Her work is inspired by vintage toys and folk art, and very much by the materials themselves. Woods, plastics, metals, found objects, vintage formica, cellulose acetate, plywood and enamel paint – all are handled with equal care and sensitivity. It doesn’t matter that these raw materials have little monetary value on their own; Katy imbues them with a sense of preciousness by bringing out each one’s inherent beauty, and combining them in ways that are evocative of half-forgotten childhood memories.

They are playful pieces, sweet and happy. They are also slightly mysterious, like they’re part of a game that you lost the instructions to.

 

 

Katy manages to put together disparate materials so seamlessly that it takes a while to realise the difficulties that entails. There is a lovely clarity of form; everything appears uncomplicated and purposeful. But it is the details – a little sliver of colour here, a spot of silver there – that make each piece special.

 

 

Her work has been exhibited world wide, including at the prestigious Velvet de Vinci gallery in San Francisco, and is featured in several collections, including the permanent collection of the London Crafts Council.

 

 

Katy has also designed a set of gates for Canary Wharf in London, and commemorative pieces for the London bombings in 2005. As well as her own practice, Katy currently teaches Jewellery at Central St Martins in London.

You can find more of Katy’s work on her website here.