Corrine Eira Evans Jewellery Designer

16 January 2018 13:05

How long have you been a jewellery designer?

I started my jewellery business in 2009.

What qualifications or experience do you need?

Jewellery designing and making is a vast subject containing a massive array of skilled techniques. You can pick up basic bits and play around from there, but to be able to have the freedom with your designs it’s best to be qualified. This can involve college and university or work experience/industry experience, I’ve done both just to cover all bases!

What does your typical working day consist of?

Morning coffee is a must! I’m at the bench in the mornings usually making the individual links or clasps. I’ll have a lunch break, which often involves checking and replying to emails at the same time, and then back to the bench to ‘knit’ the links together. I’ll have a quick jog and then settle in for the evening with a nice home cooked meal with my partner Olly.

What influences your work?

My work is influenced by the storied culture of the First Nations - their artefacts, textiles and basketry are so highly skilled, passed from generation to generation. They are colourful and transcendent. Recently I journeyed for a research trip to Vancouver Island and Alert Bay, Canada BC, visiting the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations tribe to study their art and culture. It was so inspiring, they were completely magical and in touch with nature. There is so much to learn from these people.

What is your favourite metal?

I love all precious metals! But my two favourites are titanium - the natural gunmetal grey colour is stunning although harder to work with - and 18ct yellow gold. The depth of gold is mesmerising and so beautiful to work on.

Is there a particular type of jewellery you like to make?

My work uses mainly the traditional technique of flat chain mail which has endless possibilities but comes with challenging rules! Making this metal fabric that moves so fluidly is immensely satisfying. I also love making hinges! Obviously I love a good challenge!

Has the way you work changed over the years?

Yes, I started out with inspiration of floral designs inspired by my home of Cornwall, but I’ve always had a fascination with First Nations culture and so about four years ago I changed my focus and now there’s so much more I want to explore and learn in this direction. The research will all be showcased in a solo exhibition at the Riverside Gallery at The Devon Guild in 2020, which I’m very excited about.

What is the most challenging part of your work?

Time management! All I want to do is play and research, but this job entails a lot of paperwork so juggling my time can be really tricky. Loads of different areas of ‘behind the scenes’ stuff has to happen for all the cogs to move, not just the making, so keeping up to date and ahead of yourself leads to lots and lots of lists (which I secretly love) and working into the night on occasions!

What is the best part of your job?

Being able to do what I love and am most passionate about for a living. Designing and making usual and interesting jewellery and seeing it being appreciated by the general public is such a rewarding feeling. Buying individual and uniquely hand made crafts brings so much joy to people, it’s so lovely to see and to be a part of this industry.