I was nurtured in an artistic environment. Although my father’s job was Station Master, when not working he was creating scale model trains from scratch in OO scale. My mother was a real homemaker; she had worked as a dressmaker and literally could make a silk purse from a sow’s ear! So with those genes it was not surprising that my favourite subjects at school were all the creative ones. I went on to study art painting and history at college.
Having brought up my children I embarked on a career Veterinary nursing for 14 years followed by Dental nursing for 7 years, while my passion lay dormant apart from card making and sewing. I began to feel I had missed out on my calling until a holiday in Tuscany awakened my artistic side and a seed had been sown. My mantra of ‘One life Live It’ was about to be heeded by me for the first time. In 2009 I took the plunge and gave up my job and started Absolute Heart.
I draw my inspiration from the natural landscape,
and am lucky enough to live in a very beautiful part of the country which keeps
me inspired. I like to use natural
products in my pieces, and use a lot of high grade semiprecious gemstones which
are so rich and diverse in colour. I use
a combination of Thai and precious metal clay silver in my designs too. Uniqueness is the most important part of what
I do. I think it allows individuality, I aim to bring this to every piece I
create so that the purchaser will be safe in the knowledge that this is truly
original. I am still evolving all the time learning new skills and applying
them to my work. My personal development
has been amazing and is ongoing.
Everyday I get up and cannot wait to get started.
Artists Statement.
Being a creative is at the very core of my being. I am the product of two very creative parents and was brought up in a household buzzing with creativity. I was always at my happiest when I was able to express myself artistically. Constraints and circumstance had prevented me from pursuing this passion until 2009. I now make unique pieces of jewellery that I love and am able to pass on that pleasure to others. Through continual personal development I am able to learn new techniques to enhance my work.
I was inspired by a holiday in Tuscany to start making my own jewellery, and I chose to use natural gemstones because I love the uniqueness, beauty and vast range of colours they possess. I recently started making my own silver using precious metal clay. I find this an amazing product to work with, allowing me to go beyond personal boundaries, I have also learnt to use silver wire and both these mediums have pushed my creativity to new heights and have been exhilarating to work with, releasing my natural ability to use my hands to shape, mould and form beautiful objects.
I draw my inspiration from the natural landscape both here and abroad, this helps me to create the earthy feel that I want in my pieces. It is important to me that each piece is an original artwork that is made with love, and gives the recipient the pleasure that I derive from it myself. The use of precious metal clay in my work is allowing me to be truly creative and I am enjoying the process of using it through all its stages, so much more fulfilling than just threading on a bought piece! The wire is also very relaxing to work with, and is beginning to feel like using a familiar tool, easier to work each time I create a piece. These new found skills are taking me along a different path and I am really looking forward to the journey and where it will lead.
Pam Dodd
Absolute Heart 2011
I am also part of '4 Artsake' myself and 3 other artists, each working in different mediums are holding an exhibition at The Qube gallery in Oswestry in May/June this year.
Jude Robinson -Artist who paints in oils www.artbyjude.co.uk
Phil Barrett- Photography & design www.pbartworks.co.uk
Sammy-Jane Frost- Children's illustrator http://www.sammyjaneillustrations.co.uk/