Art in Action; an international gathering of talent.

On Saturday 21st July 2012 I made my way in to the Oxfordshire countryside to attend and volunteer at Art in Action.

Invited by the incredibly talented, bespoke jewellery designer Patrick Wyatt and organiser of the AIA "Jewellery and Metal work" tent, I was so excited to see all the jewellers demonstrating their trade for the general public to watch.

Having arrived at my parking destination, a deserted expanse of disused air field, I, along with all the other attendees wondered through bracken and dust track to the "Park and Ride". This was an experience...! It was abundantly clear on climbing the steep bus stairs that anyone slightly bigger than average was going to have an issue standing, let alone sitting. Those slightly more rotund either had to have 2 seats to themselves or stand... People huffed, puffed and side walked their way down what should have been nominated for the Guinness worlds Records thinnest walkway. The young, the old and even dogs galore all packed on to the sweaty and cramped bus which flew down the road, driven by a young Cadette, at Formula One speed.

On entering the marquee clad fields I was struck with just how many people were demonstrating, each tent labelled with a different skill: Textiles, Metalwork and Jewellery, Blacksmiths, Silversmith's and even Beekeeping! On meeting Patrick and team, my job for the day was to keep all the jewellers and metal workers watered and fed. This was such a wonderful opportunity as I got to meet and speak to such an array of talents.

Everyone was so inspiring and forthcoming but the three designers who stood out for me the most were the "legendary" Barbara Christie, Ros Millar and Milena Kovanovic. The latter, Milena, being the inspiration for my latest voyage- but I will blog about this later!

I was overwhelmed and inspired by Barbara Christie, her works were layed out in glass cases at the front of the marquee where the first proper sunny day allowed for her works to be illuminated in a golden glow. Each of her pieces unique, sculptured and different from the next - not even her earrings, in pairs, were the same. I was very happy to be introduced to this wonderful creator and was especially thrilled when she admired and commented on my own necklace, even asking who had designed it.... me!

I spent a long time talking to Ros Millar and learning about her exciting journey in to the world of jewels. Her works were so different from anything I have ever seen, each piece had something earthly, organic and "other world" about them. Very unique designs that stood her out from the crowd and allowed for constant conversation from visitors wondering how she had come to her designs and where her inspiration was from. I found it fascinating to learn about how she produced many of her designs using cuttlefish bone to carve out from; a true inspiration and such a lovely girl to talk to!

Milena Kovanovic was probably my favourite of the day, I could have bought every single one of her pieces. The vivid colour range of gemstones she used were so opulent and yet each one set in a different and unique way. From the polished and sparkling pieces to the raw textured gem stone she seemed to have it all. I was very fortunate to have some time speaking with her and hearing how she got in to jewellery and all about her training to become a gemmologist.

All in all, my day at Art in Action was a real motivator for me and since I have come back I have signed up to do many more courses - stone setting and (drum roll) a Foundation in Gemmology at Gem-A!!! Many an exciting time ahead to be had, but a lot of hard work as well. I am desperate to begin though and look forward to seeing what my next journey is.
Until next time.

Emi x