From Sculptures to Silver: A Creative Journey Reimagined
For Sarah Kinnersley, art has always been a part of life. What began as creating abstract sculptures as a child evolved into a fine art degree and a decade-long career as a sculptor in Cornwall. Today, Sarah channels her love of art and nature into Skylark Jewellery, crafting stunning, wearable pieces that draw on her lifelong creative passions.
Scaling Down: The Beginnings of Skylark Jewellery
Sarah’s jewellery journey began during her fine art degree. “At the time, I was making large-scale sculptures but had always been interested in the possibility of scaling down to create pieces of wearable art,” she recalls. A silver-smithing course sparked her curiosity, and soon, a love affair with jewellery-making was born.
Life, however, had other plans. After years of sculpting, Sarah pivoted to a career in the charity sector, which occupied her for two decades. But four years ago, she took a leap of faith, returning to full-time jewellery-making. “It’s been like putting on a warm pair of slippers,” she says of rediscovering her creative rhythm.
Nature as Muse
Sarah’s work is deeply influenced by the natural world. “It often begins with a walk in the countryside or by the sea,” she explains. These walks provide inspiration, whether through photographs, sketches, or foraged treasures that become starting points for her designs. In her studio—flooded with natural light and surrounded by countryside views—Sarah uses these elements to create unique patterns and textures, often rolling natural materials through her jeweller’s mill.
Silver is her medium of choice, offering endless opportunities to imprint the organic textures of leaves, grasses, or other foraged finds. “It’s a precarious business,” she admits, as the process yields one-of-a-kind patterns that can’t be replicated.
Challenges, Highlights, and the Joy of Commission Work
Sarah works intuitively, often letting her materials guide her designs. This approach can lead to frustration when an idea doesn’t pan out, but the payoff is worth it. “Finding solutions and pushing through challenges to find the sweet spot is so rewarding,” she shares.
Some of her proudest moments come from private commissions, where she transforms clients’ cherished memories into tangible treasures. “When I’ve created a piece that captures precious memories in something beautiful for a client, it is the best feeling,” she says.
A Day in the Life
Sarah’s days begin with a morning dog walk before heading into her studio. She works until the light fades, pausing only for homemade oat-and-nut biscuits and plenty of coffee. Whether she’s crafting in her studio or working outdoors, Sarah’s creative process is deeply intertwined with the rhythms of nature.
Her ideal day? A perfect blend of walking, creating, and soaking in her surroundings—much like her recent residency in the Scottish Highlands. “Beach walks, sketching, hammering, studio time, and art books with coffee and dark chocolate. I definitely need to book more of this!”
Where to Find Skylark Jewellery
Sarah's creations can be found on her website and Instagram, where she shares her latest designs and the inspirations behind them.
Sarah’s story is a proves the idea that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. From large-scale sculptures to the intricate details of jewellery-making, her journey reflects her lifelong commitment to creativity and her deep connection to the natural world. Through Skylark Jewellery, Sarah transforms her love of the outdoors into timeless, wearable art. Explore her work online and discover the beauty of nature through her unique designs.
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