About
__________________________________
About
I graduated with a first class degree from the Glasgow School of Art Silversmithing and Jewellery Department in 2006. Since then I have lived and worked in Glasgow, London and the Isle of Skye on various collaborative design projects. I have exhibited my work with organisations such as Dazzle, Gallery Marzee and Goldsmiths’ Hall.
Today I work part time as a jewellery lecturer with Glasgow Metropolitan College and am currently Artist in Residence at the Glasgow School of Art Jewellery and Silversmithing Department.I generally make to order.
Commissions welcome.
e: hello@jennifergray.co.uk
t: 07854860791
Artist Statement
The work draws influence from traditional techniques and modern materials to explore figurative and narrative concepts. By combining plastics, rubber, latex and enamel with precious metals such as silver and gold, I create objects that are sculptural yet wearable and challenge not only the use of materials but also the making processes. In adopting experimental techniques such as mould making, replication, casting, forging and electro forming, which drive the aesthetic, I arrive at unusual solutions to narrative ideas.
Awards and Grants
2010: Goldsmiths' Craftsmanship and Awards 2010, Award for modelling and carving
2009: Arts trust Scotland emerging artist grant
2007: Awarded Licentiateship of the Society of Designer Craftsman, Pass with Distinction for Mall Gallery Exhibition
2006: Silversmithing bursary from Goldsmiths’ Company
2006: Precious Metal Bursary Goldsmiths’ Company
2006: Joint Incorporation of Hammersmith Memorial Prize
Jewellery Related Shows
2010: ‘Air 10’, Glasgow School of art Artists in Residence group exhibition, Glasgow School of Art
2009: ‘Heads and Beasts’, solo exhibition and website launch. Collins Gallery, Glasgow
2007: ‘Diamonds and Young Guns’, group exhibition, part of the Six Cities Design Festival, Brazen Studios, Glasgow
2007: ‘Dazzle Group exhibition of UK contemporary Silversmiths and Jewellers, Glasgow
2007: Society of Designer craftsman group exhibition of Contemporary Applied Arts, The Mall Gallery, London
2006: ‘Face 2 Face’, Central Gallery, Portobello Road, London, group exhibition of contemporary jewellery
2006: ‘Dazzle’, group exhibition National Theatre, London
2006: Galerie Marzee International Graduate Show, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
2006: Glasgow School of Art degree show, Newberry Tower
2005: Foreign Exchange group exhibition, Kyoto Seika University, Japan
Group Participated Exhibitions
2010: ‘As Ithers See Us’. After I completed a 10 week residency with senior high school students from South Lanarkshire, I showcased their work in a fashion show and exhibition at the National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride. The Event was attended by Local council leaders, MP’s and the public.
2009: Sensation, exhibition showing the work completed by senior high school students from South Lanarkshire after I and Louise Chappell (Good Wives and Warriors) worked with them on a 10 week design residency, The National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride.
2008/9: Silversmith for metal work produced for Lucy Skaer, Kunsthalle, Basel
2008: Silversmith for metal work produced for Lucy Skaer, ‘The Siege’, Chisenhale Gallery, London
2008: Part curated the Kimono/Macintosh Design Award exhibition of successful fashion show entries, Queen’s Cross Church, Maryhill, Glasgow
2008: Coordinator for ‘Kimono/Macintosh’ Fashion Show and launch of the first annual design award courtesy of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society, Queen’s Cross Church, Glasgow
2007: Head Stylist and coordinator of fashion show with the Japanese Society of Scotland and the Mackintosh Society for the event, ‘Kimono/Mackintosh’, Queen’s Cross Church, Glasgow
Work Experience
Since graduating, I have been working as a self employed Silversmith/Jeweller from a rented studio space. The work I produced is mainly exhibition and commission based.
I am currently employed as a part-time lecturer with the Glasgow Metropolitan College in the Silversmithing/Jewellery and Community Outreach departments.
Alongside this I am employed as resident artist for North and South Lanarkshire and Highland Councils to write, teach and lecture projects for senior High School pupils and Community Arts organisations.
I am currently undertaking a one year residency with The Glasgow School of Art Silversmithing and Jewellery department. As well as producing a new body of work to exhibit in April 2010, I am also working as an assistant tutor within the department.
During the Summer of 2008 and 2007, I held seasonal posts as a jobbing Jeweller for Skye Jewellery, Isle of Skye and John Macintyre and Sons, Mitchell Lane, Glasgow.
In Spring 2008 I undertook an internship with costume-jewellery designer and maker Jacey Withers to design and produce a collection of work for Whistles, Shackelwell Lane, Dalston, London.
I have worked and continue to work directly with artists of other disciplines, such as 2009 Turner Prize nominee Lucy Skaer. I have been commissioned to oversee, design and make parts of projects that include working with metal, casting and electroforming. The Silversmithing pieces I made for Lucy Skaer have been exhibited in Kunsthalle, Basel and as part of ‘The Siege’, Chisenhale Gallery, London.
In March 2007 and 2008 I worked as Head Stylist and Co-producer with the Japanese Residents Association of Scotland and The Mackintosh Society, for the Kimono/Mackintosh event which explored the fusion of Japanese and Western aesthetics. In 2007 the event also acted as the opening of Queen’s Cross Church, Glasgow which is now being used as the centre for the Mackintosh Society of Scotland. In 2008 the event launched the first annual Macintosh design award. Artists nationwide entered their own interpretation of a kimono to compete for the winning title and the prize of a flight to Japan courtesy of Ana Airlines. The award was won by J. R. Campbell, Research Fellow at the Centre for Advanced Textiles, Glasgow School of Art. Other sponsors of this event included, The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society, Japanese Residents Association, The National Lottery, The Japan Society and the Consulate General of Japan.