in the Greyfriars Garden to the plush bar Bramleys, Katrine is the typical hard-working artist who needed to kick back in The Skinny Kitchen's relaxing ambiance. We asked Katrine six questions to delve into the life of a creative a little more...
Featurng Eye Candy ring made with an agate gemstone and set in silver.
What's your creative style?
'I rarely tend to stick to any one style because I'm constantly trying out new things. However, I do take a lot of inspiration from things I read - both poetry and novels. One of my favourite techniques to play around with is black-out poetry, found poetry, collage and centos, because you can create so many weird and amazing things by adapting material found elsewhere and manipulating it.'
Featurng Eye Candy earrings made in agate and set in silver.
Inspiration: A poem and a Strawbazzle juice
Katrine picked The Skinny Kitchen's Strawbazzle juice, which like her poetry is sweet but with a spicy twist. Here's an excerpt from her poem, 'Herbarium of Past Lovers':
will you press me like a flower? keep me
hidden within your holy scripture:
a complete collection of Shakespeare’s work.
caught between the thumb worn pages of A Midsummer Night’s Dream
while the Fairies declare: And I! for I was never a part
of your colour-coded life plan, will never understand
why you would push me away and still keep every single petal
See more on JMArt Space.
Featurng Eye Candy ring made in amazonite and set in silver.
What's your favourite piece of jewellery?
'My favourite piece of jewellery is a moonstone crystal necklace I've had for almost two years now. I can hardly go a day without wearing it.' What's our favourite juice from The Skinny Kitchen?
The 'Strawbazzle' juice is top of our list at The Skinny Kitchen. It is so summery and fresh-feeling!
Featuring the Eye Candy ring made with an amethyst gemstone and set in silver.
What inspires you?
'The beautiful thing about inspiration is that you can find it absolutely everywhere. In the lines of skyscrapers spiralling upwards, in seagulls silently circling beneath a starry night, and in kind smiles exchanged between strangers.'
Featurng Eye Candy rings made with amethyst and blue lace agate, set in silver.
What makes a good artist?
'This is a difficult one, because a lot of people create in different ways. I find that several get into creative hobbies because it either allows them to cope with difficult situations, express themselves or simply relax. I think the most important quality would have to be dedication. It's easy to say one will write a novel for example, but it truly takes a lot of time and willpower to go through with it.'
Featuring the Eye Candy ring made with an amethyst gemstone and set in silver.
Who inspires you?
'I'm a giant fan of Caroline Bergvall's "Drift." I love the way she works with sounds from multiple languages to create a performance which brings attention to a horrendous situation. I'm also a big fan of Hollie McNish, and I'm looking forward to reading through her book "Nobody Told Me".
Featuring the Eye Candy ring made with an amethyst and pink quartz gemstone respectively and set in silver.llection.
What is your dream as an artist?
'I honestly don't know what to expect from the future. My hope is to be able to continue creating and getting it published, but as the past has shown: things rarely turn out the way we anticipate.'
How was the photoshoot for you?
'I enjoyed the photoshot! It was a lot of fun and I adore the jewellery. Who wouldn't like being a model for a day?'
Wearing the Eye Candy collection.
We hope you enjoyed this collaboration extravaganza with poet Katrine Lynn Solvaag and The Skinny Kitchen. Keep your eyes peeled for more exciting collaborations!
Ever wondered what a jeweller really does all day? Well, there are a lot of different, highly skilled processes involved. This film shows just a few of the different methods of jewellery making. More to come soon...
Six years ago we opened our boutique in Canterbury.
We were excited to launch the brand in the heart of the historic city and still today find it an adventure everyday working in this traditional, romantic trade.
Our regular customers have become friends meanwhile fresh faces come through the door everyday. We would like to thank all of you for your passion which propels us to make more exquisite pieces and bespoke commissions.
Did you know that sapphires come in a range of dazzling colours?
A stone of wisdom and prosperity, the sapphire has long been relished as sacred.
Luke's favourite shade is Atlantic blue, what's yours?
I spy a secret meeting going on regarding some specially cut precious stones which have just come in. They are drusy gemstones, exceptional because of how they've been cut. They definitely have a beautiful texture and sparkle.
Atelier Access All Areas: Bohemian #2
It's been a busy day in the atelier...
Luke always begins making a piece of jewellery by gathering inspiration and then sketching some initial ideas. These sketches are then refined and built upon until he's happy. This can mean lots of changes from the initial sketch to the final piece. Like any designer, the process is creative and evolves everyday.
Here's a sketch from the Bohemian collection.
The 'Bohemian' collection whisks away the wearer into a world of sweet, spring-time softness. Inspired by Art Nouveau's fantastical evocation of nature, Luke has crafted pieces which include butterflies, dragonflies, flowers and the precious bumble bee.
The focus falls on interesting forms, mixed materials such as mangano calcite and silver and using colourful gemstones for a burst of theatricality into classic, elegant creations.
And the flower motif used in the collection has a story of its own...
When Luke was an apprentice, the flower was the first piece he ever made. A throwback to where it all began, Luke continues to work with the flower in his bohemian collection, which is being expanded due to demand. The flower will keep being reinvented, adorned with different natural elements to keep the organic, fresh feeling. Creations using the flower may also be realised in Luke's bespoke service.
We love the Art Nouveau movement, especially this doorway shot in Prague. It is a style which will always influence some of the work here at Luke Goldsmith jewellers.
