Debra Heywood

We had a lovely chat with Debra Heywood all about the inspiration for the beautiful jewellery that she makes in Penzance. Talking about her connection to Cornwall and how it has had an influence in the way she works as well as where her passion for silver was born.

Who is Debra Heywood?

I was born and brought up in Liverpool until age fourteen when my family decided to move up to Cornwall and I’ve been here ever since and spent most of my life in West Penwith and more recently moved to Penzance.

What got you started in jewellery making?

I started jewellery making in 2008 and I took a short course at Marrab Art School in Penzance and I did a term where I learnt the basics from eneling, soldering and filing.I found after one term that I would carry on teaching myself by researching from books and watching YouTube clips. Many years ago my father was a paddle beater by trade and he worked with metal so weather or not I’ve got my know how from him, I’m not sure, it seemed to just come to me. I still use his tools today when working on new pieces, like his hammers and soft mallets.

I do use tools from all sorts of places and not all of them are necessarily silversmith tools, they are just implements that I think will be useful. So I do improvise and experiment with my tools a lot.

Where is your studio based?

My studio is situated at the end of my garden overlooking the Penzance Harbour and it is here where I work designing my jewellery by hand. I take pride in each individual piece and I love letting my imagination run wild.

Is Cornwall your inspiration?

Yes, Cornwall is just an amazing place to be. I feel so blessed to live here. The light and energy in the landscape is just amazing. The rocky coves, sandy beaches and rugged coastline just truly inspires me and really opens my mind to a special creativity that truly inspires my silver jewellery designs.

Any silversmith artists that inspire you?

I would have to say Guy Royle’s who is also a self-taught artist. I really liked his bangles and I really wanted to try and experiment with cuff bangles. So I thought I would try myself.

What’s next for your business?

I’m always trying to improve and whenever I make a piece it’s always different from the last and I sometimes find that I’m doing things in a better way through practise and just experience. I think this is mainly down to being self-taught.

Where can people find your work?

If people are interested in buying my work you can come down to my studio which is situated on New Street, Penzance. I’m also in Cornwall Crafts and they have two galleries based in Trelowarren and Trelissick.

I’m also in Sandpiper Gallery in Mousehole and Out of the Blue gallery in Marazion and Mata gallery on Chapel Street in Penzance. Further afield my work is also displayed on the island of Tresco on the Isles of Scilly.

Alternatively you can find Debra on her website or her Facebook Page