51: Silver, Stories and Staying Power with Lucy Spink

Exhibiting - and wearing - a maker's work for a decade is definitely something worth celebrating. This week I'm chatting with Cornish jeweller Lucy Spink, a Byre Gallery regular for ten years since I first discovered her work thanks to two clients who were wearing her jewellery; surely the best kind of introduction. Since then I've got a considerable collection of her work myself - as have many of the gallery's clients. In our lovely chat we talk about how the jewellery world has shifted over the last decade, the eye-watering rise in metal prices, Lucy's love of unusual stones, and the way photography, texture and storytelling all weave through her practice. Lucy also shares the real behind-the-scenes of creative life: fairs, imposter syndrome, the juggle of life, dogs and studio time… and why residencies can be pure creative gold. We chat about: How I first discovered Lucy's work a customer-styling recommendation! How the jewellery market has changed: trends, saturation, and shifting tastes Why unusual gemstones sparked a new direction Metal prices rising fast - and what makers may do next Lucy's photography background and why it helps her in her practice The quiet power of "back story" in a creative practice (nothing is wasted) The reality of fairs: visibility, energy, and "bearing your soul" The role galleries still play, and how online selling has changed things The art to running a creative business: persistence, hope, and adapting You can see Lucy's work @lucyspinkjewllery and www. lucyspinkjewellery.co.uk