Meet The Maker – Kathryn Arbon

Kathryn Arbon Jewellery

Do you have a favourite tool or process?

I love to work with clients remodelling old jewellery, using old gold and gemstones to make new pieces.  I often incorporate unusual gemstones in my designs and am really interested in gemmology.

Sea and silver ring
Kathryn Arbon Coastal

Kathryn is a Dorset based jeweller who lives and works on The Isle of Portland among a growing community of artists and craftspeople. She has over 25 years experience as a jeweller, including teaching and studio work. 

We caught up with her at the start of 2021 to find out about her hopes and plans for the year ahead.

Hi Kathryn, what sets you up for a day in the studio?

One of the first things I do when I get to the studio in the morning (after turning on two heaters and putting on Radio 6!) is to make a cup of black coffee, then I sit down and plan what I am going to work on first.

Sounds good. What are you currently working on? 

This year, I am going to revisit and develop designs from past collections. I have explored many different processes over the years and am looking forward to combining some of them in new work. I will also focus on more recent collections which have been inspired by living so close to the sea, on the Isle of Portland, Dorset. I love watching the herring gulls and swift’s soaring over the roof-tops. 

Jewellers bench - Kathryn Arbon

It’s the weekend, what do you do to relax?

To relax, I like to draw or get outside and go for a walk, up to the quarries or for a good old stomp along the beach which usually blows the cobwebs away!

What’s in store for 2021?

This year I hope as everyone does, we can move forward into spring, the galleries will reopen, fairs and shows will be organised, makers can meet up with students and customers more safely and we can all feel as we used to. Last year, I took on a new studio where I am looking forward to teaching students different jewellery making skills on a 1:1 basis, hopefully later this year, when it’s possible. 

 

Discover more of Kathryn’s work at www.seaandsilver.co.uk

Visit Kathryn’s page in the Member’s Directory – Kathryn Arbon – Sea & Silver

Kathyrn’s work can also be seen via her website or follow on Facebook or Instagram

Kathyrn is also a member of Artful Collective. Click here to find out more about becoming a member.