An exploration of origami in silver
- Karina explores origami cutting and folding to her work with metal sheets
- She was awarded for her etched silver objects in 2021
- Her pieces are inspired by farm vehicles and machinery from her childhood
Karina Gill began her art journey in 1991 at Bournemouth College of Art and Design, earning a BTEC National Diploma in general art and design. At the beginning, her interest was in designing fabric patterns and prints. She later pursued a bachelor’s degree in three-dimensional design in metals at the Surrey Institute of Art and Design. She recalls, “I found metal cold and difficult to use at first, but after two years of experimenting, I learned that if I craft metal as if it was a fabric, it becomes more liberated and easier to work with.” Karina transferred textile techniques like cutting, folding, and pattern-making onto metal, and continues to explore these techniques to transform single sheet metals into intricate three-dimensional and structural artworks. From copper, brass, and steel, she moved to silver. “I am drawn to the beauty, colour and texture of silver. It is temperamental, which makes it interesting to work with,” she explains. In 2021, Karina received the peer-led Gold Award for Small Workers from the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council, a recognition that continues to expand her reputation and opportunities in silversmithing.
Interview
- What inspires your works?
- My inspirations include artists Egon Schiele and Friedensreich Hundertwasser, farm machinery from my childhood that I loved drawing in 3D, and repetitive natural forms like seed pods and fossils. My work called Shoon is a silver etched bowl inspired by my grandmother’s favourite poem, Silver by Walter de la Mare.
- Are there specific techniques you use in your craft?
- I describe my work as origami crafted from a single metal sheet, which I cut and fold into 3D forms. I use traditional silversmithing and jewellery making techniques such as raising, blocking, soldering, etching, stone-setting, casting and polishing. It delights me to transform a 2D metal sheet into sculptural, 3D objects.
- How do you blend tradition and innovation?
- I use traditional silversmithing techniques in most of my works. Innovation in my practice means experimenting with cutting and folding to create intricate forms. Recently, I acquired a welder to craft small pieces that, unlike my earlier works, involve detailed soldering. Using technology opens up new ways of making.
- Are environmental concerns present in your approach?
- I plan to stop etching with chemicals and use traditional, more sustainable techniques such as repoussé or chasing. I am mindful of my sources. I work with suppliers that offer 70%-100% recycled silver and ethically mined gemstones. I re-cycle my offcuts, and if a piece does not work, I re-purpose it.
Karina Gill is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2001
Where
Karina Gill
