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Suzy Dunford-Gent is a visual artist whose practice, encompassing contemporary jewellery design, traditional craft processes and installation, draws on the materiality of vernacular architecture and historical costume, exploring their significance as expressions of human ideals and drives.

Walking, foraging, toolmaking, metalwork, ceramics, carving, building, spinning, dyeing, weaving… the processes utilised are united by a common aim: an attempt to connect to our surroundings through the materiality of place. From the literal stuff of the earth (clay, metals, plant/animal fibres) costumes and containers are created, tactile material artefacts that exist as intimate dialogues between self, place and time.

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Sculptural jewellery, boxes and silverware inspired by historical architecture, are designed and handmade by Suzy under her brand, Susan Jane Dunford. Her imagery is informed by the rich textures and diverse forms of old buildings; flaking paint, weathered masonry, extensions and alterations, and she finds inspiration from the built environment all around us, from the grandest palace to the humblest shed. Working predominantly in silver, oxidised silver and gold, with precious and semi-precious stones, Susan Jane Dunford collections include the Model Village Collection as well as one-off sculptural pieces such as her silver jewellery boxes with removable jewellery details. Suzy also works to commission.

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