Studio Shop 3: Vicki Sackwild

I grew up in an artistic family, surrounded by sketchbooks, pencils, paints and pastels.  My interest in jewellery design and silversmithing began as a young teenager, when mum enrolled on an adult education course.  Copper, silver, semi-precious gemstones and all manner of tools quickly joined the ranks of paints and paintbrushes, and I was soon joining her on annual visits to the Goldsmiths’ Fair in London to see the latest creations by the best in the trade.  I was awestruck and couldn’t begin to imagine how people were able to make such beautiful objects from metal.

In another life, I might have enjoyed art college, but I was persuaded early on that this was unlikely to pay the mortgage!  Instead I was encouraged to pursue a scientific career, and having applied for Physics degrees the length of the country, I found myself, by a twist of fate, following in dad’s footsteps to study Geology.  Rocks, minerals and gemstones were never far away, and I became fascinated by what they could tell us about the processes at work within the Earth.  I gained a PhD in Igneous Petrology and Volcanology, studying the dynamics of magmatic and volcanic processes, and the associated timescales of explosive eruptions.  While the aim was to contribute to broader volcanic hazard and risk mitigation efforts, commercial interests also emerged, linked to understanding kimberlite emplacement and the formation of natural diamonds.

After working in the Higher Education sector for many years, (initially in research and later in professional services), I took the opportunity presented by a natural break to reconnect with my artistic dream.  I borrowed books, videos and tools and began to teach myself the fundamentals of contemporary metal-forming techniques.  This is where my main interest continues to lie; much of my current work is characterised by elegant, sculptural, organic and fluid forms inspired by nature.  I work in copper, silver and gold (depending on the scale), often embellished with contrasting surface textures, coloured gilding or gemstone accents.

I have been lucky enough to exhibit alongside some of the UK’s finest designers and makers at leading national events, including the Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair in Winchester and Chelsea; and gratefully declined an approach by the producers of ‘All That Glitters: Britain’s Next Jewellery Star’ ahead of series 1.  My work is available through a small number of UK galleries and specialist contemporary jewellers, and I am happy to discuss commissions for bespoke designs and requests for individual or small group workshops.

For more information please call in to Studio 3 for a chat, visit my website (www.victoriasackwild.com – in development) or follow me on Instagram (@victoriasackwildjewellery).