My fascination with geometric shape and form started way back at Camberwell Art College when I experimented with sculptures and in particular, intricate 3D patterns.
'60 - 1' - one of my scuptures from my degree at Camberwell College of Art. 2001
I’m dyslexic and words don’t always come naturally to me but 3D objects really do. I had a light bulb moment one day while I was exploring miniature sculptures, when I realised jewellery design would be a brilliant outlet for my growing obsession with these geometric shapes.
Some of my final degree pieces from the Royal College of Art and the begining of Jo Hayes Ward jewellery. 2006
Why geometric shapes?
As I’m sure you know, shape and form are the building blocks of my aesthetic and central to my practice. Be it square, triangle, hexagon, rectangle or circles, it’s the meticulous placing of those multiple elements together that forms each composition, to dramatically catch the light and create shadow, that’s when the magic happens. When you wear the jewellery, it appears to flash on and off, like this:
It’s fascinating to me what is possible with shape, light and shadow. I describe my style as metamorphic, as the combination of these geometric shapes lends the aesthetic a geological feel. Always inspired by nature, and architecturally charged. I’ll never stop exploring the possibilities with these intricate sculptures!
Jewellery for buildings
My aesthetic is often described as wearable sculpture, which is perhaps why I was invited to submit a proposal for a piece of public art for the newly rebuilt Riverside Studios in Hammersmith. To my delight, my proposed design was selected. The intention with that sculpture is exactly the same as with my jewellery practice; to harness the power of light and shadow across geometric shapes for dazzling effect.
The sculpture is built from five groups of elements; each group’s facets point in the same direction thus reflecting light in the same way at the same time from the same point. The overall effect is the five different groups glow at different times as the viewer moves around the artwork – or as the light changes around it.
Due to their orientation, the elements create dramatic shadows that will change as the light changes throughout the day – the shadows will at times give the illusion that the textured sheet elements are more solid than they really are.
The sculpture is located on the facade of Riverside Studios, right by the river at Hammersmith should you wish to visit.
Discover more geometric jewels here and do get in touch to discuss a bespoke design for you.
You might also like to read these blog posts that feature geometric shapes:
New cubes on the block
Mixing metals and patterns
Read about my sculpture at Riverside studios here