Unveiling the Creative Process Behind the Mali Collection

Through this collection, I was taken on a journey to the birthplace of mud cloth in Mali, West Africa. It's a contemporary fusion of culture and my personal essence as a creator, highlighting the intricate patterns and symbols found on mud cloth that are works of art in themselves.

Join me as I unveil the story behind this collection and the intuitive process that brought it to life.

For this collection, I was really focused on creating symmetry between the strong patterns and shapes found in African mud cloth designs, but making the pieces light enough for everyday wear.

I began by sketching out some inky patterns that really inspired my vision, doing this allows me to really ‘feel’ and evolve the symbols rather than being caught up in designing them exactly as I see them. I used my favourite cola pen and some black ink and got to work drawing where my heart took me.

Once I was happy with the symbols, I settled on one in particular that really embodied the mud cloth symbolism I envisioned for the collection. This diamond symbol would be used as the central element connecting all pieces within the collection.

Apart from the central diamond symbol, it was important to me to create texture by using repeating lines as a pattern, which gives the shank of the ring, the bangle and hoop earrings that tactile element that is reminiscent of mud cloth fabric.

After I had decided on the central symbol and the pattern that would carry through, I slowly and meticulously handcrafted all elements in sterling silver. Anyone who knows me well knows that lost wax casting is my preferred method for creating jewellery (read about the process here). But as I needed to ensure the pieces stayed light in weight and delicate, I crafted them from scratch in metal. It’s due to this method of working that each of the central diamond symbols are all ever-so-slightly different from each other, as I drew and then engraved each one by hand on the sterling silver.

Mud cloth has a fascinating history… it dates back to the 12th century and originated in the West African country of Mali. This cloth is culturally significant and it gets its name from the process of how the cloth is made, by using fermented mud. The symbols on each mud cloth tell a story, and these are often passed from mothers to daughters through generations.

I hope you enjoy this collection and have enjoyed reading the inspiration and process behind it. By infusing elements of African mud cloth into modern jewellery design, my intention was to not only create beautiful adornments but also to honour the rich heritage and traditions of West African culture.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me, and I look forward to sharing more unique collections inspired by diverse cultures in the future.