Rachael Colley

Rachael Colley is from Sheffield and currently lives and works in Nottingham. She graduated from Royal College of Art 2010

The purpose of the series Subdivision was to create a series of works which challenged both the conventions of jewellery as well as their nature as lifelong objects. By creating a subdivision of jewellery I was able to subvert traditional techniques and apply material dupes in order to question the viewer and the wearer. The methods used to create the work reference traditions in baking, the basic rustic knowledge that is passed effortlessly down the generations. Intrigue surrounds the material based compositions, engaging the viewer via nostalgia or their seductive, concealed properties. The material displacements encourage a response in both the wearer and the viewer, initiating a visual dialogue. My intent is to instil a preciousness in the banal via its material transformation, as well as to utilise jewellery’s role as social signifier in order to challenge the public’s preconceived ideas of both the practice of craft and its aims.