In this time I think we need to laud the amazing ability we have to access and communicate with our fellow jewellers. Tim Peel interviewed by Klimt02.

Do you think that jewellery is being standardized? What is there of local and universal in your artistic work?
No I don’t think jewellery is being standardised broadly speaking, however in a very accessible digital world its difficult to remain entirely unique/local. I learned a very long time ago that there is nothing new in jewellery design after ten thousand years of human endeavour, just different technologies and interpretations. In this time I think we need to laud the amazing ability we have to access and communicate with our fellow jewellers now and make the most of the opportunities, for example my being able to join Klimt02 from the other side of the world. 

What do you expect when exposing your work to the public (for example with an exhibition)?
I primarily aim to engage in meaningful conversations with an audience but also for that audience to continue the conversations and debates beyond the exhibition etc. I also hope to engage with new audiences.

Are other areas besides the jewellery, present in your work?
Jewellery is ever present in my work practice however occasionally small sculptural works are created using my jewellery skills.

The last work, book, film, city that has moved me was…
Definitely The Descent of Man by Grayson Perry. Perry's writing has an uncanny ability to shine a light into the murky world of white male privilege, exposing the soft underbelly of some of the worlds biggest problems in one small book, now to get on with fixing things. It will inspire and inform my work for years to come.

A place, space, country whose creativity surprises me…
I have had the privilege to travel through parts of Western Europe and I must say that the creative culture I found was wonderful. However that same cultural vibrancy is burgeoning in Melbourne, Australia too, and that is very pleasantly surprising.

Is there any designer, jeweller, artist, you appreciate a lot?
This has too be one of the hardest questions to answer, there are so very many. Over the course of my career so far I have drawn inspiration and guidance from many people such as:
 
•  Susan Cohn, who’s work in the 80’s inspired my college years.
•  Georg Dobler’s use of nature castings and large semi precious gemstones.
•  Elleanor Moti’s response to materials was both a revelation and a mirror of what I was doing myself at the time (only much better).
•  Kevin Coates, his ability to model the figurative and still tell such an eloquent tale.
•  Painters as diverse as Albert Tucker, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Mark Rothko.
•  Perhaps most importantly my Opa who learned traditional Latvian silversmithing in the aftermath of World War II and took the time to teach me.
 
What piece or work has given you the most satisfaction?
 Usually, the last one I made.
 
Do you read Jewellery Magazines? What is your source to get information?
Yes I do, I’ve been a subscriber to Metalsmith Magazine for some years, but to be honest I avidly collect anything published on jewellery when I find it. No matter how accessible the digital world makes things I still prefer print if I can get it. 
 
Do you discuss your work with other jewellery artists or any other person?
I certainly do, especially a very dear friend and collaborator, Ali Griffin. Ali is a conceptual artist so she often will take our discussions in different and unexpected directions. I find this process of analysing ideas and exploring them through the eyes of another inspiring.
 
What is your first thought when you hear the word Future? What do you expect for? 
Dynamic, inspirational and exciting. I can’t wait!!