Artist’s statement about her work

In my practice as a jeweller, I investigate different aspects of my own identity. Working with themes such as perception, nature, and surrealism, I analyse the questions that arise when we encounter these concepts. I imagine narratives that answer these questions and then question them again, examining my own interpretations and biases inherently linked to different aspects of my identity: culture, ethnicity, gender, class, emotions, and personal and familial history. My physical pieces therefore carry glimpses of sentiment and essences of my inner world.

In my recent work, I explore our relationship to skin: texture, hair growth, perspiration, prostheses, health and sickness, as well as the concept of jewellery itself. How do we react when we wear and interact with a second skin made of metal, or when we wear other people's hair on our own skin? Experimenting and exploring materials plays a key role in my work. Metals, textiles, paper, plastics, glues, plant dyes, lacquers, varnishes, waxes, and human hair are all on my ever-expanding material list.

Apart from my inner world, I also source inspiration externally. I am drawn to and have amassed a collection of seemingly inconspicuous objects, both natural and man-made, from which a number of ideas have formed. One of these came from a walk in my local marshland: the fruit of giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), which served as the inspiration for my silver seed dispenser.

I see my pieces as small fragments of reality with the potential to surprise and nurture curiosity for the world both outside and within ourselves.

Follow Miriam on Instagram @lillemim

About the experience at K2 Academy

Studying at K2 has helped me develop and expand my technical skills, with the introduction of both traditional and contemporary jewellery techniques. Most importantly for me, the experience has given me the confidence and clarity to pursue further studies (MFA at Alchimia, IT). I chose K2 because of its contemporary focus, the workshop space itself, and the artistic profiles of the teachers. Katrin and Kelvin each, and combined, have a huge catalogue of knowledge and experience that they share generously — whether it is creative ideas, technical solutions, a tool from their workshop, advice on collaborations, pricing, current exhibitions, or a recommendation for a book from the workshop library.

Photographs by James Champion, Miriam Demattia and K2 Academy.