'kiss it better', 'tumble', 'hair razers' and ‘extensions’ are each small, sterling silver sculptures that are designed to be worn as jewellery.

I want these pieces to speak of the preciousness of self, of memories, reinvention, of family and friends.

The act of giving empowering both parties. I want these pieces to speak of the preciousness of self, of memories, reinvention, of family and friends. The act of giving empowering both parties.

The first piece, 'kiss it better', a band aid with ‘kiss’ on the medicated pad, began as a design for a long time friend who was diagnosed with cancer in 2009.

I couldn't make her better.

As an artist who works with concept and symbols, the most heartfelt thing I could do was use my 'language' in support.

Band aids were to me an obvious symbol. A band aid will make everything better, a kiss will sanctify and seal the bargain.

Recently, more and more of my friends and family have been diagnosed with cancer, many with breast cancer. I can see the impact this illness has on families.

Again, looking for symbols of support and happier memories, I designed 'tumble'. I worked with children, for many years, primarily in long day care with 4 year olds. One of the most loved and easily recognised activities to this day, is the pasta necklace.

While 'tumble', a metaphysical version of the pasta necklace, touches on a time and place, it also speaks of the gift. Made by hand and dedicated to a specific person (in my experience; 'mummy') this gift gives the wearer recognisable status and pride.

The wearer, who will wear the necklace, no matter how scratchy the wool or string is, no matter how many pasta beads survive the random hug or misplaced elbow. 'tumble' speaks of a truth, a love and an understanding.

'Hair razers' were designed as a critique on a culture that often defines a person by their hair, or lack of it.

Seemingly, length defines gender, colour dictates intellect and amount equates to health, wealth and status.

'Hair razers' began life as a 1960/70's hair curler, with a band to secure the hair after rolling. Made from plastic, the curler was designed to be used, manipulated, and throw away when broken.

Now reinvented, as a person may be reinvented, the sterling silver hair curler is precious. Worn as a brooch, neck or hairpiece, 'hair razers' may be viewed as a new and successful way of reinterpreting old ideals, symbols and self.

My 'extensions', enthusiastically punning both hair extensions and an extension to the ‘hair razers’ series, capture memory.

The tangled loops and swirls of the many strands imply a circuitous history.

An intimate catalogue of dreams followed, the experience of life lived, questions asked and answered.

Who curled your hair? Where did you go? Who were you with? Did you know you were beautiful?