Michael Peckitt

Michael Peckitt 's jewelry is a visual smorgasbord of vibrant colors in sturdy yet elegant silhouetted shapes.  Using highly unusual jewelry making techniques, his collections are eye catching and distinctive and above all, unmistakably his.  In a world where jewelers can often jostle to find their own sense of style without overlapping others,  Michael doesn't have to worry about building a strong brand image,  as there are few other artists with a vision and expertise that even comes close to his.  This month, his collection is being showcased in the Japanese Fashion Museum, in Kobe.  Here he takes a few minutes out of his busy schedule to answer some questions about his work.

How did you develop your use of using anodized aluminium and acrylic?
I developed it from painting canvasses, I use a sheet of aluminum like a canvas and then cut up the painting into jewelry.

Where do you find inspiration?
I am really inspired by the use of colors and can't wait to get up in the morning!  I combine unusual colors and build new combinations of colors in layers.

What is your favorite design, and is this your best seller?
The best sellers are the bangles and I like the wide ones best as they show the most art.

How did you first get into jewelry art?
I am an artist and had the idea of making dynamic wearable art which I now do.

Would you consider yourself primarily a painter or a jeweler, or are the two pretty symbiotic?
I am an artist and designer.  I have been to the School of Jewellery in Birmingham for 2 years to learn skills but I have 4 people with many years of experience working for me making my paintings on aluminum into jewelry.

What keeps you motivated?   I am an artist and as such self-motivation comes with the profession.
Can you name another jewelry designer whose work you admire?   Jane Adam is the leading person in my field, every designer that knows of her respects her and she is very well liked by her colleagues including me.  She is generous with her knowledge.

What is your favorite part of the jewelry making process?
I like the whole process but once made my favorite thing is to make artistic installations for my website.

How do you feel the current financial crisis is affecting the jewelry industry.  Are we being force to be more creative?  Perhaps work with different materials?  Maybe being forced into being more efficient?
My business has increased because people are buying less expensive and are coming to me.  I have about 150 outlets in the UK and quite a few abroad too.

If you could have any jewelry super-power to help you with your jewelry what would it be?
I would like to be able to join aluminum to silver in a tasteful way and so far this has eluded me.

For more information about Michael Peckitt jewelry, stockists and latest exhibitions, visit his website,  http://www.michaelpeckitt.com/