A hand chased sterling silver box with lemon gilding.

The inspiration for this piece arose from the feeling one gets when one discovers a visual surprise. In this case I glanced down on a walk and became entranced by fallen golden and orange willow leaves on the dew-laden grass, vibrant in their hue as they returned back to the earth. While working on this piece I pondered how shedding some elements of our existence no longer needed, not just to be seen as a declutter or a cleanse, but more as an assembling of the most precious, treasured and meaningful possessions into a special place. That thought combined with the sensation of opening a box and seeing what is secreted away inside, keepsakes of some kind.

There are parallels too with the preciousness of the imprint of nature on our inner landscape as we travel through our lives, a constant and returning cycle every year, no matter what happens in between.
 
These are some of the thoughts which inspired the making of this chased and engraved box, to hold, to look at and to treasure.
What would you place inside it?

Miriam Hanid

Bishopsland 2007-2008

Miriam designs and makes sculptural silver, inspired by movement and nature, especially water. Using signature chasing and engraving techniques she creates organic, tactile shapes from complex, detailed smaller vessels to bold centrepieces.

Some works are purely decorative while most also have a practical purpose. Commissions involve a close dialogue with clients.

Miriam also enjoys creating speculative pieces drawn from her own ideas; exploring new territory, and seeking out innovative concepts and processes. Her bespoke silverware is in private and public collections, including the Victoria & Albert Museum, Eton College, the Goldsmiths’ Company and the National Museum of Wales.