Jessica Winchcombe

Jessica Winchcombe's artistic creations embody the sheer delight of tactile craftsmanship. Meticulously pleated or woven leather necklaces and folded metal earrings are the fruits of dedicated time and labour. Despite their apparent simplicity, these pieces belie the intricate dexterity and skill required for their creation. Underlying the artistry is a complexity of conceptual thinking, weaving a tapestry of love and life, a juxtaposition of male and female, light and dark, through the interlocking threads.

Recycled materials, such as old leather and metal, serve as Jessica's preferred medium, their patina of age preserved as she crafts minimalist forms. Breathing new life into these materials with a profound history, she grants them a fresh start. Some pieces evolve further through the wear and embrace of their owners, taking on a new identity beyond the hands of the maker.

In a captivating collaboration with mentor Warwick Freeman, Jessica ventured into a distinctive range of accessories using horsehair and beads. While horsehair is typically associated with memorials, Jessica artfully juxtaposes it with pearls, creating a captivating blend of seemingly opposing elements. The strong, animal-derived horsehair contrasts sharply with the subtle warmth of pearls, offering an intriguing layer of fascination to her work. Another masterpiece features pleated neckpieces adorned with pearls nestled within the folds, paying homage to tradition while introducing a bold and innovative edge to her designs.

Lost in Translation
Jessica Paints memories on canvas and transforms them into jewellery exploring concepts of distortion and communication.

Necklace. Acrylic on Canvas 2023, Silver clasp.

Photography by Paul Green