Mandy Nash

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.