Here’s our next #meetthemaker interview with the lovely jeweller, Xuella Arnold. Xuella makes beautiful jewellery inspired by song lyrics and poetry, creating wearable narrative and imagery. Based at her studio in Hertfordshire, Xuella works with silver, bronze and gold to produce her original, delicate designs that are full of imagination, character and romance.
Xuella Arnold has been designing and making jewellery since the 80s, since being awarded a first class degree in jewellery and silversmithing. Her work has developed over the years, focusing more on creating sculptural work with precious metal clay and bronze clay.
From left to right: Ammonite silver and bronze stud earrings, Bejewelled squiggle with topaz pendant, and Cat in window silver and bronze pendant.
Read on to find out more about Xuella Arnold...
I did a degree in silversmithing and jewellery and have been making ever since. I don’t think of it as starting a business as it’s just what I do - I sell at craft fairs, festivals, shops and galleries and have also taught jewellery for many years.
I moved to Devon next to the River Tamar seven years ago where everything is beautiful and quiet.
I am influenced by natural forms and imagery but also song lyrics, poems and literature.
From left to right: Little birdhouse necklace, Summertime's in bloom necklace, and Seven for a secret tower necklace.
When I’m not making jewellery we like to go sea kayaking, walking on the moor, gardening and listening to music loudly in the car!
My favourite pieces at the moment are the range based on Lucienne Days 1950 fabric design - my cow parsley range and dandelion clocks.
From left to right: Double cow parsley necklace, Dandelion clock pendant, and Fern silver and gold long wire drop earrings.
The most challenging aspect of my work is the selling and marketing it as really it’s a whole other job - also keeping up with paperwork and emails!
My advice for any craft worker is to persevere and find your own niche.
The artists and writers who I love but don’t directly influence me are the writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez - I’ve read all he’s written. Frida Kahlo’s style and colour is fantastic. The jeweller who is my idol is Kevin Coates who’s imagery and craftsmanship is outstanding.
From left to right: Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Frida Kahlo, and Kevin Coates.
My new designs I hope to do, if all goes to plan, is a more painterly style using line drawing, but I’ll see how it goes!
That sounds amazing - we will keep an eye out!