Maker Statement

I believe that jewellery should feel beautiful as well as look beautiful, and this is pivotal to how I approach making. 

Whether through the comforting weight and shape of a pebble held in the hand,  or articulated, conforming drape which gently nestles into the neck and shoulders, I design my pieces with the determination that the tactile interaction between jewellery and the wearer is as important as visual appeal.

As a keen observer of the textures and structures of the natural world, I am constantly aware that I will never better nature in beauty and elegant complexity.  However, by studying, learning from, and referring to these natural textures and repetitions I aim to create my own moment of beauty and calm in what is largely a world separated from nature.

I sell my jewellery at exhibitions and through galleries, but also work to commission.  Currently I am exploring some of my making obsessions and thoroughly investigating the relationship between how what we wear feels, and how that can make us feel.

Exhibitions

‘Women + Design: New Works’, Dallas Museum of Art, Texas, October 2018

‘The Language of Things: Meaning and Value in Contemporary Jewellery’, Dowse Art Museum, New Zealand, February 2018 (courtesy of Susan Cummins collection)

‘Workshop@Ravary Work in Progress’, Galerie Marzee, The Netherlands, June 2017

‘CHAIN’, Galerie SO, London April 2016

Theo Fennell and RCA ‘Masters of the Future’ Event, London, October 2015

Galerie Marzee Graduate Show, September 2015

‘Show 2015’ Royal College of Art Graduate Show, June 2015

‘Who’s Who’, Werkstatt Galerie München, March 2015

School of Material Work-in-Progress Show, Royal College of Art, January 2015

‘Wear IT’, Studio Fusion Gallery, OXO Wharf Tower, April – June 2014

‘Hold it! – The Art of the Modern Medal’, New Ashgate Gallery, March/April 2014

‘The Wedding Show: Unity’, Diana Porter Gallery, February/March 2014

‘3D Print Show Live’, Paris and London, November 2013

‘Portal 2013: Jewellery Showcase’, Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, September – November 2013

‘Cabinets of Curiosity’, Mint, London Design Festival, September 2013

‘New Talent 2013’, Lesley Craze Gallery, September/October 2013

One Year On at New Designers 2013, Business Design Centre, London

‘Textile Body Adornment Meets Jewellery Design 2013’, Expo Arte Smykkedesign, Oslo, 10th January/February 2013

‘Look West 2012’, Oriel Davies Gallery, Powys, November – January 2013

‘Portal 2012’, Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, August/September 2012

‘Lustre 2012’, Lakeside Arts Centre, Nottingham

‘New Talent Spotlight 2012’, Lesley Craze Gallery, London

‘New Designers Exhibition 2012’, Diana Porter Gallery, Bristol

Gallery Windows, Wirksworth Art Festival 2012, Wirksworth, Derbyshire

New Designers 2012, Business Design Centre, London

‘Made by’ 3D Design Degree Show, Loughborough University 2012

Press

‘Carrie Dickens: jewellery designer’, 24/07/2013, Metalocus, http://www.metalocus.es/content/en/blog/carrie-dickens-jewellery-designer

‘Beroringspunkt: Moten Moter Smykkekunsten – Pa En Ny Mate’, by Cecillie Mossige, Personae Magazine, Issue 3+4, 2012

Awards

Theo Fennell ‘Overall Excellence’ Award at the RCA 2015 Degree Show

Shortlisted for the Perrier-Jouët Arts Salon Prize 2014

Worshipful Company of Founders Grand First Prize, British Art Medal Society, March 2014

Training / Qualifications

2015               MA, Goldsmithing, Silversmithing, Metalwork & Jewellery, Royal College of Art                                       

2012               3D Design: New Practice BA (Hons) Loughborough University (First Class Honours)

2009              BTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies, Art & Design, Level 3 (Distinction)                                                                           Loughborough University

1998               Associate of Applied Science, Mechanical Engineering (Honours) Sinclair College,                                                          Dayton, Ohio USA

Contact

carrie@carriedickens.co.uk