With the use of honest mechanisms, Helena Russell’s practice is inspired by interaction and movement, consisting of containers which slot together and include a range of handmade fittings. Her work involves a mix of materials, a combination of sterling silver and base metals such as copper and brass which go through a process of patination to create blue, green and purple colours on the surface of the metal. We are delighted to welcome Helena for her Elements debut, and bring you behind-the-scenes and into the studio for a look into her work and process of making.

Describe your journey to becoming a maker.

I have always had a passion for design. My journey towards being the maker I am today started at Sheffield Hallam University, where I studied a BA in Jewellery and Metalwork. It was here where I found my love for making in metal. I started with making jewellery for the first couple of years but then began to realise that my true passion lie in larger scale pieces, within silversmithing. I subsequently began to design pieces that focussed on tactile qualities and incorporated elements of interactivity. I designed and created work that used movement to intrigue and excite and I thrive on the responses my work elicits from others. That is what continues to drive my practice today.

Tell us about your material choice.

I use a mix of metals within my practice. These include sterling silver and base metals, such as copper and brass, which are either left to naturally tarnish or patinated. It’s interesting and sometimes challenging working with both precious and non-precious metals in a single piece. They have slightly different properties and behave in their own manner, and this is something you have to take into account for every part of the making process.

I also use suede and baize which act as linings in some of the boxes, which protects any jewellery, keepsakes or precious items that are stored inside.

What interests you in creating containers?

With the containers it all comes down to the movement, interaction and satisfaction you receive once opened, the tight fit or distinctive sound they give once clicked into place gives me a sense of fulfilment and joy.

I find fascination within the operation of mechanisms, small cogs and parts that all work together. I also have a great appreciation for small intricate boxes for storing jewels, keepsakes and trinkets. These personal and precious items deserve a special container to be stored in.

Patination Experiments with Rebecca de Quinn

How does your process of creating a new piece begin?

Each piece is a continued development and exploration of a previous one, I keep many sketch books full of variations of ideas of boxes, vessels, candlestick holders and jewellery. To get an idea of scale I create maquettes out of card and paper before making the design out of metal.

I take inspiration from the mechanical drawings of mechanisms which I then translate into fittings. How to apply them appropriately to a piece has to be carefully thought out, from the dimensions, to how the piece will be constructed, so that when the components are together they fit and work as intended.

What drew you to the use of patina?

My interest in patina stemmed from a week of training and conducting patination experiments with silversmith, Rebecca de Quinn. This opportunity came from winning the Design in Silver award from The Contemporary British Silversmiths in 2016. We explored a range of different techniques and processes using a range of chemicals to create different colours and patterns on the surface of metal. It was a really eye opening experience and has become an integral part of my practice ever since.

What inspires your colour palette?

I take inspiration from natural mosses, lichen and algae found within the depths of the woodlands, from long walks out in the Peak District. I appreciate minimalism in design and so my forms are clean and simple shapes. Not only does this simplicity enhance the aesthetic qualities of the mechanism, they also act as a canvas for my patination, and add an extra dimension to the work. Patination enables me to incorporate a range of colours in my work which then complement and contrast with the matt finish of the silver.

To learn more about Helena Russell and her work, you can find her at @helena.made on Instagram and helena-made.com. Helena is one of fifty makers from across the UK taking part in this years’ digital Elements: A Festival of Jewellery, Silver and Gold.

Images and video courtesy of Helena Russell