Originally from Paisley in Scotland, Suzanne joins us from Bishopsland Educational Trust where she has been developing her skills in raising, forging and engraving to make intricate and beautiful work inspired by natural forms. She is a graduate of Glasgow School of Art, where she developed a collection of work inspired by the natural landscape close to her family home in Scotland. Suzanne has won numerous awards for her work including a Goldsmiths Bursary Prize to produce a sugar bowl and spoon whilst at Bishopsland, and Student of the Year Award whilst at Reid Kerr College in Paisley.

Like all the starters, Suzanne is embarking on a two year programme here which provides her with the studio space and equipment, skills mentorship and business skills training she will need to embark on a sustainable career in making.

Suzanne, alongside her fellow silversmith/ jewellery starter, will be joining Giles Kozdon and Josephine Gomersall in their shared studio here in our city centre Persistence Works building. We wish her the best of luck and we look forward to seeing her work and career develop over the forthcoming two years.

How did you hear about the starter studio program?

I was studying at Bishopsland Educational Trust and I got an information leaflet about Yorkshire Artspace from the tutors there.

What made you want to apply?

I was drawn to the images of other silversmiths and jewellers work on the front of the leaflet because they were so fun and creative. I then did a bit more research online and found out about the great benefits of being part of Yorkshire Artspace such as the free Assay office usage, the mentorship program and also the subsidised rental cost.

Can you describe your practice?

As a recent graduate, I am still finding what works for me creatively. My past graduate collection contained a lot of cast natural elements with hand raised and fabricated vessels and spoons. These were inspired by my love of nature and an attempt to connect the natural with man-made craft skills. After gaining new skills at Bishopsland Educational Trust, I will now look back at past successes and work towards a new collection of which once again incorporates casting. I really love the freedom of working with wax and found objects. Coming up with creative ways of incorporating castings with hand fabricated silversmithing skills really interests me.

Where can people see your work?

My work can be found on Facebook, Instagram and Artsthread.