Crafting balance with diamonds
- Maya makes jewellery inspired by strong female figures
- She still has the first ring she ever made as a memento to belief in herself
- Her grandmother was also a jeweller and Maya loved spending time in her workshop
Maya Selway studied art foundation at Middlesex University, where she enjoyed experimenting with many art forms. After that, she pursued a degree in silversmithing and metalwork at Camberwell College of Arts. "People are often surprised to learn that I began my career as a sculptor and worked for many years as a prop maker for theatre, such as at The Royal Opera House and The National Theatre," explains Maya. She later refined her practice into goldsmithing and jewellery making, enjoying the delicate balance between technique and concept. "I spent several years gathering the skills I needed to set up my own practice at Cockpit Arts in London," she says. "The women who are my clients are a real source of inspiration for me, along with historical figures."
Interview
- Why did you choose to pursue this craft?
- After exploring making non-functional sculptural works and then making theatre props, I began making jewellery. I noticed that jewellery has the added layer of personal connection with the client that was missing for me elsewhere.
- Do you master any specific techniques?
- I have spent many years developing my skills in fusing, hand construction and stone setting. I have followed professional training courses, including fine wire work and gold alloying with Giovanni Corvaja in Italy, gemstone and hard stone carving with Charlotte De Syllas in the UK, and micro diamond setting at The Alexander School in Antwerp.
- What do you love most about your profession?
- I love the seasonal aspect of how I work. The quiet solitary time spent developing and making the work is very different from the collaborative time with my clients during consultations or learning from my contemporaries at exhibitions like Goldsmiths’ Fair.
- What was a memorable moment along your journey?
- Two that really resonate with me are being awarded my Freedom from The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths’ in 2021, and more personally, being able to pass on some of my knowledge and experience at the bench to my children.
Maya Selway is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2004
Where
Maya Selway
