Mary Ann Simmons
Silversmith
Swansea, United Kingdom
Scoring the fold lines
- Mary Ann specialises in photo etching to create silverware objects
- Her creativity is expressed in straight, architectural and geometric lines
- The inside of her pieces contrasts with the exterior, offering an alternative finish
The act of taking something apart and putting it together again in a different form inspires Mary Ann Simmons. She works primarily in silver to create metal objects constructed by folding lines etched into metal sheets. "The metal scoring and folding technique reminds me of paper box making, as the process causes weaknesses that allow for complex, curved forms to be created," explains Mary Ann. Continually pushing the boundaries of her craft, the complicated geometry that characterises her objects’ forms often reveals itself during the making process, leading to unexpected discoveries. Mary Ann's work frames space to create interesting interior pockets within an object, making the piece an exploration of the interior as much as the exterior.
INTERVIEW
I do not think of my work in terms of place, though it is more urban than rural. I was raised in a modern city, so I started looking at buildings and architectural forms from a young age. Architecture is how I would interpret things constructed on the line.
I make work that follows the line. Line for me has been straight, architectural and geometric. The actual folding lines of my pieces are on the outside, not the inside, so I use them as embellishment, creating facets on the outside. I use folds to achieve curves in my designs.
My craft has taught me geometry. I did not link what I was doing to geometry until after I made a piece and researched its shapes to understand the curves and lines I had created. It has also taught me about measuring 15 times and cutting once! My craft has also taught me about courage, as silver is an unforgiving material.
People are always surprised at what they see inside, because the interior of my objects looks completely different to the exterior. Part of the surprise also comes with the geometry, which looks so simple, but is in truth very complicated.
Mary Ann Simmons
Silversmith
Swansea, United Kingdom
ADDRESS
Address upon request, Swansea, United Kingdom
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
PHONE
+44 7931771283
LANGUAGES
English, French
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