Spotlight On: Amber Doughty
Spotlight On: Amber Doughty
Based just outside of Reading, at Bishopsland Educational Trust, Amber Doughty is a jeweller and silversmith. Her work is centred in ancient mythological beliefs, drawing on motifs from legends to create her own physical interpretations, weaving symbolic details into her pieces. Inspired by abstract deific concepts, her aesthetic is driven by elegance and the otherworldly. She enjoys the versatility of precious materials and strives to run an ethically responsible practice. Using ancient techniques to create contemporary pieces, she accentuates her designs with engraving and enamel to add colour and textural form to her work.
Amber’s work was featured in our 2021 Graduate Showcase at Elements. We caught up with Amber to learn more about how her work and career have developed over the past year.
How did you become interested in jewellery and silver?
I grew up in a creative family, so as a child I was taken to museums and exhibitions. I remember being in awe of craft as a practice, especially examples of metalwork from antiquity—there was something fascinating and beautiful about it all.
During my foundation year at Leeds Arts University I became interested in creating and using metal as a medium.
I pursued a BA (Hons) in Jewellery and Metal Design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, where I experimented with a range of processes and developed an appreciation for exploring ancient techniques and aesthetics through contemporary design.
Why did you decide to follow this career path?
I decided to follow this career path because I find great freedom knowing that I will continue to learn about my practice for the rest of my life—the constant development and continual engagement with the materials is what I find most fulfilling. It is humbling to imagine that my pieces will survive for generations, to become amuletic heirlooms or tokens of luck.
L-R: 18ct gold signet ring; recycled sterling silver and iolite bracelet.
Can you tell us what you are currently working on?
I am currently completing a year-long residency at Bishopsland Educational Trust, refining the processes I learnt while at DJCAD, and learning advanced making techniques to help refine my work.
Currently, I’m working on a range of silversmithing and object designs inspired by classic mythology. The collection will be an ode to the skills I have learnt during my residency, making use of engraving, enamelling and raising.
Most recently, I have completed entries for the Emerging Designer competition and exhibition, organised and hosted by Jacobs, the family-owned independent jewellers in Reading.
L-R: recycled sterling silver canapé picks; recycled sterling silver, hand-engraved & enamelled signet ring.
Where do you draw inspiration from in your work?
I draw inspiration from abstract deific concepts in ancient mythology, specifically Greco-Roman. The details in my work are a mix of my own instinctual interpretation and traditional iconography associated with the myth I’ve chosen—by focusing on one aspect at a time, I can analyse the imagery and decide what best fits the piece.
I enjoy using elements which I have seen in ancient crafts to create an immersive aesthetic that enhances my subject matter. I prefer smaller details, but I focus on what draws my eye the most—it could be a hammered texture, or the curve of a krater vase. I feel that by balancing ancient and modern techniques in each piece I can create new interpretations of classic stories.
Recycled sterling silver, hand-engraved ring.
How would you describe your design style?
My design style is linked closely with my inspiration subject, balancing antiquity and modern design by drawing from Hellenistic and Art Deco-style periods. Drawing on these styles, I aim to blend the traditionally masculine and feminine functions and aesthetics together.
I research the functions different pieces has in classical civilisations, from tableware to jewellery, and try to incorporate an element of that original purpose. Hospitality and entertaining guests was at the heart of society in antiquity which is why I create objects and tableware that revolve around entertaining.
Tell us about the practice and methods you use in your work.
I use a range of techniques that I have learnt throughout university and my Bishopsland residency to accentuate my designs. I particularly enjoy using engraving and enamel together with keum-boo to add colour and textural form to my work. By using these decorative techniques on my larger-scale press formed and fabricated objects, I can instil an air of extravagance that is in keeping with the ancient pieces which inspire them. I look forward to refining these skills and developing new techniques to use in my future works.
Recycled sterling silver and iolite teaspoon.