I live about 7 miles from the south coast of England in a small county called Dorset and I am very fortunate to have the start of the world heritage site Jurassic Coast just a little way west, where I spent many many happy childhood holidays messing about in Rock pools and looking for fossils.
Work started on my new studio this week - this has been my major preoccupation in recent weeks and whilst I haven't been able to get to the beach much I have been retreating into some jewellery design as a distraction and the influence of my beautiful surroundings are all too clear.
This is Durdle Door, a natural arch where I can remember finding Starfish as a kid...
 |
| Photo courtesy of Joe Cotch |
A view over Kimmeridge Bay is a perfect example of the wonderful Dorset Downs that sweep down to the coast cloaked in a gorgeous palette of blues and greens...
 |
| Photo courtesy of Joe Cotch |
Any my own blue and green interpretation...
This is "Old Harry Rocks' a chalk stack at one of my favourite parts of the coast line for walking...
 |
| Photo courtesy of Joe Cotch |
I've never been fortunate enough to come across an Ammonite of this magnitude but they do make great motifs to use in jewellery...
This necklace features fossil inspiration from myself and my fellow AJE team mates Diana and Karen.
I'm also a big fan of natural earthy colours and these regional palettes also work their way into my component designs...
 |
| Photo courtesy of Joe Cotch |
And then of course there are our gorgeous local beach huts which range from the bright and bijoux...
 | |
| Friends of mine Louise and Helen |
If I had that kind of money guess where my new studio would be... but until I win the lottery I'll have to make do with my own little huts.
I hope you've enjoyed this little trip to the south coast of England and if you'd like to share any special places that influence your work please do - we'd love to hear form you.
Lesley
The Gossiping Goddess
Being A Dorset person too, I loved all your photos, most of them are my favourite places too, especially Kimmeridge and Hengistbury Head - great to see how beautiful landscapes inspire your beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed her photo trip. What a beautiful environment! It is no wonder your jewelry is so beautiful!
ReplyDeletewhat a simply gorgeous place to live Lesley! and I can see it's influences in your work (which I love as you know!)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Love this post. What great pieces and the landscapes are magnificent.
ReplyDeleteWow!! Some gorgeous inspiration and you know I love your creations. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow, I had no idea there was such beautiful coastal areas in England...shows how geographically challenged I am!! Your designs are obviously influenced by your surroundings and just gorgeous Lesley!!
ReplyDeleteLoved seeing your pieces next to the photos that inspired them. It's very... inspiring!
ReplyDeleteOk yeah, I really need to come out and visit you now.
ReplyDeleteIncredible pics! I just love how you relate all the beautiful scenery into your jewelry.
ReplyDeleteJust found your post Lesley, I am live on the coast too not to far from you in North Devon, I live right above the harbour and a short drive to Exmoor what great inspiration we have in the beautiful Westcountry! I love the photos what a nice idea to add the landscapes that inspired your lovely jewellery.
ReplyDeleteJackie
I loved taking this little virtual tour of your area and seeing how it touches your design work. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLeslie this is a great post. I appreciate the pics of your area. I can see how it influences you. Congrats on getting your new studio addition started.
ReplyDeleteI adore all these pieces! It was looking at pics of your area that inspired one of my bead soup pieces when we were partners. Thanks for the eye candy and showing us what inspires you.
ReplyDelete