Alison Jackson is a Canberra-based gold and silversmith who splits her practice between jewellery and tableware. Her work combines traditional techniques with a contemporary aesthetic, and earned her a nomination in our Emerging Designer Award 2015. Shop her beautifully crafted tableware and vessels in our special sale event.

How would you describe your design philosophy and aesthetic?

My design philosophy is centred around functional objects - pieces that are designed to be used every day, objects that become a part of your daily ritual. My aesthetic is simple, refined, honesty of materials with a strong focus on the handmade object.

Tools in Alison's Canberra studio

What is your biggest motivator or muse when you are designing?

I love what I do, I think that is the biggest motivator for me. I love tinkering on things and working with my hands. I have an inherent desire to make things – it doesn’t matter if it is prototyping a new product or just making a quirky little teaspoon for the sugar bowl at home. That desire to always make and to be creative fuels me on a daily basis. I don’t have much of a divide between work and life - it’s all wrapped into one.

Alison's work focuses on the handmade. Image - Christine Pobke

What has been the most pivotal point or event in your design life so far?

Taking the step to work full time for myself. I’ve been able to take on so many more exciting opportunities and really push my own practice into new directions.

Cheese tools include separate shapes for hard, soft and spreading cheese

What (or who) inspired your most recent design?

My Cheese Tools (pictured above) really capture my idea of designing and making useful ‘tools for the table’. Whilst the set has a soft, hard and spreading cheese knife, they maintain their versatility and are useful for many applications.

Alison's versatile Little Spoons are her favourite design

Do you have a favourite design in your portfolio, and why?

I would have to say my Little Spoons (pictured above) are a particular favourite - I love spoons! They’re versatile and useful for so many things – ice cream, laksa, canapés…

Hammered copper vessels

What materials, processes or new categories do you hope to explore in future?

I’ve been exploring using stainless steel and different mechanical processes that allow me to form it and work with it in interesting ways.

Tea Scoops, part of Alison's exploration of stainless steel

Do you have one piece of styling/ /design advice for home decorators?

Don’t buy replica – the real thing is a worthy investment, it will last forever.  Support Australian makers.

Quickfire questions:
My favourite iconic design is:  Sir Alec Issigonis’ Mini
My dream project would be: Working with a restaurant on custom tableware
My guilty design secret is:  I have no idea!
My favourite era for design is: 1950’s
I am creatively fuelled by: Nothing like a looming deadline to get ideas moving from the sketchbook and reality!

Follow Alison on Facebook or Instagram @studiojackson

Voting in our Emerging Designer Award 2015 has now closed.