Barbara Christie
I have been teaching for the past 32 years. Experience in Adult Education, as head of the Jewellery Department and as a visiting Lecturer on the three year Diploma Course at the University of the Arts (Central St.Martins) have given me my own encyclopaedia of knowledge. Also being a professional jewellery maker for that length of time, working in my own workshop and having an assistant contributes to this enriched knowledge.
What will students gain if they come on one of your courses?First of all enthusiasm for the subject matter! Students could go through a basic, intermediate learning curve or could enrich their making skills on a higher level. Concept, design, scale and construction is part of each course I give at West Dean. Also the basic making skills in test pieces is required. A wide range of knowledge is distributed and I will demonstrate step by step.
Are there any particular techniques/processes you use in your teaching?
Processes I use for my own inspiration are to begin with photography and model making.
To create surface textures I use etching, photo etching and sensitive photo etching(darkroom).
Rolling Mill techniques, wax carving and casting, enamel, cold enamel, patinations and materials which create an ultimate matt finish.
What inspires your own work?A sense of humour! Life, architectural detail, graphic design and the environment. Choosing the materials with which I work is of the utmost importance. Creating a colour palette in which the colours of the stones and the materials merge into each other. The unusual stones with which I design the pieces I find from all over the world.
Concentrating on decorative surface patterns, and matt finishes, shows more detail in the finished articles.
My intention is to unite a sculptural quality with the best possible use ability.
My work is about concept, construction, colour, tactile surfaces and movement.
Where can students see examples of your work?On my website,Scottish Gallery and exhibitions eg. Art in Action, Goldsmiths' Fair, SOFA, NY and Chicago.
Where did you gain your training/experience?Sir John Cass Polytechnic. City and Guild Part I and II.
What teaching experience have you had?32 years Adult Ed and up to to day, visiting lecturer at the BA Central St Martins, 1st and 3rd year students. Private Tuition.
Is your work in any public or private collections?It is in the following colections:
Modern Art Museum in Leeds, Modern Art Museum in Liverpool, American Craft Museum
Books: 'Jewellery Makers Motifs history' Thames and Hudson, 'Jewellery', Jinks McGrath,
'In Wear', Janice West, 'The Jeweller's Directory of Shape and Form', Liz Olver, 'Rings', Jinks McGrath,
'Jewellery Making Techniques', Liz Olver, 'The Art of Jewellery Design', Liz Olver, 'Earring Book',
Yvonne Kulagowski, Larks Books, '1000 Rings', '500 Brooches' and two more which are coming out soon.