Grace Cross
Grace’s work has been created around a narrative about a Victorian jewel thief. The project was inspired by an article she found in an old book about a jewellery theft, an old suitcase with the initials T.G.A embossed on it and her love for Victoriana, nostalgia and history. Her aim is to produce a collection that holds surprises for the viewer. She wants each piece to have some intrigue and an air of history. She investigated the use of different materials and arrived at an innovative use of embossed leather to make 3D patterns. This technique leads Grace to focus on the idea of hiding and scattering the stolen jewellery. She has worked with a found suitcase by lining it with leather embossed with her own design. On the outside, the case looks shabby and worn, but when its is opened the overall effect is one of opulence, with decadent leather lining the case, and the stolen jewels pouring out of the seams. She has made a series of broken cameo necklaces that will be stashed inside old books, which can be worn as a set or separately to suggest the pieces, which were once a whole. Grace has also created a series of brooches using small, found picture frames, inspired by the discovery of layers of old, hidden paintings under many old paintings that people buy.
E: graceamelia87@hotmail.co.uk
