Eileen-design theory: Research paper 1

Research paper 1:

Designer: Linda Jones.

I will be analysing one of Linda Jones’ jewellery pieces in this Research paper. I will be discussing the various design principles apparent in the dsign and what effect they had on me.

www.wires.uk.com

I chose this pair of earrings to analyse because I find it interesting. It is not something I would usually choose to analyse so that makes this research more interesting for me. I usually like things that are matched 100 per cent especially in the colors used but there is something about this particular design..

Linda creates an excellent rhythm through her use of different colored wires which whilst they appear coordinated, are not identical. The bends consisting of angles, curves and twists are in different places for each wire. This creates some sort of continuity whilst the different colors keep the design interesting. This rhythm keeps the eye captive and it encourages the eye to go around the whole piece. I think the way these wires are bent at different angles and curves give the design an energetic feel.

The large stone in the middle of each earring, serves as a focal point. Its size, different color and complete difference from the wire make it stand out. It’s also positioned strategically, not in the center but not too much to the side either. This allows the eye to sort of come to a rest.. The eye takes in the design, travels around the wires (whose very design encourages movement.) then comes to a rest when it gets to the stationery stone.

I find it interesting that whilst the wires in the design are not identical, they don’t get confusing to the viewer either. In their difference; they are somehow organized. There is a somewhat pleasing asymmetry to the design. All this in my opinion just serves to heighten the design’s appeal. It’s quite nice that the designer managed to create a pair of earrings with different colors, through a similar design. I think the different colors serve to keep the viewer’s interest a bit longer because you want to really see what it is that makes these look like a pair when something (color) that is usually used to achieve this has been discarded..

The components of the design (speaking of the wires mainly here) have been distributed evenly. There is a regularity in their irregular placing. It’s satisfying to my eye because when I look at each earring individually, it doesn’t look as though there is a gap here or there or too much here or there. The wires are also of the same thickness. I find the design balanced generally, the components are not placed too close to one another or too far from one another at any point. I dare say though that it seems as though the wires in the earring with purple, blue and green wire are placed closer together that the wires in the other earring.

I like that the successful mixture of different colors in each earring, especially in the one with the orangish brown. The colors sit together quite well. There is some sort of harmony reached despite the fact that the designer used a warm color (orangish brown) with cooler colors- the green and silver. Even the more saturated of the stone in the middle doesn’t really upset that harmony. It looks like it belongs; it blends in.

I like this design for earrings and I feel like it’s quite a successful design, the only thing that makes me wonder a little is how the earrings would sit on someone’s ears…what angle they would be at and whether or not they would still look like a successful design but I guess that is only to be seen when one actually wears them and judges for oneself.. :)

Meet the designer..

Linda Jones

Linda is first and foremost a mum to two boys, then a jeweler. She got into jewellery in order to make a living when her marriage ended. She started off teaching jewelry making, using beads and wire at her local library in England where she still stays. She was born in 1958 in Mombasa, East Africa. She spent her childhood in East and West Africa and this of course had an impact on her development as an individual. The bright, artistic cultures of these people influenced her creative side. Thus it is not very surprising that she has ended up doing something very ‘arty’ after a long long stream of jobs; most of which were not at all art related. She is mostly self trained; however she has had some formal education in jewellery making. She did a two year Foundation Art Course at the London Metropolitan University in East London where she learnt some of the basics of jewelry making such as soldering and casting.

Linda Jones is also an author. She has published seven books on wire jewelley and bead work, one of which was a bestseller in its category in the United States. Her books include Wire and beads: Celtic jewellery and Complete guide to wire and beaded jewellery. She is someone who is up to date with the times and finds a purpose in what she does. Her latest book Making Beautiful Bead & Wire Jewellery, contains many ideas on how to make jewellery cheaply, which is what a lot of people are interested in, in light of the current economic depression. Linda also uses uses jewellery making as a therapy; she teaches physically handicapped people.

Linda cites nature as her main source of inspiration and this is evidenced in a number of her designs, however when she initially started making metal jewellery she was very inspired by handiwork from ancient cultures and civilizations especially Aztec and Egyptian and of course African. She usually tries to go with a theme when designing something. Some of her favored techniques are hammering to create different metal finishes on metal;( for example chasing and repousse) and she loves glass beads. However she wouldn’t really pick one technique or product as a favorite as she has found that different techniques and products are handy with each project. She confesses that her pliers are one of her handiest tools though:) I think one of the main things that drew me to Linda besides her beautiful work is how she doesn’t necessarily stick to one technique, product or color, to me this shows flexibility. She doesn’t have a favourite color to work with either…it just goes with her mood. I like this because it ensures that she uses a wide range of colors which of course will appeal to a greater number of people.

Linda is currently working on an exhibition that will go on for three weeks in her home area in the UK. She loves what she does and wants to spread that joy to other people. She has a website on wire jewellery thus her work, books and DVDs are easily accessible.

Bibliography:

Wirejewellery. Linda Jones’ website.

Tabs used: shop, gallery and biography.

Web address : http://www.wirejewellery.co.uk/gallery.asp

[31 May 2011]

Beadwork Guild Interview: Linda Jones Feature.

Issue 46 July 2010.

No longer available online, contact Linda at linda.jones@wirejewellery.co.uk

Blogs: The WireWokers Guild and WireWorkers Guild

Web address: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00907309339947306481

[31 May 2011]

Bead TV interview: “ An Interview with Linda Jones.”