INTRODUCTIONS: MY FIRST DAY AS A MASTERS STUDENT

The first project of my Jewellery Masters Degree was to write, and present, a two minute introduction about myself…
I always find talking about myself a little a bit weird… especially in a situation like this, where it is forced, and pressured - anxiety = hating talking in front of a group of people - but I think I managed to mostly stay to my script…

Hi there! My name is Chloe Henderson. I’m originally from Edinburgh, Scotland. I completed my undergraduate in Jewellery & Metal Design at the University of Dundee, where I graduated three years ago. 

The focus of my final year Degree Show project then, and the inspirations that are continuing to drive me now, are searching out narratives. For me, it is narrative in the purest form: stories - literature, fiction, poetry, mythologies, faerytales, etc.
All of which I’ve used as a form of inspiration that then informs all decisions of the research I undertake, the samples I make, and the final piece I create. So, the work not only tells the story it’s inspired by, but begins to weave tales of it’s own.

I’m also a massive nerd.
I’ve recently taken up illustration as a form of creative expression, which actually resulted as a follow-on from jewellery making. Hand-drawn nitric acid etching is my favourite technique, and one I’ve used a lot in my work. The patterns I use to cover my metalwork with are what I’ve used to develop my illustrative style. 
More often than not, my illustrations are inspired by geek culture. I’ve enjoyed taking my illustrative artwork out into the wider world by being a stallholder at comic cons, markets, fairs, and other events. 
That’s a part I want to develop while I’m here. I feel like I’ve managed to take my illustrations out and introduce them to the real world, and I want to be able to do the same with my jewellery.

Mostly I want to figure out ways to transform the 2D into the 3D and take my drawings into the adornment world, as well as discover new pathways to learn new avenues of illustration, and drawing practices. I love etching, and I want to learn more about those techniques, but I’m more excited about diversifying, and discovering new techniques, inspirations, and materials to enhance my narratives.

The images above are of artworks I’ve created so far, and you can see more on my website… I hope you’ll follow me on my journey of creating new and exciting artworks!

Much arty love.
Chloe out.