Meet the Maker: Emma Jane Champley, Jewellery Designer
Posted 23.03.22
Emma Jane Champley is a jewellery designer, DCCI member and a founding member of FORM Designmade in Carlow. Emma Jane works with silver and gold from her studio in Borris, Co. Carlow, exploring these precious metals’ capabilities and showcasing them in their purest form. She employs simple, elegant shapes that are highly polished, matt or roughly hammered and is inspired by the versatility precious metals offer. Read about Emma Jane and her working day at the link below and discover her craft on www.emmajanechampley.com.
What's a typical day in the studio like for you?
I start work at 9am, after the school run and my daily yoga practice. The last two years I have made exclusively commission work so I could be working on anything from an initial sketch for the client, to fabricating, experimenting with finishes or polishing. Coffee at 11am is a must and a 45 minute lunch break can happen anywhere between 1pm and 3pm. I tend to finish at 4pm so that I have enough time to get dinner made before the school run at 4.40pm. I will often go back to my workshop in the evenings to work a couple more hours, especially if the making process is flowing nicely. It’s rare to find me in the workshop at weekends. I run a craft shop with Leiko Uchiyama, so if I am not manning, I will be doing administration work, or chilling out with family/friends.
What do you like most about your work?
I like the flexibility of being self employed and that I manage to earn a living from doing something I love.
What do you like least about your work?
I don't like having to look after every single aspect of the business, especially bookkeeping!
What's your favourite craft item in your home?
A large dotty mug from Baurnafea Studio as it contains my morning coffee.
What other maker in your discipline do you most look up to?
Inga Reed, her designs are simply effective, always interesting and beautifully executed.
What advice would you give someone who is considering this craft career?
Don’t worry about getting every aspect of the business right from the start, everything will evolve and improve as the work develops with you. Enjoy the ride!
What's your favourite time of the day?
11am
How do you switch off?
Watch a program or videos online (we don’t have a TV)
How do you start your day?
Up at 6.20am, then drink tea while I tidy the kitchen before making Jessie’s school lunch.
What's the first thing you do when you leave the studio?
I wash and moisturise my hands.
Favourite book?
To kill a mockingbird by Harper Lee
Favourite film?
As Good as it Gets
Best concert you have ever been to?
The Pixies
Favourite meal?
Fish and Chips
Music when you're working?
No