Karen Lester interviewed by Klimt02

Do you think jewellery is being Standardised ?
No, I don’t think so. There is a vast area of jewellery that is innovative, provokes emotion and is quite exciting. I find it really interesting that jewellery artists can transform everyday materials into unique pieces of jewellery that contains their own signature style.


What is there of local and universal in your artistic work?
I take inspiration from everyday life! It can be visual, a piece of music or a reaction to an event! so I guess there is an element of both local and universal in my work.


What do you expect when exposing your work to the public?
I hope engagement with my work. In my latest collection Fluidity I’ve enjoyed seeing peoples reactions to the material I’ve used. The feedback helps push my artistic practice forward.


Are there other areas besides jewellery, present in your work?
My work straddles boundaries of sculpture, fine art and craft. I guess because I’m influenced by artists from all three of those areas.


The last work, book, film, city that has moved me?
I was recently lucky enough to see Björk perform. The honesty and openness of her lyrics to the amazing cutting edge costumes left me speechless and very moved.


A place, space, country whose creativity surprises me?
I love to travel and explore, and I’m often surprised by how much creativity there is all around us most of which gets overlooked! There is one particular gallery space in a tucked away corner of London called The Drawing Room, I’m always pleasantly surprised by what I see there.


Is there any designer, jeweller, artist, you appreciate a lot?
Rachael Whitread is an artist I love. Her ideas, method of practice and scale of her projects really excite me. For a Jeweller it would have to be Otto Künzli. The volume of his work,  how he has pushed the boundaries of contemporary jewellery and inspired so many jewellery artists is quite amazing.


What piece or work has give you the most satisfaction?
I would have to say my latest collection of work Fluidity Series  it took a lot of experiments and failures till I managed to get the material to do what I wanted.



Karen Lester, Brooch: Fluidity, 2016, Bone China, glaze, silver; 6.5 x 4.5 x 7.5 cm
Photo by: Karen Lester, From series: Series II
 

Do you read Jewellery magazines? What is your source to get information?
Yes, I read Current Obsession, interviews on Art Jewellery Forum and Klimt02. I also like to read craft magazines and articles on the British Craft Council website. The internet and social media is a great way of keeping up to date with current practice , exhibition etc.


Do you discuss your work with other jewellery artists or any other person?
I think its very important to discuss your work with others, otherwise you could easily over look potential areas of development. My peers, family and friends all are great sounding boards.


What is your first thought when you hear the word future? What do you expect for?
Excitement! I think its very important to reflect on your practice, but equally its important to keep looking forward, that way I think you keep fresh and inspired as an artist/ designer.  I don’t expect anything! I just hope I can keep being inspired by things around me.