Stacey Bentley is an Edinburgh based jeweller where she is currently studying an MA. Works with enamel combined with iron, steel and precious metals. Explores and experiments with new possibilities that enamel can bring to contemporary jewellery.
Stacey Bentley graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 2008 with a 1st Class (Hons) degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing. Her personal interest into the application of colour and texture lead her to study an MA at ECA exploring new and alternative possibilities for vitreous enamel within contemporary jewellery.
A visit to the Enamel Research Centre introduced her to liquid enamel which allowed her to integrate industrial processes and materials into her work. Stacey now aims to challenge the pre-conceived ideas attached to enamel by questioning technique, process and aesthetic.
Informing her creative process is the industrial city. Taking inspiration from patterns and structures she has observed on journeys through urban scenes, she initially paints onto small scale enamel panels to help her reflect upon these observations. This visual information is translated into tactile, sculptural forms that play with line, gritty textures and matt finishes.
Recent work experiments with smooth silver wire structures which generate strength and stability. Intertwined within these frameworks are thin enamelled binding wire elements that create a sense of fragility. This combination of materials allows Stacey to create unpredictable and spontaneous ideas for jewellery with a unique painterly quality.
Further Images
Textured Enamel Series #10
Brooch
Steel, iron, enamel, silver
65 x 50 x 35mm
Textured Enamel Series #8
Ring
Steel, iron, enamel, silver
60 x 35 x 45mm
Textured Enamel Series #5
Brooch
Steel, iron, enamel, silver, 9ct red gold
60mm Ø x 10mm
Textured Enamel Series #2
Brooch
Steel, iron, enamel, silver
60mm Ø x 1mm