Artist Profile: Kerry Wilkinson

Strawberry and banana ring

Artist: Kerry Wilkinson
Business name: PennyDog Jewellery
Location: Leicestershire, UK

Website & Blog:
PennyDog
PennyDog blog

How do you describe your work, Kerry?
I would describe my jewellery as wearable resin work. I intend for it to appeal to a wide range of people, and to make something a little bit more special than costume jewellery, which is something not often found in the medium of plastic. The name PennyDog is in honour of my adopted greyhound, Penny, who underwent a lot of treatment prior to adoption from the Retired Greyhound Trust. My work pays the charity back little by little, by contributing £1 of every item sold to the charity.

What is your creative process like?
Most of my work is done on the weekend, though like eating I do it little and often! I will mix and pour the resin with an initial idea, then if I’m happy with the piece I will take it to the next stage. I like to sand and file my work in the living room in front of the television as it is very mundane. With my newer series of acrylic work, a bit more planning is involved as I design the perfect shape by hand before transferring it to the plastic.

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
I was never formally trained, though I have made jewellery since I was a little girl. The entrepreneur was always in me, as I often sold my bracelets to teachers! The resin was a natural progression, as I’ve never been content with putting elements together, I’ve always wanted to make those elements. I experimented with polymer and silver clay for a while, but it became clear that my skills did not lie there. Resin is very much an undiscovered jewellery form in this country at the moment, and I have learnt everything from the States, making me somewhat of a pioneer! It’s very exciting.

Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
Nail varnish remover, I’m always having little accidents and nail varnish remover always sorts the problem. Hot glue has also solved many of my problems too.

What inspires you to create?
I like to make plastic look like glass or another material. I don’t like plastic to just be plastic. I want it to become like a precious material, and I am inspired by the various ways in which it can be used to achieve this. I am forever picking up things when walking the dog (particularly now that it is Autumn) to see what I can make with them. I love nature but I also love colour and patterns, so I have an eclectic mix in my shop.

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
My partner is very good at problem solving. If I drill a piece not quite right, he can think of a way of making it so that it looks like it was intentional. He doesn’t create, but I think he likes being the troubleshooter!

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
In general, I think you have to find your niche, do something a little different or find an unusual market. You need to distance yourself from the crowd to get noticed.

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
Marketing my work definitely takes up a lot more time, and I like to be an active part of the creative community. I don’t find time to do much else with also working in graphic design at the same time!

What’s your favorite colour?
I love browns, oranges and reds, all of the Autumn shades. I really do like this time of year when it is dry outside.