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AUTHOR is delighted to introduce you to Rebecca Walklett, a skilled metalsmith who handcrafts exquisite boxes, bowls, vessels and jewellery from copper and silver in her Cornwall based workshop. We are delighted to feature Rebecca’s gorgeous, small Patinated Copper Boxes to our collections, perfect for treasuring small, cherished family items such as engagement rings or a lock of baby’s hair. Rebecca kindly sat down with us to discuss her work and the passion behind being a creative designer and maker.
Where did the passion for making your items come from?
I think it is not so much a question of where it came from – I have always made things and that process is a part of my being. The more interesting question is what sustains the passion. Like the majority of creative people, sustaining the passion is occasionally difficult, it ebbs and flows. I have found that it is important to keep to a routine and to work through the tough moments. Usually exploring a new technique gets me through this as it will spark new ideas. Walking, observing, reflecting, reading and photography all feed my imagination and are an integral part of the process.
Were you always interested in creating things from childhood?
Always. That and problem solving. I once ‘mended’ my tricycle with a wooden wheel from my Tinker Toy set. It was only partially successful…
How did your business start and what led you into it?
It has been a background, not quite the real thing for many years. The need to earn a wage to support the family took priority. I was made redundant last year and decided that it was a ‘now or never’ moment.
Where do you draw inspiration from for your pieces?
I’m not sure that there is one particular source of inspiration for my work. The shapes I use come from a mixture of looking at stones, seashells, classic geometry, creating colour, the idea of scale etc., so I would say using a small object to inspire large pieces, the idea of interior spaces being visible and much more!
What is your favourite part of the making process?
Starting and finishing. I get a buzz from the initial ideas and sketching which is so exciting that I can’t wait to get into the workshop. And finishing because the process of idea to actual piece remains magical.
Is there any specific part you enjoy the most or do you enjoy the overall process as a whole?
On the whole, I enjoy the entire process, but to be honest when someone really appreciates the work, that’s the most satisfying thing.
Do you have any particular design heroes or other makers your work has been influenced by?
It’s difficult to see particular influences on your own work. I’ll leave that for others to see – the answers could be interesting! There are many contemporary makers whose work I love including Edmund de Waal, Toru Kaneko, Simone ten Hompel, Helen Carnac and Ane Christensen.
Any upcoming projects/pieces you’re working on that you’d like to tell us about?
As always, there are more ideas than time. The project I was working on until the recent lockdown was a square box, made in sterling silver. It is going to have a small square Iolite stone in a recycled gold setting and lined with lilac nubuck leather that matches the stone.
Shop Rebecca Walklett’s work:
Please get in touch if you would like to discuss a bespoke commission by Rebecca or to see what pieces she currently has in stock.
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