Simon Day

Discover new sculptures by artist Simon Day. "I grew up in the City of London, between the river Thames and the old jewellery and watchmaking district of Hatton Garden. I studied jewellery and silversmithing at Sir John Cass where I created my first collection of precious metal sculptures in 1990. I set up my first workshop in Soho in 1993 where I created jewellery collections for many UK fashion designers including Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith. In 1997 I moved my studio to the more tranquil setting of Eel Pie Island on the river Thames. Then one night my studio burnt to the ground, I lost everything overnight. This triggered a spiritual journey. I became a student of a Buddhist master and spent over a decade living at a Buddhist retreat centre in France where I established a workshop making and restoring sacred metalwork. I travelled to the Himalayas where I learned more about sacred art. Inspired by this extraordinary environment I began to make sculptures in metal. I try to create these ideas as accurately as possible in a process of sketching, making models, and resolving complex technical issues. Completing the finished piece often takes several weeks, and uses all of my jewellery & silversmithing skills. I love the malleability, durability, preciousness, and magical brilliance that metal provides. The invisible, cyclical flow of energy within nature is a theme that I often return to. In the same way that jewellery can enhance both the body and mind of the wearer, I am interested in how these large scale jewels can transform our physical environment and elevate the mind of the viewer.