Kate Bajic creates handcrafted jewellery influenced by the natural forms of lichen. There are over 1,800 different species in the UK alone, so they offer an extensive source of design inspiration. Kate examines their minute complexity and translates aspects of this into her work. She handcrafts pieces mainly in sterling silver, with highlights of 18ct gold. Selected one-of-a-kind gemstones also form the focus in certain pieces, details of which are translated through into the finished jewellery, tying together the naturally occurring and the handmade.
"When I'm creating a new piece of jewellery, it usually begins with me looking through design sheets of lichen forms and patterns that I've built up over the years from photographs and drawings of lichens in situ. I trace these elements onto paper and play around with working them into different compositions; once I am happy with the overall form I transfer the individual sections as templates onto silver sheet ready for piercing."
"I spend a lot of time hand piercing out lichen forms which I find very therapeutic and mindful. I fall into a rhythm with the saw as it moves around the silver, almost like I'm drawing with the blade, and when I layer up lots of these elements together the overall effect is very satisfying. Depending on the piece and my final vision for it I relish experimenting with materials, forms and colours. My jewellery is intuitive and sculptural in nature, with most pieces being either one off or limited edition. Because of this they are designed to sit together and complement each other whilst still being unique and individual."
Kate has created jewellery since 2003, exhibiting her work internationally, at LOOT in New York, SIERAAD in Amsterdam and most recently at COLLECT in London.