Evelyn Henschke

Evelyn Henschke specialises in jewellery working specifically with glass.

During my apprenticeship (2002 to 2005) I learnt the centuries old craft of a goldsmith, how to forge my own tools, chisel script and Bohemian Glass bead winding. This traditional craft was transported from Bohemia by refugees fleeing the communist system at the end of World War II. I like tradition, I like combining solid craftsmanship with passion and producing quality. My main tool is a traditional Bohemian Lampfire, some 80 years old to melt my glass. However, my concession to progress is a kiln that allows me to anneal my beads and as a result make them break resistant. It is an intuitive process that makes me lose myself in my own space. I love making this kind of jewellery, producing something completely unexpected and be mesmerized by it. And most importantly, create something that brings joy to make one piece of jewellery I often make 10 times the amount of beads needed to give me enough to choose from. The cream on top of a new creation is a lustrous South Sea pearl. They form an intriguing partnership with my glass beads.