ABOUT
BIO
Diane is a Designer Maker from Wales and owner of At the edge of the sea…
Born in North Wales, she has spent much of the last two decades in South Wales; it is the dramatic and contrasting landscapes of this coastal nation that have been a continued inspiration for her work.
Her career and education have previously focused on wellbeing and supporting those with barriers to learning, in addition to studying Astrology, Parapsychology and Japanese Holistic Healing Practitioner. These combined influences impact on her practice and drive research into spiritual wellbeing through our connection with the sea. The wellbeing of our planet is also an important factor and she strives to remain aware of current environmental issues and to adopt sustainable practices.
Currently studying at Swansea College of Art, Diane explores these themes in a contemporary craft setting through a selection of materials. Material preferences include glass, copper, pewter, and enamels; preferred techniques are traditional hand-cutting, mould-making, sandblasting and casting. Whilst preferring to adopt and promote these traditional processes, Diane has embraced the assistance of technology in selected projects and has experimented with photographic decals, 3D print, laser engraving and waterjet cutting.
CV
Design Education
BA (Hons) Design Crafts at Swansea College of Art
University of Wales Trinity St David | 2018 - 2024
​
Exhibitions
Mission Gallery, Swansea | 2018
Hanging tree adornment – hand painted metallic pattern on wood
Waterfront Museum, Swansea | 2019
6” x 6” Square – protest against the use of the albatross in fashion
Mission Gallery, Swansea | 2021
Live Brief – sandblasted glass coastline discs
British Art Medal Society (BAMS) | 2021
Makers Guild Wales, Cardiff Bay
Cast Bronze Medal – Rugby Against Racism / Black Lives Matter
Mission Gallery, Swansea | 2021
Together project I - sandblasted glass coastline memory tokens
Together project II – Advent Animal Magic
[collaboration Molly Ashton, Hannah Davies]
British Art Medal Society (BAMS) | 2022
Cast Bronze Medal - Be the change [Oceans and seas of the Earth and Moon]
British Art Medal Society (BAMS) | 2023
The Thirtieth Anniversary XXX Exhibition, Central Saint Martins, London
Cast Bronze Medal – It’s not Ok… [the first Iceland glacier to lose its glacier status]
Mission Gallery, Swansea | 2023
Together Again project I – photographic images of the sea on enamelled steel
Together Again project II – pewter sea tokens
​
British Art Medal Society (BAMS) | 2024
Birmingham School of Jewellery Exhibition
Cast Bronze Medal – Let not the deep swallow me up [Bicentenary of the RNLI]
The Guild of Enamellers | 2024
Bursary Award Winner 2023-24
Exhibition at Annual Conference, Street, Somerset
​
​
PERSONAL STATEMENT
​
​
Much has been written about the benefits that the sea has on our emotional health, our mental health - how it contributes to our sense of wellbeing. I aim to explore our relationship with the sea and how we connect to it.
Researching our coastlines and the waters that surround them, the impact of coastal erosion, of pollution and plastics, of changes in our climate not only influence the direction of my work but also the materials used. Recent investigations into Land Art and Blue Humanities have revealed potential opportunities for recording our changing landscape through the mediums of text, photography and design.
​
Expanding my future research will allow me to explore themes I am drawn to on a deeper level (no pun intended!) – such as the pull of the moon on the tide, the stars that sailors steered their ships by, and to the endless myths, legends and superstitions surrounding the sea.
My ancestors had strong connections to the land and to the sea, both in Wales and in Ireland; they were miners, mariners and makers. This ancestral continuum links me to my heritage and urges me to explore the ancient wisdom of previous generations. I am drawn to explore themes of connection, memory, life and loss; it is this influence that has led to the realisation of my major project through research into the concept of Memento Mori.
Uncovering message and meaning through narrative and storytelling often leads to in-depth object conversations, and it is here that my design concepts emerge.