the iapetus blog thing

Artist interview: we chat to Nick Hubbard

Nick Hubbard‘s work has been a best-seller at iapetus ever since we began selling it six years ago. That’s because it’s among the most original, creative and quirky jewellery you can find – plus Nick’s pieces have that extra special something that’s difficult to put into words but that seems to come only from those artists who work with their hearts as well as their hands. Nick’s work is amazing in its detail and intricacy; a figurative collection of oxidized silver pieces and charms bearing words and messages. Many lockets, brooches and rings have moving parts and small doors that open to reveal fine gold detail. It’s no wonder that Nick’s following of devoted fans is growing all the time.

Hare & Moonstone drop earrings by Nick Hubbard

We wanted to dig a little deeper into Nick Hubbard’s world, so we invited him to have a chat with us about his inspirations, background and passions. Read the whole interview below.

Q: Tell us a bit about what drew you to jewellery-making.

A: As a young boy I had a love of handwriting, which when it came to choosing a possible career led me to hand-engraving at the school of jewellery. Beforehand I’d had no conception of the jewellery trade, and when I arrived there I discovered a whole world of jewellery and silversmithing.

Q: Do you have a particular sort of wearer in mind when designing your pieces?

A: Possibly somebody of good humour who might like the simple pleasures of life, not necessary a specific person but more of an attitude or feeling about the world.

Q: What other artists/designers do you admire?

A: Paul Preston, Pete Blake, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Fragonard.

Q: What is your personal favourite piece from your collections?

A: The In a Magical World locket.

In a Magical World Locket by Nick Hubbard

Q: What is the most difficult part of the jewellery-making process?

A: Getting new ideas finished in time.

Q: What was the worst job you did before becoming a jewellery designer?

A: Working on a rose farm – going along behind the man that put a small bud variety on the rose stem and I had to fix a small plastic cover over each one. I spent days on my hands and knees, going up and down a field.

Q: What would you be doing for a living if you weren’t a jewellery designer?

A: Dog-sitting or caring for humans.

Q: What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re not designing/making?

Sitting at home reading with Jean (Nick’s wife) and the wee dogs, or cutting up small squares of paper for collage pictures.

If this has whetted your appetite and you’d like to explore the whole range of  Nick’s magical work, visit his page at iapetus.co.uk.