Colour has always been a central theme in Penny’s work. After graduating with a BA in Designer Craftmanship at Newcastle Polythechnic, she started creating jewellery in 1990, producing pieces in deep reds, textured greens and blues using patinated copper and brass.
In 2001 she began to use anodised aluminium as a permanent way to colour metal, hand-painting dye onto the surface of anodised aluminium sheet to achieve a water-colour effect. The surface of the metal is porous and retains the subtleties of colour just like a sheet of paper would. Diluting the dyes achieves a range of beautiful hues.
Her designs are quite delicate and feminine yet contemporary and bold. The colours are pretty and flattering, ranging from vivid intensity to subtle translucency. The ranges ‘skyscape’ and ‘strata’ are directly influenced by the patterns and palette to be found in the nature of sky, sea and rockscapes.
Aftercare
The colour on the aluminium is permanent, waterproof (has been known to survive being in the washing machine), will not tarnish or fade in sunlight or seawater. It is generally scratch proof but if rubbed repeatedly with another metal a dull cast will result on the surface so best to avoid this.
The silver that it is combined with (the neck chains and ear wires) will need cleaning from time to time. Any form of silver polish will do although Silverdip is not recommended (will damage the aluminium). The most convenient and unmessy way to clean off tarnish on silver is to use a polishing cloth such as Goddards blue polishing cloth (sold in Sainsburies for example) although Silvo is perfectly adequate.