Lisa Jane Forrester - Silversmith

Designers Statement

Most of my work is based around the concept of different lifestyles and eating habits, looking at the peoples interaction with tableware especially cutlery. It is very important to me to design and make my tableware ergonomically satisfying therefore enhancing the dining experience by either being comfortable to use or by generating a statement and something to talk about.

My main inspiration for the decorative and aesthetical side of my designs is the natural world, focusing on sculptural plant forms and seed pods. Visually breaking down my research provides me with ideas for form and texture of my pieces. Keeping elements of these natural influences visible in my finished pieces are as important as the usability.

To give a hard man-made material such as silver an organic quality is very rewarding. Aesthetically and practically my aim is that the piece is tactile, so people want to touch, feel, use and generally engage with the item. I find that mixing a smooth and rough texture has this desired effect. The main process I use to create that aesthetic is forging especially in my cutlery. I enjoy the process and results from forging as I can see the metal change gradually as you work, therefore can stick to a measured design or can adapt my design as I work.