Mei-Li Burnside is a third year Jewellery and Silversmithing student from Birmingham City University. For her final year project she has undertaken a collection of originality taking in the artistic quality of Birmingham’s city landscape, which will be unveiled at Monday’s exhibition.
Using copper and silver shim to create a range of broaches in the shape of urban buildings, Mei-Li then coordinates the unconventional use of enamel to colour the buildings. The enamel is used sparingly and unevenly to generate surface pattern designs. The collection highlights the contrast of enamel with black oxidised metal.
Mei-Li comments, “My work reflects my day to day surroundings inspired by buildings and streets people don’t notice. I am not only fascinated by the style and shape of different buildings but also the relationships they have with one another.
“The playful feel of my pieces is shown through the colourful and light-hearted design.”
This unique collection of broaches, when not worn and displayed in rows reflect the urban-scape based on the streets of Birmingham.
“I always like to work with materials that some may deem as none precious and crude, turning them into something sophisticated and elegant.”