Originally from the Highlands of Scotland, Maria Maclennan is a contemporary jeweller, designer and researcher currently based in Dundee, Scotland. She studied at leading Scottish art college Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, graduating in 2010 with a high-end Bachelor of Design with Honours in Jewellery and Metal Design, receiving an A1 grade for her dissertation. Also holding a strong interest in research and writing, Maria is currently undertaking a Master of Design postgraduate programme, through which she is investigating pushing the boundaries of jewellery design by developing a ‘Forensic Jewellery Classification System’ for use with the Police.
Since her undergraduate degree show in May 2010, Maria has undertaken numerous design projects, collaborations and freelance work; exhibiting across the UK including in Scotland, London and Manchester. Maria previously undertook freelance work as a Fashion Blogger for London-based design companies FashAddict and B-Side by Wale, and was one of the Highlands and Islands Arts Trust’s Maker(s) of the Month in August 2010. In October 2010, she completed a Production Design internship on London’s Brick Lane with renowned jewellery company, Tatty Devine. Both Maria’s jewellery design and research work has been featured in numerous online publications, magazines, websites and newspapers.
What Kind Of Materials Are You Using?
Maria’s work encompasses the use of photo etched and oxidized silver, freshwater pearls, hand-printed and tea-stained muslin ribbon, faux rose petals, sapphires and rubies, antique lace and vintage ephemera.
What Got You Started Jewelry Crafting?
Having studied Art and Design, Product Design, Graphic Communication, English and Philosophy prior to attending art school, Maria’s interest was always in art, design, craft and writing. Attending art college and studying Jewellery and Metal Design allowed Maria to develop her skills not only as a jeweller, but as a fully-fledged design thinker and practitioner. Her passion for both jewellery and writing throughout art college lead her to combine the two areas in a fresh and innovative way through her current Masters.
How and/or Where Do You Sell Your Jewelry?
Maria currently works on a gallery, exhibition and commission-only basis. Her work has previously stocked at The Spider and The Fly, a small design boutique based in the heart of Edinburgh, and she is currently in the process of setting up an online Etsy store to sell her pieces online. Maria works from her small workshop (bedroom!) based in Dundee, whilst undertaking research at the University of Dundee.
What Is Your Source of Inspiration?
Maria’s work combines the romanticism of Parisian cues and handwritten letters with her love of vintage ephemera. Through her jewellery, she strives to translate the ephemeral imagery of beige pages, antique lace and vintage written matter into precious jewellery and tactile altered art. Her degree show collection, ‘Altered Ephemera’, explored a series of altered books, altered matchboxes and precious miniaturized containers, which romanticize a poetic, vintage aesthetic
Why Handmade Jewelry?
Why pay a visit to the ever unsustainable high street cohort when you can lovingly create an original piece from home?
Find me on:
www.mariamaclennan.com
Featured Jewelry Artist: The Jewelry Observer Interviews Maria Maclenna Copyright © 2011 The Jewelry Observer All Rights Reserved.
Related posts:
