The Bluecoat Display Centre present the jewellery of Berina Kelly for their monthly In the Window feature.

Having hosted the work of Christy Keeney and Catherine Keenan in previous years, the Bluecoat Display Centre never fails to present high quality, original work. In this outing, we see fine detail work and contemporary design, in precious metals. Berina Kelly says of herself in her artistic statement:

“Born in 1970, in Galway on the West coast of Ireland, I lived 5 minutes walk from the Atlantic Ocean. Some of my earliest memories are of summer days swimming, gathering shells and stones, exploring rock pools. In winters, we would go for fresh windy walks, getting soaked by the crashing waves of this rugged coastline. It left its mark; after many years away there was no other place I wanted to settle.

“My work is immersed in nature. I am inspired by the natural flow of things:  the layering of rock formed over centuries, scattered, scuffed sea pebbles, lacey leaves created by feasting insects, the line of tall trees with curving branches. I also love the clean lines of Northern European design, this has Influenced and helped shape my practice. Many years ago, I developed my own language through form, material, technique and finish. I continue to explore this language to communicate themes of self, life cycle, and experiences both positive and negative.

“I design and make exhibition and collectable pieces in sterling silver and 18ct gold, sometimes adding wood, paper, semi-precious beads and stones like onyx, cornelian and jasper.

“Precious metal is first roller-textured with handmade and heavy water colour papers, creating a subtle pattern which gives the piece a life of its own. This is then cut into shape and assembled; I sometimes add colour through oxidisation. Other finishes include burnishing edges and occasionally a short spell in the barrel polisher with different abrasives.

“My work has been described as; ‘delicate, generous, yet imaginative’, ‘exaggerating the more conventional elements of jewellery design’, and ‘pushing the barriers of wearability with the use of strong shapes, in delicate applications’”.

We recommend getting to this exhibit early in the run. With pieces this beautiful on sale you’ll want to be sure to get there whilst there is a selection still on offer!

For more, visit the Bluecoat Display Centre’s site.