Artist’s statement about her work: 

My inspiration comes from nature, from being outside, from reading books about wildlife and plants. I enjoy details, weeds and moss, lichen and tiny insects, often missing the bigger picture- the giant tree on which crawl or the pavement from which they grow. I like to wander and meander and my pockets are full of things I’ve found along the way. I have drawers filled with twigs and bones, birds’ nests and pottery sherds, pieces of flint and other kinds of curiosities, waiting to be turned into pieces of jewellery or to inspire a design. Back in the studio I sit with things I have collected arranged around me and start to draw, picking out the shapes that could work as a ring or necklace. My aim is not to try to recreate the things I find- nothing can improve upon nature- but to take inspiration from their forms and textures, When I find something new it fills me with a sense of wonder at being the first person to find it, this is the feeling I want to invoke in the wearer of my jewellery, a feeling of discovery and excitement at wearing a handmade unique piece.

Follow Aimee on Instagram @aimeeleemackay.

About the experience at K2 Academy:

K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery is a great environment to learn and develop jewellery skills, I was drawn to K2 because of its small classes and contemporary teaching style, I am so pleased I decided to come here. Katrin Spranger and Kelvin Birk are not only renowned jewellers but truly great teachers. We are always being encouraged to push our boundaries, experiment and try new things, they are always happy to discuss your work with you and frequently bring new incites and ideas to pieces with the knowledge from their vast experience.