In conversation with Michele White
Founder of Artisan Alchemy Gallery, acclaimed jewellery artist and past president of the RBSA, Michele White discusses her love of Art Nouveau, her individualist spirit, and why she hasn’t set foot on a plane since the 1970s!
One of the first things I do when I arrive at my workshop is roll out my yoga mat ready for my morning exercises. Spending so much time bent over my workbench has caused me to develop back problems, so I stretch for half an hour each day to help ease my pain. It keeps my joints moving, makes me feel better and sets me up for the day before I start work.
There's nothing more unappealing to me than something that has mass appeal. Wearing the same jewellery as thousands of others or decorating your house with the same furnishings as your neighbour is unimaginative and says nothing about you. With so many great independents out there offering more creative alternatives, I think it’s a real shame that so many people remain on autopilot. Needless to say, I actively choose not to follow the masses!
One of the reasons I opened the gallery was because nobody makes what I do. I've consciously avoided taking the typical path of commercial jewellery making as I regard myself more of an artist working in the medium of metal rather than just a jewellery designer. You can see that reflected in my work - for instance, in my miniature landscape brooches and sculptural statement necklaces. Winning the RBSA's annual prize exhibition back in 2000, which recognises artists who use various artforms, confirmed my belief that I'm more artist than jeweller.
I also love working on one-off commissions. Bringing a customer’s vision to life, watching the piece evolve, and seeing their delight when they’re presented with their own unique design feels rather special. It's lovely to think that something I've created will be cherished forever, an heirloom that will be handed down to the next generation.
I’m passionate about helping fellow craftspeople showcase their beautiful creations. That's why the gallery features the work of not only jewellery artists like myself, but also some of the UK’s most talented artisans working with wood - another one of my passions. Visitors to the gallery often comment on how wonderful it is to see such distinctive furniture on display - pieces that blur the line between functionality and art. You can see the excitement on their faces, and that’s exactly how great art should make you feel.
This year, I am really looking forward to going to the Cartier Exhibition at the V&A. I'm especially eager to see some of the pieces designed by René Lalique during his time at Cartier. He's one of the biggest influences on my work and I love the way he selected materials based on their power and colour, regardless of whether they were precious or not. It's something that resonates in my own jewellery along with his free-flowing Art Nouveau style.
If I could invite anyone from the past to dinner, it would be Leonardo da Vinci. He was such an accomplished artist and a true genius, it would be fascinating to listen to the thoughts of a brilliant mind and see what he'd make of the way we live today.
One of my favourite places to eat out is Folium, the restaurant that is located across the road from the gallery. It has such a lovely, relaxed atmosphere and Lucy makes sure you're made to feel very welcome. Ben is an incredibly talented, creative chef. The food is meticulously prepared and worthy of a Michelin star, we're very lucky to have such good neighbours!
I haven't got on a plane since the 1970s when I had children. The thought of something catastrophic happening and not being able to look after my children makes me anxious! The fear has stayed with me, even though they are grown up with their own children and all flying around the world! This means I’ll be travelling by train to Milan Jewellery Week, where I’ve been invited to submit a couple of my sculptural pieces for the Artistar Jewels Award. This award recognises originality, technique and design - an honour I was lucky enough to win a couple of years ago for one of my agate landscape brooches.
When I'm not in my workshop I'm working in my garden, it's a constant source of inspiration for me. The colours, the different textures, the unusual forms and how they work together - there are big parallels between what I love doing in the garden and the jewellery I create in my workshop.
Everyone knows me for my love of Ginkgo trees. The shape of their leaves is the inspiration behind the Artisan Alchemy brand and my signature Ginkgo collection. But I also have a particular passion for Arisaemas - they’re weird and wonderful, with their hooded, serpentine heads and striking foliage. I hope to discover a few more varieties when I volunteer at the Chelsea Flower Show!
If you’d like to talk to Michele about commissioning your own bespoke design, just email her at info@michelewhite.com to arrange a meeting or alternatively pop into the gallery in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.