Holly Suzanna Clifford
Jewellery designer Holly Suzanna Clifford crafts pieces of delicate and detailed wearable art, celebrating the curious attraction we have to plants, places and the natural world. Encompassing ideas from outside the realm of jewellery, her work inspiration draws from illustration, great painters such as Monet and Klimt, and also from old dioramic books. We took a moment to sit down with Holly and discuss her inspirations, goals, and more.
If you weren’t a designer-maker, what would you be right now?
I always loved geography at school, the topics on volcanoes, rivers, and erosion really intrigued me, so I’d probably be togged up and out in the field!
When did you realise you wanted to be a designer?
During my Art Foundation year at Oxford Brookes, I started out set on going down the fine art route, but after getting into the workshops and building things with my hands I changed my mind!
Describe your work in three words.
Leafy, organic, colourful.
Are there any other designers whose work you admire, and why?
I am obsessed with Emmeline Hasting’s jewellery, everything she creates is just stunning. I love the rough, kind of rocky look of the Perspex that then sprout these amazing waves of tiny ombre scales.
What do you do in your free time?
I start almost every day off with either a run, workout, or yoga – then I don’t feel so bad for sitting at my bench or laptop all day! I also just enjoy being outside, I’m very lucky to live in a stunning part of the country so I like to make the most of it.
What’s one thing you like to do everyday without fail?
Drink giant mugfuls of green tea.
What brings you the greatest satisfaction?
After lavishing lots of hard work, care and attention on a commission, I love carefully packaging it up and imagining their excitement when they come to open it.
What’s the best advice you have been given?
Admire others, of course, but don’t compare.
What’s the best gift you have ever received?
My blender, I’m a bakeaholic!
What is your favourite quote?
“Creativity takes courage” – Henri Matisse
What is on your bucket list?
An un-listable number of incredible travel destinations, but top of them currently is to finally visit Scotland for an amazing walking holiday!
What is the best piece you have bought and from whom?
My Adam Frew ceramic mug is gorgeous (although so far it hasn’t been christened as I’m too protective of it!) it also makes me happy that the purchase went to raise funds to build his new studio.
Check out Holly’s designs here.