Pure instinct and careful construction guide me to create wearable metal work that I feel has an intrinsic quality of character.
Through primarily fabrication techniques in sterling silver and other precious metals my jewellery is focused on using conservative yet whimsical designs.
Sterling silver ring from Rough Cuts Series.
Necklace from Great Lakes series: sterling silver, found pebble, and tourmaline.
I work on a variety of concepts and structures simultaneously; commissions, series work, limited edition production, and models of new ideas. Left over shapes and temporarily discarded concepts are kept aside as they await the opportunity to morph into something precious and beautiful.
The themes found in my designs are often abstractions of organic forms with geometric influences. You may find any kind of material in the jewellery; felt, nylon cable, resin, organic materials, yet the majority of her pieces are made from sterling silver, brass, copper, and gold.
Whether the piece is being made to represent a tradition or to symbolize a particular style, an aesthetic value in the form and structure are the core of each design.
I was born and raised in southern Ontario and studied jewellery making at OCAD
University, receiving my Bachelor of Design with Honours in 2005.
Involved in many disciplines at the college my focus was in jewellery making with a minor in textiles.
Lesley Ashton jewellery has been available since 2002 at annual shows like the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, and at fine craft gallery shops in Canada.
Currently all Lesley Ashton jewellery is hand made near Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Often working home in limited production series the selection of jewellery designs evolve with each season and are enhanced by one of a kind pieces and commission work.
Meditation on water and the reflection of light, for the holidays.