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Inspiration Interview with Gillian E. Batcher of Jewel Envy and Pash.



Gillian E. Batcher owns Jewel Envy, a collaborative studio, where she designs and makes jewellery. In addition to making jewellery she teaches classes from her studio, George Brown College, and the Ontario College of Art and Design. She has a degree in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario and a certificate in Jewellery Arts from George Brown College, graduating from both with distinction. In addition to studying at George Brown she took an intensive jewellery course in Florence, Italy. Upon completing her training she was accepted into Harbourfront Centre’s   residency program where she worked as an artist in residence for three years. She has participated in numerous art shows and exhibitions in Canada and the United States and has been the recipient of various awards for both technical and artistic achievement.

Her work is about re-establishing a connection to the roots of craftsmanship. Techniques previously used for their working properties are used today for their visual appeal. “I explore the integration of these
divergent uses and highlight the relationship between function and form in contemporary jewellery. To illustrate this relationship, I use methods to create volume balanced by structures that create strength. This results in a body of work that combines the appearance of delicacy with the practicality of strength. These complementary ideas allow for the creation of comfortable, sculptural jewellery that stands alone, but comes to life on the body.”













 
What/who inspires you?
I find inspiration in a variety if places from architecture to other artists work and even raw materials such as plastic.

When have you had you greatest "A-ha" moments?
Inspiration is a funny thing. It can not be conjured just because you need it. I find my most creative moments are either when I am completely relaxed or just after I have had a disaster (real or imagined). When I am relaxed, often just before falling asleep, I have moments when everything falls into place and I envision what I want to make as a complete finished piece of jewellery. With the piece formed I can move onto the puzzle of solving how to make it. The other moment for inspiration is just after I think I have ruined something. In some cases I have in others I have not, but the shock often triggers my mind to start coming up with solutions and alternatives to what I have already tried.

What do you do when you feel you are in need of inspiration?
When I need inspiration I start by flipping through my sketch books to see if there is a design I would like to bring to life. If nothing appeals at the moment I look to the materials I have at my studio and in my home. If neither of these sparks my imagination it is time for a vacation! I always come back from trips with fresh ideas and ready to start new projects.





What do you feel you do to inspire others?
I am not sure if I inspire others. But if I do it is probably my strong work ethic.

Anything else you'd like to add... 
Take chances in your work and your approach to success. If you are lucky you will remember what does not work and apply the knowledge to figure out what does work. Try not to regret failed attempts regret missed opportunities and try not to miss future ones.


Thank You Gillian!

Please be sure to Check out Gillian E. Batcher's studio, Jewel Envy, and all it offers!
http://www.jewelenvy.ca/

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