Ruby Jack Meets: Sarah Woodburn & Florence Bridge
Each month we talk to two incredible creatives about their own practice and what drew them to wear Ruby Jack. In this months edition we talk to
Visual Artist Sarah Woodburn & Clothing Designer Florence Bridge.
Visual Artist Sarah Woodburn & Clothing Designer Florence Bridge.
Visual Artist Sarah Woodburn
Can you describe one artwork or series that you feel was pivotal in you establishing your style?
A painting titled Mocha Dick from 2016. It was one of the first pieces I made on a much larger scale. This came about by chance when I was given a huge canvas by another artist who was moving out of their studio, which was all stretched and ready to go. Having the physical room to play with composition and negative space was a revelation and I’ve been pretty much making large scale paintings ever since.
A painting titled Mocha Dick from 2016. It was one of the first pieces I made on a much larger scale. This came about by chance when I was given a huge canvas by another artist who was moving out of their studio, which was all stretched and ready to go. Having the physical room to play with composition and negative space was a revelation and I’ve been pretty much making large scale paintings ever since.
Mocha Dick 2016 - Sarah Woodburn
Why painting? And who or what turned you on to paint?
It’s difficult to make a good painting. It’s challenging and the possibilities are endless. When I manage to get it right, which isn’t very often, it’s the best feeling ever. Also, what better way to fully embrace your inner child than with an empty canvas and tubes of colourful paint?!
I’m generally quite an indecisive person but when it came to the big one of choosing what to do there wasn’t any choice. I was only ever going to pursue art and more specifically drawing and painting. Even doing my foundation studies at Wimbledon, I knew I wanted to specialise in painting over anything else. I didn’t consider how I would make a living but I figured starting with something that I love and felt passionate about would lead me in the right direction.
What inspired you to wear Ruby Jack (and our sister brand, Shape of Sound) and which design/s did you choose?
Ruby Jack jewellery is like wearing a piece of art. This is what I feel separates it from something you would get on the high street and many other brands. Each piece by RJ is full of soul and as a fellow artist I can see the blood, sweat and tears behind each creation. I have recently acquired some beautiful Forgotten Earrings from the Good Intentions collection and one of my absolute favourites are the Gia Lovers in blue from the Sia collection. I adore them. That organic wobbly shape and vibrant colour would be very much at home in one of my paintings. My husband has also just treated me to The Bo Bardi ring, which I'm very excited to receive.
Please tell me a bit about your current creative practice/projects and what work you're most excited about right now.
At the moment in the studio I’m starting a new series of large scale paintings which I hope will culminate in my next solo show. I also want to make some t-shirts with details from my paintings printed on them. The first and last time I mixed painting and clothing was for my wedding day where I had a painting printed onto silk and made into a bespoke bomber jacket. I think I was more excited about that than my dress.
Obviously we’ve all been starved of physical exhibitions and live performance art/music for almost a year now… how have you been keeping your soul fed over the past year?
Trying my best to accept (any) situation I can’t control and not putting too much pressure on myself. Some years will always be more productive than others and that’s fine. This year has been a weird one but change is in the air and I really felt my painting mojo return since being back in the studio... just in time for my newly stretched canvases.
What is the most important piece of creative advice you have ever received?
Consistency is so important. If I have too much time off or if life gets in the way which it will sometimes I can’t expect to just turn up and make a masterpiece. The most successful paintings I have made came about organically and evolved from being in the studio regularly where there is time for play and happy accidents to occur.
What does the adornment of jewellery mean to you and how does it make you feel?
I don’t tend to wear loads of jewellery day to day so I’d usually go for something understated and simple such as The Hush Ring from the RJ sister brand, Shape of Sound, which always brings me joy. I save my other more elaborate RJ gems for when I want to feel extra special...
It’s difficult to make a good painting. It’s challenging and the possibilities are endless. When I manage to get it right, which isn’t very often, it’s the best feeling ever. Also, what better way to fully embrace your inner child than with an empty canvas and tubes of colourful paint?!
I’m generally quite an indecisive person but when it came to the big one of choosing what to do there wasn’t any choice. I was only ever going to pursue art and more specifically drawing and painting. Even doing my foundation studies at Wimbledon, I knew I wanted to specialise in painting over anything else. I didn’t consider how I would make a living but I figured starting with something that I love and felt passionate about would lead me in the right direction.
What inspired you to wear Ruby Jack (and our sister brand, Shape of Sound) and which design/s did you choose?
Ruby Jack jewellery is like wearing a piece of art. This is what I feel separates it from something you would get on the high street and many other brands. Each piece by RJ is full of soul and as a fellow artist I can see the blood, sweat and tears behind each creation. I have recently acquired some beautiful Forgotten Earrings from the Good Intentions collection and one of my absolute favourites are the Gia Lovers in blue from the Sia collection. I adore them. That organic wobbly shape and vibrant colour would be very much at home in one of my paintings. My husband has also just treated me to The Bo Bardi ring, which I'm very excited to receive.
Please tell me a bit about your current creative practice/projects and what work you're most excited about right now.
At the moment in the studio I’m starting a new series of large scale paintings which I hope will culminate in my next solo show. I also want to make some t-shirts with details from my paintings printed on them. The first and last time I mixed painting and clothing was for my wedding day where I had a painting printed onto silk and made into a bespoke bomber jacket. I think I was more excited about that than my dress.
Obviously we’ve all been starved of physical exhibitions and live performance art/music for almost a year now… how have you been keeping your soul fed over the past year?
Trying my best to accept (any) situation I can’t control and not putting too much pressure on myself. Some years will always be more productive than others and that’s fine. This year has been a weird one but change is in the air and I really felt my painting mojo return since being back in the studio... just in time for my newly stretched canvases.
What is the most important piece of creative advice you have ever received?
Consistency is so important. If I have too much time off or if life gets in the way which it will sometimes I can’t expect to just turn up and make a masterpiece. The most successful paintings I have made came about organically and evolved from being in the studio regularly where there is time for play and happy accidents to occur.
What does the adornment of jewellery mean to you and how does it make you feel?
I don’t tend to wear loads of jewellery day to day so I’d usually go for something understated and simple such as The Hush Ring from the RJ sister brand, Shape of Sound, which always brings me joy. I save my other more elaborate RJ gems for when I want to feel extra special...
Clothing designer Florence Bridge
Please tell me a bit about your current creative practice/projects and what work you're most excited about right now.
I love making a mess trying out new techniques to design my prints. Marbling is always one of my favourite activities to do, to generate new and organic patterns and colour combinations. I could do it everyday and never get bored. During the lockdown I started making face masks in some of my favourite prints.
I’m also currently training to teach art and design in secondary schools - I find working with kids incredible, you set a class of 30 kids a problem/ task and each one goes about solving it in a completely different way and comes up with something different. We are all so imaginative when we are younger and as we get older we get more and more boring!
I love making a mess trying out new techniques to design my prints. Marbling is always one of my favourite activities to do, to generate new and organic patterns and colour combinations. I could do it everyday and never get bored. During the lockdown I started making face masks in some of my favourite prints.
I’m also currently training to teach art and design in secondary schools - I find working with kids incredible, you set a class of 30 kids a problem/ task and each one goes about solving it in a completely different way and comes up with something different. We are all so imaginative when we are younger and as we get older we get more and more boring!
Marbled face mask by Florence Bridge
What inspired you to wear Ruby Jack (and our sister brand, Shape of Sound), and which design/s did you choose?
I am totally obsessed with both Ruby Jack and Shape of Sound. I remember the day Ruby and I met for the first time and she showed me a photo of a pair of Ruby Jack earrings, (the Gia Fall ones) I instinctively knew I needed them. It’s rare that I find something that I fall in love with at first sight. I loved the way that the two earrings had a different design - they are perfection.
I also love the bold simplicity of the shape of sound collection. I wear my gold SOS necklet pretty much everyday. It’s so easy to wear, It’s truly a timeless piece. I can wear it with everything and I love the unusual and elegant shape - you can tell it has been handmade, which I love.
Who or what are you creating for, other than for yourself?
I do mainly create for myself, things that I like and want to wear. I’ll wake up and just need to make something that I’ve thought of. I’m a very impulsive person, when I have an idea in my head I have to get it out, I love making things. I’ll make something and then make it again myself a couple of time until it’s perfect. Then I’ll ask my sister if she likes it, if she does then I’ll release the product on my website. I'm not sure if that’s the best way of working but it’s how I work.
What is one of the biggest challenges for you as an artist, turning your creativity in to something that can pay the bills as well as keep you sane?
I wish I could just design and make and photograph my products all day everyday. But I do have to do everything else that comes with having a business which isn’t so much fun. Tax returns...... filling in forms.... etc.
What is the most important piece of creative advice you have ever received?
Don’t compare yourself to others.
What does the adornment of jewellery mean to you and how does it make you feel?
I love getting dressed up and adorning myself with jewellery, every piece I put on feels like putting on another layer of a character that I get to play for that night / day. It’s elevating.
Describe your ideal Friday night (but keep it family friendly).
Red lipstick + my GIA fall earrings - we will have a great time wherever we end up
To find out more about Florence's work visit:
florencebridge.com or @florencebridge on instagram
I am totally obsessed with both Ruby Jack and Shape of Sound. I remember the day Ruby and I met for the first time and she showed me a photo of a pair of Ruby Jack earrings, (the Gia Fall ones) I instinctively knew I needed them. It’s rare that I find something that I fall in love with at first sight. I loved the way that the two earrings had a different design - they are perfection.
I also love the bold simplicity of the shape of sound collection. I wear my gold SOS necklet pretty much everyday. It’s so easy to wear, It’s truly a timeless piece. I can wear it with everything and I love the unusual and elegant shape - you can tell it has been handmade, which I love.
Who or what are you creating for, other than for yourself?
I do mainly create for myself, things that I like and want to wear. I’ll wake up and just need to make something that I’ve thought of. I’m a very impulsive person, when I have an idea in my head I have to get it out, I love making things. I’ll make something and then make it again myself a couple of time until it’s perfect. Then I’ll ask my sister if she likes it, if she does then I’ll release the product on my website. I'm not sure if that’s the best way of working but it’s how I work.
What is one of the biggest challenges for you as an artist, turning your creativity in to something that can pay the bills as well as keep you sane?
I wish I could just design and make and photograph my products all day everyday. But I do have to do everything else that comes with having a business which isn’t so much fun. Tax returns...... filling in forms.... etc.
What is the most important piece of creative advice you have ever received?
Don’t compare yourself to others.
What does the adornment of jewellery mean to you and how does it make you feel?
I love getting dressed up and adorning myself with jewellery, every piece I put on feels like putting on another layer of a character that I get to play for that night / day. It’s elevating.
Describe your ideal Friday night (but keep it family friendly).
Red lipstick + my GIA fall earrings - we will have a great time wherever we end up
To find out more about Florence's work visit:
florencebridge.com or @florencebridge on instagram
