Kirsten Mackie Jewellery Designs

I am a jewellery designer based in the North East of Scotland. I work mainly in silver and precious or semi-precious stones.

My work is inspired by the geometry found in Art Deco design and patterns.

My work explores the idea of preciousness in jewellery, in particular the notions of value associated with lockets. I am also intrigued by the act of concealment: personal objects or treasured photographs that are contained, the meaning of which is hidden by the owner.

Looking more closely at how lockets open and shut, reveal and enclose, has led me to explore the relationship between interior and exterior surfaces and spaces. I have therefore used a combination of precious and non-precious materials, mainly silver and perspex, to contrast their material properties and perceived values, to explore those relationships.

The importance of wearer choice also forms part of my investigation by incorporating various methods of opening, closing and rotating to alter the character and message conveyed by my jewellery.