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