Anna Watson

Bio

Anna Watson is a Jewellery Artist based in the South East of England. In 2011 she graduated with a First Class degree in 3D Design and Craft from the University of Brighton. From a young age Anna has been addicted to making and materials, today Anna uses this instinct to produce work of quality and innovation.
In the last few years she has participated in international exhibitions and continues to build a successful career.

Statement

My work is experimental and playful with hidden depths and darkness. I am inspired by materials, colour, religion, history, foreign travel, found artefacts, film, horror, photography, walks, strange encounters, memories, books, dramas, culture, and much more. I use jewellery as an art form through which to express these inspirations.
Much of my work from 2018 is influenced by the appearance and purpose of votives, shrines, and the ceremony and placement of votive offerings. In December 2018 I did a residency and exhibition in Athens Greece where I collected and worked with Orthodox Greek Tama. My current interest is in Eastern and South East Asian drama, graphic art/manga, mythology, relics, and religion. I participated in a curated exhibition in Beijing China 2020 for which I researched the appearance and use of dvarapala (statues or door guardians placed outside Buddhist temples). My recent giant bead necklaces reference dvarapala, graphic style, and symbolism. Using polymer clay I hand-build each bead and spend time carving images that are finished in enamel and acrylic paint.
 

CV