10 artists that truly inspire me

It’s my birthday this month and I’m reflecting on the artists and creators who have shaped my own practice.

On the 8th of April I turn 32 and as I often do at a milestone time, I’ve been reflecting on how I got to where I am, and the events and people that have inspired my dreams and plans for where I’m going.

Here are 10 artists I really love (in no particular order!), whose work has had a profound effect on me, and on my career and artistic practice. Have you heard of any of them? Or has this blog inspired you to discover something new? Let me know in the comments!

1. Kevin Coates – Goldsmith

Above the storage heater in my dad’s workshop hung a postcard of Kevin Coates’ work – a piece titled Entry of the Queen of Night. A goldsmith, his work fascinated me and I would study the postcard every time I was in dad’s workshop, enthralled by the intricate pieces formed from these exquisite materials that I had never heard of before.

Kevin Coates: Tiara – Entry of the Queen of the Night  (Mozart Series). Yellow gold; white gold; sulphide and patinated silver; carved and inlaid grey moonstone; fire opal; labradorite; variegated and white mother-of-pearl; gold leaf. Photo: Ian Haigh

The Jackdaw who stole the Sky (from the catalogue: Kevin Coates: Goldsmith :a Goldsmiths’ Company exhibition, 26th June – 19th July 1991)

At home, my dad also kept a catalogue of one of Kevin Coates’ exhibitions. I remember him being quite protective of it, so I used to pick it up and look at it slowly, turning each page with lots of care. It was full of mythical, beautifully handcrafted pieces; my favourite was a ring called ‘The Jackdaw who stole the Sky’. I was captivated by this ‘audacious thief’ that had red ruby eyes and carried a large sky-blue, star-sapphire in its wide open beak.

The more I learned about Kevin Coates’ work, the more I became drawn into the world of narrative jewellery. Not only were his finished pieces works of art, but as were the drawings and written works. I was completely enchanted, and still am – and I wouldn’t be making the pieces that I am today if I had not seen that postcard in my dad’s workshop all those years ago. 

2. Leonora Carrington – Surrealist Artist

I came across Leonora Carrington when I was at school. My brilliant art teacher, Mrs Holbrook lent me a book called Women Artists and the Surrealist Movement by Whitney Chadwick. I was so inspired by Leonora Carrington’s paintings, in particular the use of animals and symbolism in her work. I wrote about her ‘Self-Portrait’ for my A-level coursework. 

Last year I was lucky enough to see Leonora Carrington’s ‘Self Portrait’ at the Tate Modern’s Surrealism Beyond Borders exhibition last year.

Leonora Carrington – Self Portrait, (c.1937-8). Oil on canvas. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Born in Lancashire in the UK,  Leonora Carrington led an incredibly interesting life; at the age of 20 she eloped to Paris with Surrealist artist Max Ernst, before fleeing from France and the Nazis, surviving a asylum in Spain and finally escaping Europe and settling in Mexico by marrying Mexican poet and diplomat Renato Leduc.

Her short story, The Debutante, (written at the same time that she painted ‘Self-Portrait’) perfectly captures both her surrealism and her distaste for the social mores of the day.

The Debutante by Leonora Carrington – Read

3. Alice Rahon – Surrealist Artist

I discovered another surrealist artist  at the Surrealism Beyond Borders exhibition; Alice Rahon, a Latin American painter who was friends with Frida Kahlo, and whose husband was the painter Wolfgang Paalen. 

The painting which caught my eye, La Balada para Frida Kahlo, was created after Kahlo’s death as a tribute to her friend. I was entranced by the beautiful blue and the calm, magical feel of the painting, especially amongst the hustle and bustle of the busy gallery that it hung in. I would have looked at it for hours, if I could have.

Alice Rahon (1904-1987), La Balada para Frida Kahlo, 1956. Oil on canvas. 120 x 178 cm.

4. Robert Deegan (My dad)

Robert Deegan has been making harpsichords since 1969 – which is far longer than he’s been my dad! 

Although I would occasionally sweep up for him after school (which is when I noticed his Kevin Coates postcard!) I didn’t start to really join him in his workshop until secondary school, when I would ask for his help in making things for my various art and design school projects.  

My dad is not just an artist and an incredible craftsman, he’s also an inventor and we would spend many hours together tinkering with new ideas and playing with tools and materials. 

Dad has been both an inspiration for, and a great supporter of, my work, and I’m grateful to him every day. 

Bob’s workshop wall, including a photo of Bob and little Rosie, and a Mr Deegan’s Harpsichord Workshop tour poster

5. Jinks McGrath – Artist, Author

Jinks McGrath wrote the book Jewellery Making which was one of the first books I ever read on the subject, and one that I still come back to, to this day. As a dyslexic person, processing written information can be difficult, tiring and lengthy for me, but Jinks McGrath’s book is laid out in a way which really works for my brain! 

Seeing the process in the many photos in the book helped me follow it without feeling overwhelmed, and made me feel like jewellery making was accessible for me. Finding a book which was exactly what I needed to read was a life and career changing moment!

Jewellery Making: A Complete Course for Beginners – pg. 24 – Unit 7: The Workbench

Jewellery Making: A Complete Course for Beginners – pg. 67 – Unit 18: Bending

6. Hazel Atkinson – Jeweller

Nottingham jeweller Hazel Atkinson, creates anodised aluminium jewellery – lightweight pieces with colourful patterns sealed on the surface. I was lucky enough to do some work experience with Hazel in my first year at uni and was inspired by her creativity as well as her incredible business sense (I aspire to be as good a business woman as Hazel one day..!). 

Hazel Atkinson at her stand at International Jewellery London

7. Lex Watt – Jeweller, Tutor

I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without Lex! I met Lex on my birthday (11 years ago this month!) at a craft fair and we hit it off and stayed in touch. Lex is a tutor at Nottingham Jewellery School and is an incredibly talented and accomplished jeweller. 

Not only does she inspire me with her creativity and talent, she also helps me in a myriad of practical ways, lending me tools or inviting me to her studio to give advice on a problem I’m having. She also helps me with my least favourite jewellery task – setting stones – which, without Lex, I think I would literally never do, so if you’ve ever bought a bespoke piece from me with a stone setting, you’ve probably got Lex to thank!

Lex, Designer/Maker of shiny treasure and many bespoke items

Diamond, green Sapphire and pink Sapphire stacking set in 18ct yellow gold

8. Rachael Colley – Artist, Tutor

Rachael was my favourite tutor at university and I’m so pleased and honoured that we’ve stayed in touch over the years. I love reading about her work and concepts behind it. Rachael encouraged me to think out of the box, asking questions that challenged me to look at my work in different and new ways, and helping me to develop as an artist. 

Rachael’s achievements as an artist are incredible and she always inspires me to push myself for more. 

Lex, Designer/Maker of shiny treasure and many bespoke items

‘Play-Spray’ from Rachael’s Ambiguous Implements collection (a selection of challenging ‘fun forks’ created using discarded and re-purposed stainless steel fork)

‘Sha-green’ collection (2019, citrus fruit peel, sintered aluminium, stainless steel, fabric cord)

9. Hannah Gibson – Artist

Hannah Gibson is an artist working with recycled glass bottles to create incredible pieces which reflect her passion for sustainability as well as artistic expression. I met Hannah at Collect Fair in 2020 and as well as loving her work, I found her to be the kindest, most supportive person I could ever hope to meet! I love that our ethics align so similarly, proving that sustainability and art can go hand in hand. 

Hannah Gibson, Geologist and Glass artist & her cast glass ‘Whispering Sweet Nothings’

10. Amber Cooper Davis – Illustrator & Animator

I’m blessed to have been able to call Amber my best friend since I was four years old! An illustrator and animator, her talent and creativity still takes my breath away after all these years. One of her oldest pieces, but still my favourite to this day is ‘How the Whale got its Throat’. I adore her work and I hope you love it too.

Amber, best friend, illustrator/animator and papercut artist

Still – from ‘How the Whale got its Throat’

Who inspires you?

I would love to know who inspires you! Please let me know in the comments – maybe I’ll discover some new artists, musicians, writers or filmmakers who will inspire my artistic path to meander off in a new direction…

Love,

Thanks for reading…

Here’s a few things you might like to check out:

My ethical policy—This tells you everything you need to know about how I make my jewellery, my packaging, what makes me different in the jewellery industry and my overall ethos

About me—Hi! It’s nice to meet you. Find out about me, Rosie, and how and why I started Elouise Makes

Shop the collection—Looking for something specific, or just want to browse? You’ll find it all here

Caring for your silver jewellery—Learn how to keep your animal friends looking their best

My shipping policy—OK, this isn’t exactly the most exciting reading material, but if you order from me you need to feel secure that your piece will make its way to you safely!

Find me on Instagram—Follow me on Insta for lush pictures of my recycled silver animal jewellery, and fun tidbits about the creatures I create

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