It was such a treat to visit Jennie Gill’s dinky studio at Yorkshire Artspace's Persistence Works. Precious stones glitter from every surface, herbs grow on the sunny balcony and unfathomable machinery sits atop aged wooden workbenches.
Working in precious metals, silver, gold and stones of every hue, Jennie’s jewellery, forged, oxidised and hand cut at her bench has a lovely energy and sense of specialness. It’s the twist of the metal and the cut and colour of the stones that set Jennie’s work apart – some pieces are delicate, others are pleasingly chunky, all are interesting.
You can visit Jennie’s studio during the annual Yorkshire Artspace Open Studios. She’s in the same building as Anthony Bennett, Seiko Kinoshita, Neil Woodall, Sarah Waterhouse and Penny Withers, ensuring a host of artistic treats and warm welcomes will be on offer!
How would you describe your work?
I work in precious metals and stones. I’d describe my work as organic; it’s random and quite spontaneous, usually a response to the materials and process.
What inspires you?
Just about everything inspires me. At my bench the stones will often dictate a design.
What’s your workspace like?
My studio is warm and cosy. I spend so much time there at the bench. I have a balcony where I grow strawberries, geraniums and herbs. Our building is a hub of creative and productive people, a real community.
What do you love about Sheffield?
Sheffield is the perfect place to work in metal. Old and new industries combine with a vibrant and creative community. Sheffield as a city has an easy, gentle rhythm.
What would you do to improve the city?
I wouldn’t change much about Sheffield, maybe just add a bit of bass to it’s rhythm!
- Words by
- Claire Thornley
- Images by
- Nigel Barker
- Featured in
- Meet the Locals: Yorkshire Artspace
