THANKS TO SHINYSLINGBACK FOR SUGGESTING THIS ARTIST.
NORA FOK
Born in Hong Kong, Nora had to leave school at 12 to work in a factory assembling toys and computer components. Nora says the experience gave her the structure and discipline which still underpins her work.
“It also made me determined to leave the factory and have a career in art and design”. She studied in Hong Kong and worked there as a graphic designer. In 1978 she was accepted on the three-dimensional design course a Brighton Polytechnic, which emphasised an experimental approach to materials. In 1984 Nora married artist and lecturer, Frank Hills. After her first son was born, she decided to work as a jeweller exclusively with nylon monofilament – it could be done from home using simple equipment and techniques. This was quite a challenge as Nora had to learn new processes and develop creative ways of using the material. “My major break through came in 1997 when Jackie Binns curated, Galaxies, my first solo exhibition at Hove Museum and Art Gallery and Tim Wilcox reviewed my jewellery in Crafts magazine”. Since then her work has been widely recognized internationally by inclusion in exhibitions, collections, commissions and gallery shops. In 2010 she was one of 29 makers to be awarded the Jerwood prize for contemporary makers.