My jewellery is made from glass and metal. The simplicity of the metal is juxtaposed with delicate, brightly-coloured glass.  Like the decorator crab, decorating its shell with materials from the environment, I express, in my jewellery, elements of different cultures that have inspired me: tribal prints, marks and patterns; primitive designs and vibrant colours. 

My current collection, ‘Coralscape’, aims to draw attention to the destruction of the coral reef from global warming.  Focussing on one of the smaller creatures, nudibranchs (sea slugs), I recreate their intense beauty, intricate patterns and vibrant colours in wearable jewellery. Each nudibranch sits on its own piece of coral. The coral is made in transparent blown glass, some of which is sandblasted, creating a ghost-like reef. By contrasting the vibrant colours of the nudibranch with the bleached reef, I aim to stimulate thought and discussion among wearers and viewers. 

I represent the essence of nudibranch forms by texturing the metal with hammer strokes and drill holes, before doming the metal. The tentacles are formed by placing glass into these perforated forms, allowing the glass to flow through the holes.   

Nicky Lawrence,  Artist in Residence, University for the Creative Arts, Farnham