Projects

Modern Makers 2021

Modern Makers 2021 – working with jeweller Lisa Rothwell-Young

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Lisa Rothwell-Young in her studio. Photo by Barry Young Photography

Modern Makers is a programme which allows a small group of young people to learn craft skills from established makers.

In 2021’s programme, four young people from D&G worked with jeweller, Lisa Rothwell-Young, learning how to make jewellery from beginner level, right through to stone setting and mount making and gain an insight into running a creative business. Lisa creates jewellery which is ethical, sustainable and fairtrade – an important part of her making ethos which she shared with the group. They were tutored intensively for 23 days to learn new skills and develop their own practice.

Lisa is a self-employed jeweller and former gallery owner with a wealth of teaching experience. She has been a mentor previously on our Emerge mentoring scheme supporting early career makers and regularly takes part in our flagship event, Spring Fling Open Studios. Lisa creates ethical fine jewellery made using fairly traded or 100% recycled precious metals alongside ethical, responsibly sourced, traceable gemstones that meet fair trade principles.

Lisa explains more: “As a group I’ll teach you how to make jewellery by working through some projects, but ultimately I’ll encourage you to develop your own style and think about where you might want this opportunity to take you.  We’ll work together on technical skills, but I’ll help you use those techniques in ways that are unique to you.  There’ll be time to chat about what it’s like to run a creative business, to talk about what job opportunities there are for jewellery makers, to talk ethics and sustainability & just generally pick my brain.”

Due to ongoing Coronavirus measures our 2021 programme largely had to be taught online. Lisa did an amazing job teaching the young people with videos and zoom tutorials, with the four young makers taking part using jewellery tool kits which Lisa posted out and taking on the challenges set remotely. 

After a long delay it was great for 2021's Modern Makers to get together with Lisa Rothwell-Young in the studio for some practical jewellery making workshops - see the images at the side from their sessions.  

We also hope the group will all be able to exhibit some of their work as a part of our Modern Makers Exhibition in 2022.

Find out more about Lisa’s work on her website.

Modern Makers 2021 is funded by The Holywood Trust, Dumfries & Galloway Council and Creative Scotland.