Aspex presents ‘Trove’, a collection of bespoke craft objects inspired by coastal landmarks and natural forms.

The exhibition showcases makers from Portsmouth to London, featuring bold ceramics, delicately hand-crafted silver jewellery and driftwood sculptures. Each maker utilises traditional craft techniques to create objects in response to nautical seascapes and organic materials.

‘Trove’ offers visitors to Aspex the opportunity, not only to enjoy high quality craft, but to discover the perfect gift in the run up to the festive season. 

Meet the makers:

Laura Bennett (Portsmouth)
www.laurabennettjewellery.co.uk | Facebook | Instagram

Laura graduated with a First Class degree in Three Dimensional Design at UCA Farnham – specialising in metalwork and jewellery. She has presented her work at various exhibitions including MADE and Desire. Laura is currently a resident at the Hotwalls Studios in Old Portsmouth.

Inspired by the landscape, landmarks and treasures of Portsmouth, Laura’s ‘beside the sea’ collection features beautiful hand-pierced sterling silver and birch wood pieces.  She works instinctively, exploring the natural qualities of the materials used and celebrates the nautical and coastal elements of the city.

Alex Yule (London)
www.alexyulejewellery.co.uk | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter @AlexYuleJewel 

With a background in visual merchandising, design and architectural model making, Alex went on to study at both Sir John Cass and City Lit where she developed her skills working with precious metals. She launched her first jewellery collection in 2011 and has since exhibited at various shows including the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Awards and was featured in Crafts and Design Magazine after winning their Gold Award for jewellery.

Her distinctive yet understated ‘Urchin’ and ‘Mussel’ collections are inspired by her love of natural organic forms and her own costal finds she collected as a teenager. The smallest of her shell collection inspired the delicate sterling silver ring that has since evolved in to a whole new collection of urchin jewellery.

Lis Toft (Isle of Wight)
www.porcelainjewellery.co.uk

Lis is a ceramic artist specialising in porcelain jewellery. She studied Fine Art at Bath Academy of Art and ceramics at the Isle of Wight College and Quay Arts Centre. She is based in the Jubilee Stores Studios in Newport, Isle of Wight and is a resident potter at Calbourne Water Mill.

Living on the island has inspired her ‘Sea and Shoreline’ collection. Pieces are created in porcelain, and feature sumptuous bronze and turquoise glazes. They are elaborately hand painted in wax before glazing to create striking designs, which flow around ocean form.

Kathy Harris (Cotswolds)
www.kathyharris.co.uk | Facebook | Pinterest 

Kathy is currently studying a Fine Art degree at South Gloucestershire University after leaving behind a career in accountancy. She designs and crafts from her studio in Amberley, Cotswolds and takes inspiration from family visits to seaside towns.

The costal landscapes and natural forms are reflected in her driftwood sculptures. Driftwood is collected from her family farm, which backs onto the River Severn. Its then treated and left to dry out during the summer. Each piece is unique in its markings and scenes are made from recycled materials – boats are made from pistachio nut-shells and buildings are made with wood cuttings from a local mill.

Trove Exhibition runs from 19th October 2016 – 8th January 2017. Find out more about this and other projects and exhibitions over on the Aspex website, Facebook and on Twitter @AspexPortsmouth.