These hook earrings are part of Shimara Carlow's 'Lunar' collection, exploring tactility and texture in her pieces.
These hook earrings are articulated, and dangly beautifully. They feature two different sized silver cups, with a soft texture and a small gold bead detail in the centre.
Dimensions: 14mm diameter (lower cup), 11mm diameter (upper cup)
Total length: 46mm
Materials: Sterling Silver, 18ct Gold
Born in a remote coastal area in West Cork, Southern Ireland in 1979, a childhood fascination for collecting shells, stones, mermaid's purses, feathers and seed pods found along the seashore has
been the inspiration for Shimara's work.
While studying at Glasgow School of Art, she experimented with found objects and silver as
mediums for creating large sculptural pieces of jewellery and smaller silversmithed pieces. She states that her work has always been very tactile and organic. The use of these natural found objects enhances this
tactility.
She began a residency at Bishopsland Workshops in South Oxfordshire in 2002, where she spent
two years. She used the opportunity to experiment with larger scale silversmithing and to develop a
range of silver and 18ct gold jewellery. She then moved to London in 2004, where she set up her own business and workshop, and continued to develop and sell her work. Shimara has since relocated to Melbourne, where she has been creating ranges inspired by her new surroundings.
Shimara says about her work:
"My jewellery has always been inspired by natural forms, primarily seedpods and I have
created a body of work based on pod like structures, including a Wrap range based on birds’ nests
and my Gum Nut range, incorporating cast silver gum nuts. I spend time exploring gardens and the
Australian landscape when I can, and working in my own garden, I have a home studio set in the
midst of my garden, where I am inspired with ideas and work on my jewellery and silversmithing
pieces. I use silver, 18ct gold and precious stones to create my jewellery, incorporating techniques
such as reticulation, hand forming, hammering, texturing, smelting and stone setting."
