mandy nash
Llantrisant RCT
I set up my workshop in 1983 after leaving the Royal College of Art. In 1990 I
established my studio in Model House Craft and Design Centre in Llantrisant. I
work primarily in anodised aluminium producing one off and batch production
jewellery. As the material is light and not too expensive I can make large, bold
pieces which are both wearable and affordable. Most importantly, by anodising
it, I can achieve bright and brilliant colour effects. My passions My three
passions are colour, pattern and technique. I love making things and exploring
the possibilities of different materials. Although I trained as a jeweller, my
work has been heavily influenced by both traditional and contemporary textiles.
Over the last twenty years I have also been developing work in felt. I combine
this with my jewellery practice to create both functional pieces and work that
is purely decorative. My creative ancestry inspires me Much of my recent work
has evolved from looking back at my creative ancestry. It was my grandmothers
who initiated my fascination with making objects. They passed on their
traditional textile skills and started my passion for creating anything from
colourful materials. In 2010, I received an Arts Council of Wales grant to help
me purchase a laser cutter which enabled me to develop new work. I have used
this to explore different materials such as taffeta, acrylic, cardboard and
wood. This has opened up many exciting possibilities and I feel I have only just
started this journey. I am involved in many craft groups and associations. I am
regional co-ordinator and Chair of the International Feltmakers Association. I
am a member of the Makers Guild in Wales, of the Association of Contemporary
Jewellery and of MaP, a textile group. I have exhibited widely in the UK,
Europe, Japan, USA and Canada.
