New studio artist: Sarah Kelly

Our very newest addition to the parlour is the jewellery designer Sarah Kelly who runs Saloukee. Sarah visited the studios over the summer initially and stayed for a long chat with us. She loved the space from the start and following the publication of her first book, Paper Jewellery, she took the plunge and joined us. Now she’s settled into her desk, surrounded by books, materials and clean, iconic fashion and art photographs to draw on for inspiration.

Shortly after she moved in I asked her a few questions about her intricate designs and influences.

How did you get started? Have you always wanted to be a jewellery designer?

I've been creative for as long as I remember but at school I was always pretty academic. It wasn't until A level that I had my first real chance at proper jewellery making, sitting on a workbench getting my hands and clothes dirty. I found selecting a university course pretty tough and was choosing between studying English Language or Jewellery Design. I opted to follow my heart and didn't regret it.

I graduated in 2005 with a first from Loughborough University and began my career freelancing in London, Paris and Amsterdam and was even lucky enough to design jewellery worn by Angelina Jolie! It wasn’t until 2008 after I’d had some time to travel, work for some other companies and gain a little life experience, that I decided to follow my creative dream and set up my own design business, Saloukee.

Where do you find inspiration?

Costume history, haute couture fashion, interiors, architecture, finding a problem and solving it in a beautifully aesthetic way.

What's one of the most important lessons you've learned about being freelance?

I think to stay true to your vision. Making jewellery from paper poses questions from probably 85% of the people that I meet and I realise the type of jewellery that I'm designing is not your usual high street bling. I simply have to remain focused on my final goal, be a bit stubborn that and know that if I'm determined enough it will happen.

Who are your artistic influences?

Zoe Bradley – paper sculptor who has worked with some high profile advertising and editorial clientele. Her dexterity with paper is jaw dropping and her vision for large-scale work is always so beautifully executed.

Hannah Marshall – fashion designer whose sharp tailored designs are to die for! Not only has she been applauded for her great design in Vogue (my ultimate dream press) but she’s business savvy and still seems to have time to party and smile with the best of them too!

Sophia Coppola - film director and producer to some of the most dreamy films and advertising campaigns I've had the pleasure in watching. Her vision during for the film Marie Antoinette exhibited the perfect frivolity to allow the viewer’s mind to run wild, I am in awe of her talent.

What's your most important tool or material?

My hands … no part of my process would be possible without the use of my hands! I recently learnt to snowboard and have been praying each time I hit the slopes that I come back with both wrists/hands intact!

How would you describe your style?

I'd like to think it's clean, elegant, meticulous, innovative and visual.

If you could do anything else besides being an artist what would you do?

I've had many romantic notions of being an architect. I'm particularly in love with contemporary Japanese design. In reality I'm sure the maths part of architecture would hurt my brain a lot though!

What are you working on now?

My first book was published in November so my head has been in the clouds for a while. I'm excited about being a newcomer to the parlour in 2012 as my plan is to come up with some innovative new jewellery collections which are bigger, bolder and more 'out there' than my previous work. It's great to be around such an energetic vibe and I'm hoping this will give my new making and designing some momentum.