Melanie Muir
“I have an Honours Degree in Design from Glasgow School of Art, but spent many years working in retail in London and in PR and Marketing (in Australia). On my return to Scotland in the mid nineties, I owned an antiques shop and then became a professional china restorer before returning to a more directly creative path, with the launch of my jewellery range.
I have three wonderful children, aged 19, 15 and 10, which slightly explains the length of time it has taken me to get back into producing my own work!
I was introduced to polymer clay a few years ago, and was instantly taken with its qualities as a medium. It is essentially a simple material to use, yet the range of techniques possible with it are extraordinary. I am largely self taught, but owe a huge debt to the wonderfully generous teachers of courses I have attended. Thank you (in alphabetical order) Dan Cormier, Irene Semanchuk Dean, Kathleen Dustin, Gwen Gibson, Tracy Holmes, Donna Kato, Kelly Russell and Seth Savarick. Thanks also to my fellow students on these courses, who have helped me in numerous ways.
I am constantly inspired by the colours and patterns that surround me at my home near Nairn, in the Scottish Highlands. I also love Japanese and Chinese decorative art. My jewellery is deceptively simple in form, but the creation and application of pattern is critical. There are no hidden messages; I simply wish to create jewellery which is so beautiful that it speaks to someone else and inspires them to purchase and wear my work. Every piece I create is unique, and I hope my clients experience pleasure and joy every time they look at my jewellery.” – Melanie Muir.
