Caroline Finlay
Caroline is inspired by her natural surroundings, in particular the coastline and is interested not only in the textures, colours and patterns it evokes but the symbiotic relationship of plants, creatures, the tide, seasons and life cycles. Caroline hopes to echo this in her jewellery and in the relationship with the wearer. Caroline works mainly in silver and vitreous enamel. Enamel allows her to introduce colour into her work and she uses a palette that echoes her inspiration. Oxidised silver contrasts well with matt and transparent enamel finishes. Caroline explores traditional jewellery making techniques to create mark making on silver and to achieve textures, pattern and form. Each stage is made by hand; she prefers the fluidity this gives her work; nothing is identical or repeated, no pattern is exactly the same. Caroline enjoys the connection this gives her with each piece. Caroline uses traditional enamelling techniques such as Basse-taille and Champleve in a freer, more experimental way; “I am not restricted by traditional results and prefer softer, matt surfaces and textures, applying enamel to convey these. I enjoy the spontaneity that experimenting with enamel”
