Integral to my work is the personal value I place on the traditional textiles skills that have been passed down to me. I am concerned about the attitudes and environmental impact of the ‘throw away’ culture and have worked with ideas surrounding heirlooms and valuing what you have.
Jewellery especially is kept and passed down through generations and I think it’s particularly interesting that important dates in people’s lives are often marked by a gift of jewellery; birthdays, weddings and anniversaries are occasions when a piece is bought to last.
Beth Essex Jewellery combines a range of textiles, precious metals and gemstones, influenced by my work into heirlooms. Keepsakes are given special care by their owners and elicit a personal response from them; such as a selection of my own family’s keepsakes are influential parts of my practice. With my work I have an observance of presentation and a keen eye for details, I use my enjoyment for co-ordinating qualities and the finishing touches in my pieces.