A desire to design...

Karen Dell'Armi is Jewellery Focus Magazine's 'Designer of the Month'.

I understand jewellery design has been quite a career change for you! Can you tell us the story behind Karen Dell’Armi Contemporary Jewellery?
Before setting up Karen Dell’Armi Contemporary Jewellery, I had a career in marketing for almost ten years. I took a career break to have my two sons and I soon realised that in this field I had not been fulfilling my real ambitions in life and that perhaps it was time for a change.

After taking some time away from employment, I was able to think through my options carefully. I knew that I wanted to set up my own business and I knew that I wanted to tap into my creative side, but I was unsure which area of art and design would best suit me.

I found a jewellery design and silversmithing course locally which I signed up to. From day one I was like a kid in a sweetshop; I had found my niche.
Since then I have been largely self taught and in October 2007 I established Karen Dell’Armi Contemporary jewellery; I haven’t looked back since.

How quickly did the business develop once established?
It is always a big risk setting up an entirely new business, especially in a different field to a previous career, but I knew that if I did not take the risk, that I would probably never get the chance to do so and regret not making the leap.
 
Within two years of setting up the business my work had appeared in exhibitions in over 30 galleries nationwide. I was also invited to quality exhibitions, trade and retail, which for a designer who has only just started out is a great privilege. I am thankful for the support shown by exhibition organisers, gallery owners and curators, professional bodies, suppliers and of course, customers! The biggest thrill to date was at MADE09 in Brighton when a MADE08 customer returned to add to her collection, bringing friends and family with her who also bought from me.

I am fortunate enough to have met some like-minded people along the way. Their advice and support has encouraged me to grow the business steadily and has made the journey a lot more enjoyable. It is my desire to give something back to the industry I love that led me to become an Advisor on the Association for Contemporary Jewellery Committee.

What do you attribute this success to?
I am doing something that I love for a living; very few people can say that. My success can therefore be attributed to my genuine desire to design, to make and to continually tap into my creative side. I feel very privileged to be in this position.

My friends and family are also incredibly supportive and without them I could never have made a success of the business.

What are your main design inspirations?
I strive to keep a design voice to my work whilst enjoying exploring new techniques and ways of working. I am influenced and inspired not only by architecture and textures but by experiences. I recently took part in a charity climb of Mount Kilimanjaro. The expedition was the inspiration behind the designs that I am currently putting together for my new range.

Which materials do you most enjoy working with and why?
I am always experimenting with new materials and techniques. I do, however, keep getting drawn back into working with precious metals as I love their properties and the tactile nature of the work. I find the processes as therapeutic and enjoyable as the designing. I tend to produce the majority of my work in silver and make gold and platinum pieces to order. I also have an exciting collaborative piece in the pipeline.

Of which piece are you particularly proud?
I am most proud of my Serenity Studs 2, which are a 2cm diameter pair of studs, each circles of small oxidised silver bowls. When I started out, the idea of someone as clumsy as I am working to such small scales seemed unfathomable. I also had to overcome some technical soldering challenges given the number and size of bowls needed.

Your work has featured in galleries, stores and exhibitions across the UK and internationally. Can you tell us more about this development?
I have been incredibly fortunate to have had my work well received by exhibition organisers, galleries and shops and I hope that this continues.
My work has featured in galleries all over the UK. I was also one of only 15 British designers to have been selected by Handmade in Britain to exhibit in Istanbul at the Fusion exhibition, which is a great achievement at such an early stage in my career.

I will also be featuring in the Made by Hand exhibition in South Wales in December, which is another brilliant opportunity for me, as it places me next to some of the most fantastically diverse and talented makers in the UK; it will also allow me to exhibit near to my hometown in Wales- the area which Karen Dell’Armi has perhaps been most well received.

 How does it feel to see your designs on show and catching the eye of visitors and customers?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my career is seeing something that I have imagined from day one, which has gradually evolved over time and taken time to perfect, being worn and appreciated by somebody else. This is the ultimate validation that what I do is really worthwhile and it is extremely humbling. It is particularly special to see some of my bigger, more statement pieces being enjoyed, because these demonstrate precisely what me as a designer and my work, are all about.

How are you currently developing your designs and your style?
Having returned recently from the charity climb, I am now putting together my new range which is inspired by the experience. The shapes and textures that I saw during the expedition were unlike anything I have ever seen before. It was especially awe-inspiring to see such huge plants at such high altitude when the landscape was almost lunar. My new work will be a collaboration with a felt artist, Gill Royal, and so will be a juxtaposition of soft felt and hard precious metal, sculptural and organic and will include bold, bright colours.

What are your hopes for the future of your business?
I hope that Karen Dell’Armi Contemporary Jewellery continues to grow and to develop. I am exploring a few retail opportunities following interest at New Designers 'Where are you now?' in July 2010. I would also like to continue my work with the Association for Contemporary Jewellery and as a nurturing person I would also like to do some teaching in the hope that others can gain the contentment that I find in creating jewellery.