Interview with independent jeweller Soizig Carey
In our new shop we're happy to be able to showcase not only our own brand but the work of other upcoming Scottish / British brands. We're proud to work with some really talented designers and makers, including Soizig Carey, also based in Glasgow. Soizig specialises in contemporary handmade jewellery and objects. We asked her some questions about her practise and design process.
How did you begin making jewellery?
I was always really drawn to working with metal and the possibilities/ challenges of the material. I also loved the idea of making work that could be really personal and worn on the body.
What is your favourite step in the creative process, from idea generation to creating the finished product? How long in general does it take you to produce one of your pieces?
It can take me anything from a couple of hours to weeks to produce a piece, it really depends on the skill and techniques required. That said, sometimes the simplest pieces can be the most effective. My favourite part of the creative process is probably when I start applying my latest research and begin to visualise pieces and I can't wait to make them. I have also had several commissions to date which involve recycling gold, which I really enjoy. I believe in recycling metals - they are a finite resource and we should respect that. Not to mention unethical mining.
(Photo by Ciorstaidh Monk)
Where do you draw inspiration for your pieces?
My work is influenced by narratives, architecture and graphics, integrating traditional and modern craft techniques. Using casting, engraving, embossing and riveting processes, I create precious metal forms which can be worn or serve as meaningful objects. ‘Estética’ is my most recent jewellery and objects collection which explores geometric formulas, rotating movements and principally, the circle. ‘The circle is related to the divine: a simple circle has, since ancient times, represented eternity, since it has no beginning and no end.’ (Bruno Munari) The work draws heavily from publications by artist, designer and inventor, Bruno Munari, and by mathematician and philosopher, Matila Ghyka - each exploring geometry in art and nature and visual case studies of shapes.
(Photo by Ciorstaidh Monk)
Does collaboration play a big part in your work?
Absolutely, I love working with other artists and makers. Most recent collaborations have been the Madame earrings with designer, Gabriella Marcella of RISOTTO, and Muse Not Maker with illustrator, Alice Dansey-Wright. Muse Not Maker is a collection of jewellery which is inspired by women in art, feminism and the crossover between art and design.
Why did you choose to stay in Glasgow after graduating, and have you ever felt the pressure to move away? How do you find the creative scene here?
I graduated from Edinburgh College of Art and was granted a teaching residency for a year at Glasgow School of Art, so I moved through and have stayed ever since (excluding travels). I have thought of moving to London but I don't think I ever felt pressured to do so. I love London but I want to be part of sustaining a design culture in Scotland too.
I don't know if the scene has changed since I lived here or if I have just become more engrained in it. Creatively, Glasgow is great. There is and has been for a long time, a real DIY culture. People make things happen from scratch with great energy. They design, make and perform for the love of it. It's a critical part of the city.
(Photo by Susan Castillo)