Where did you study and what was the course title?
The Glasgow School of Art, Silversmithing and Jewellery Design
Name of your lecturer – course tutor?
Anna Gordon, Silvia Weidenbach, Andrew Lamb, Marianne Andersson, Michael Pell
Have you got a creative mission statement?
Plastic Metamorphism is a collection of wearable pieces that question traditional notions of material value. The pieces are made from discarded plastics; through this, they play with the aspect of preciousness. The questioning of material value can, for example, be seen in the combining of materials that are traditionally seen as precious, like silver and gemstones, with materials often seen as non-precious, like waste plastic. The waste materials used in the pieces are a mix of discarded jewellery, waste from different departments in the Glasgow School of Art, and everyday waste found in households and on the street. The collection is highly motivated by sustainability; through doing this, what would have become waste is given a new life. Furthermore, it invites the viewer to rethink their perception of waste and their plastic consumption habits. The name “Plastic Metamorphism” hints at rock metamorphism, a process where rocks change form due to high temperature and pressure exposure. Similarly, in the making of this collection, discarded plastic was exposed to heat and pressure to be turned into something new.
1. How did you feel about winning the attention of the judges – what does it mean to you?
I was delighted to hear that the judges liked my work. They were all lovely and interesting to talk to, and it made me happy to be recognized for the colors in my pieces!
2. How important is colour in your work and why?
Colour has been an essential aspect of my work on this collection. In my previous years of studying at GSA, I have primarily worked in metal – but I have always wished to include colour in my work somehow. When I started experimenting with plastics, I soon realised how amazing of a material it is. Beforehand, I was scared that the process I took the plastic through would affect the colours, but I was very happy to see that it didn’t. It is so easy to find nice coloured plastics!
3. What is your main source of inspiration?
I am inspired mainly by sustainability and materiality. Working with only waste materials can be very restrictive and challenging at times – but it is also very inspiring and opens you to things you'd never try without it.
4. What makes you happiest/most fulfilled in your creative process?
I get excited trying new things. Whenever I try a new type of plastic (different plastics behave very differently when exposed to heat), I never know how it will behave. Sometimes, this can be disappointing, but most of the time, it is exciting. I find it fascinating when I use two different coloured plastics, and the colours merge or contrast each other unexpectedly.
5. Creative high point?
This whole year at the Glasgow School of Art has felt like a creative high point for me. I have loved experimenting and having a lot of time to do whatever I want to do and try. Having my tutors and classmates to bounce ideas with has also been excellent.
6. Creative low point?
Since I started working in plastics, I haven’t had many times when I have felt uninspired or lost. The material and the colours of the waste I find have always kept me wanting to try new things!
7. Where do you want to be in 3 years’ time?
In 3 years – I hope to still work with waste materials and colours. I hope to have a sustainable practice and to try new things every day!
8. Please tell us about a special person during your studies/life who has really made a difference to you on your creative journey.
Jeweller Stephanie Cheong did a workshop with us at the end of my third year at GSA. She inspired me to forget the rules I had learned and try whatever I wanted. During her workshop, I started working with waste plastics for the first time, and thinking this way was important while working on my fourth-year collection.
9. What is your favourite colour?
Well, good question! I have always loved blue. However, this past year I have had every colour as a favourite at some point (except for red, which I only like when combined with pink...).
Instagram: @sirihansen2
Email: siri.hansen@live.se
Website: www.sirihansen.se
1st photo by Shannon Tofts