ALEX RAMSAY
STATEMENT:
My practice centres around my own approach to the age-old processes of hand-working with metal, using everything from silver and gold to steel, non precious metals and architectural alloys. During ten years of running my current studio, my explorations have lead me to create an award-winning body of work that encompasses luxury silverware, bespoke jewellery and architectural and interior features.
My designs are often inspired by the ethereal yet powerful shapes and colours found in nature, a fascination that arose during time spent amongst the mountains and lochs of western Scotland. Intriguing surface textures, pattern and depth emerge through the layering of materials, exploring a wealth of techniques including silver nitrate photography, hand piercing and patination. Like the landscapes they echo, my pieces come alive when seen in person – they are made to be handled, to keep changing and giving, to respond to the shadow and light around them.
“What’s so expressive about Alex’s work is her passion for the material and the objects… the sensitivity required to build up layers of light and depth through the material is ethereal, but also very powerful.” Bill Amberg. Mentor and Creative Director of Bill Amberg.
I am delighted to have recently been awarded the honour of becoming a Freeman of The Goldsmiths’ Company, in recognition of my craftsmanship skill, and my achievements in British contemporary silversmithing.