Artist in Residence: A Year of Organic Exploration
Discover my year as an Artist in Residence, exploring organic forms, textured jewellery, and lost wax casting, inspired by nature and creative freedom.
1. Introduction: Reflections on a Year of Exploration and Experimentation
When looking back at my Artist in Residence position last year at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), it has been good to take some time to reflect on what I have learnt from the experience, and I wanted to share this with you.
My year as an Artist in Residence at the University for the Creative Arts has been a rewarding journey of exploration and growth. This unique opportunity allowed me to explore further the ancient art of lost wax casting, a technique rich in tradition yet full of modern possibilities. I experimented with different waxes, including the Japanese Mitsuro Hikime, and explored intricate techniques like cast-in-place, where stones are embedded directly in the wax. Each challenge pushed my technical skills and vision, helping me develop pieces with textured, organic qualities which is what I feel my jewellery is all about.
The residency also connected me with the university’s BA students, a vibrant community where I supported the next generation of artists through workshops and guidance. As I look back, I’m grateful for the creative freedom, learning, and collaboration that defined this year.
2. Rediscovering Lost Wax Casting: An Age-Old Technique Revisited
Lost wax casting dates back thousands of years, yet it remains cherished for its intricate possibilities and rich history. I was excited to reconnect with this technique, which had been central to my BA studies. My goal was to delve further, exploring how its fluid and organic forms could enhance my jewellery designs. Inspired by natural textures, I experimented with the potential of this ancient craft as a medium for modern expression. This residency gave me the freedom to push boundaries, allowing me to create work that felt raw, organic, and inspired by the natural world.
Lost wax casting quickly became both a canvas and a catalyst, challenging me to refine my skills while keeping my approach fresh.
3. Experimenting with Different Waxes: The Journey from Traditional to Japanese Mitsuro Hikime
I took the opportunity to explore various waxes, each with their own unique properties. Working with Japanese Mitsuro Hikime wax was transformative—it introduced an almost fluid, organic movement into my designs with its remarkable textural quality and flexibility. Adapting to this material required me to reconsider the movement in each line and surface, pushing me into new creative territory.
This wax’s ability to form naturally textured, flowing shapes resonated deeply with my love of organic aesthetics. The process mirrored the way natural elements—such as water, wind, and erosion—shape the world around us.
4. Engaging with BA Students: Workshops, Mentorship, and Collaborative Growth
As part of my role, I collaborated with tutors to run workshops and provide hands-on guidance, sharing knowledge with students as they developed their artistic skills. Spending at least three days a week at the university, I supported students on their projects, from introductory techniques in lost wax casting to specific design challenges. Having recently completed my BA Hons degree, I found it rewarding to relate to the curriculum and support students along similar paths.
In addition to workshops, I enjoyed spontaneous exchanges with students as they worked. Discussing design ideas or troubleshooting technical issues created a vibrant environment where knowledge flowed both ways. This experience refined my understanding of techniques and deepened my insights into my own practice. The residency wasn’t just about personal exploration but about contributing to a supportive, creative network where we could all draw inspiration from different avenues.
5. Benefits of the Artist Residency: Time, Resources, and Community
One of the greatest advantages of this residency was access to dedicated time, resources, and a vibrant community—all essential for creative growth. With the time, I could engage fully in the entire casting process, from crafting and spruing to the excitement of seeing my waxtrees, or the use of organic materials cast and transformed.
The University’s facilities offered tools and materials that would have otherwise been difficult and costly to access. Working in a fully equipped studio allowed me to experiment, see results quickly, and recycle pieces for further exploration. Having the ability to refine textured surfaces and explore organic forms was invaluable.
Equally valuable was the sense of community. Being surrounded by tutors, technicians, students, and other artists created a supportive environment where ideas and feedback flowed freely, fostering both personal and collective growth.
6. Final Reflections: Growth, Insight, and Artistic Development
Reflecting on my year as Artist in Residence, I’m grateful for the opportunity to push my practice forward. The freedom to experiment with lost wax casting especially in ways that allowed me to explore textured surfaces and organic details has broadened my skills and perspective. Facing new challenges and guiding students taught me the value of resilience and adaptability, qualities that have strengthened my confidence in the creative process.
This residency has left me with fresh insights, a number of improved techniques, and the desire to continue to experiment to see where my ideas will take me. I look forward to carrying these experiences into future work, continuing to design and create jewellery that has that raw, organic quality which feels deeply connected to nature and texture.
7. Closing Thoughts: Advice for Aspiring Artists in Residence
For any artist considering a residency, my advice is to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to embrace both successes and setbacks. Be prepared to immerse yourself fully, take risks, and allow the experience to shape your practice in unexpected ways.
Above all, value the connections you’ll make within the artistic community. Sharing ideas, receiving feedback, and working alongside others can be just as transformative as your own creative breakthroughs. My time as an Artist in Residence has reinforced my love for working with organic forms and textured materials, and it has shown me that growth often comes from collaboration and shared inspiration. I’m grateful for every moment of this journey.
