The inspiration for my jewellery is local flora and fauna.
It begins with an idea that I'll sit on and allow to take form. I’ll then sketch out some concept drawings and use them as reference material for sculpting, which I'll undertake using one or more different 3D CAD modelling tools.
Initially I sculpted these models directly to their final form, and sometimes I still do, but more often now, I tend to create the model in the pose I want and then manipulate and transpose the model’s orientation and perspective through software I developed to give me precise control over form and proportion.
In addition to manipulating the geometry, my software allows me to visualise my designs rendered in gold, silver, or any metal, by applying the material colour as well as direct and indirect light, shadow and reflection, allowing me to assess how the piece will behave visually under different lighting conditions before it is physically made. This is an important part of refining the design, as subtle changes in surface and orientation can significantly affect how an item appears when worn.
Once the design is resolved, I 3D print and cast prototypes, refining the item through successive iterations until I am satisfied it is ready for production.