Michelle Currie
Sci-Artist / Jeweller
BA (Hons) Jewellery Design and Silversmithing
Glasgow School of Art
Inspired by science and astronomy, including research into black holes and gravitational waves, Currie's practice explores the unseen forces that govern and shape our world.
By combining gold, silver and precious stones with ferromagnetic materials such as iron oxide, iron sand collected from the beaches on the west coast of Scotland, and ferrofluid, a substance engineered by NASA to control liquids in space, Currie captures the exciting variety of textures and movements created when iron particles are exposed to neodymium magnets.
She creates her own mixtures of iron particles in her studio on Islay, which she sculpts directly onto magnetic field lines, using the invisible structure as a canvas to capture explosive moments as static, ominous wearable sculptures.
Browse below for some examples of private and industry led briefs or contact for further details and collaborations.
UNALOME
UNALOME is a Michelin Star restaurant by multi award-winning chef patron Greame Cheevers which celebrates local Scottish produce and is named after the Buddhist symbol that represents the path each person takes in life.
Currie was commissioned in 2020 to create 7 works to decorate the restaurant including 2 large bespoke copper etched metre x metre wall hangings and 5 smaller bespoke copper wall hangings.
Inspiration:
The UNALOME enlightenment ethos was used to inspire several small bespoke etched works and 2 large copper etched artworks that can now be seen in the restaurant.
The incredible reactions caused by magnetic influence on ferromagnetic materials have long inspired my work and in these bespoke works.
By using the unseen magnetic field lines to influence and capture beautiful and otherworldly reactions on physical matter, each of these works contain a unique snapshot of the ever present influence of invisible forces on our physical world.
After each moment was captured it was then etched onto large copper sheets, treated and oxidised allowing the copper to very slowly react over time creating greater depth and an ever evolving artwork.
UNALOME
UNALOME is a Michelin Star restaurant by multi award-winning chef patron Greame Cheevers which celebrates local Scottish produce and is named after the Buddhist symbol that represents the path each person takes in life.
Currie was commissioned in 2020 to create 7 works to decorate the restaurant including 2 large bespoke copper etched metre x metre wall hangings and 5 smaller bespoke copper wall hangings.
Inspiration:
The UNALOME enlightenment ethos was used to inspire several small bespoke etched works and 2 large copper etched artworks that can now be seen in the restaurant.
The incredible reactions caused by magnetic influence on ferromagnetic materials have long inspired my work and in these bespoke works.
By using the unseen magnetic field lines to influence and capture beautiful and otherworldly reactions on physical matter, each of these works contain a unique snapshot of the ever present influence of invisible forces on our physical world.
After each moment was captured it was then etched onto large copper sheets, treated and oxidised allowing the copper to very slowly react over time creating greater depth and an ever evolving artwork.
Private Commisions
The above piece was created using Isle of Islay sands and iron shards, mixed with iron oxides to create an explosive sculptural work set with oxidised sterling silver, 18ct yellow Fair-trade Gold and Emersad Cut Peridot stone.
These works are based on astronomy / gravitational wave research. A limited number of private commissions are available. Please contact to further discuss.
University of Glasgow East Asian Campus Ceremonial Mace
In 2020 Currie was selected to design the ceremonial mace that would celebrate the world changing partnership between the University of Glasgow and their Joint Honours Campuses in Tianjin (China), Chengdu (China) and the Singapore Institute of Technology. Currie managed the project and selected Hamilton & Inches Silversmithing Workshop for the Manufacture where she was was able to work on aspects of the manufacture as well as design. Currie attended the first ceremony using the Mace at the Joint Honours Graduation Ceremony in Singapore Institute of Technology in 2022.
Inspiration:
‘My inspiration for the mace came directly from the ethos of the universities, and I created a design that was centred around a recycled oak shaft representing wisdom, strength and endurance with a gold-plated cup sitting within the centre oak which symbolises the knowledge held within.
The mace features 4 silver edges representing each of the 4 campuses coming together, giving strength to the partnership and to the design itself, held in place by gold plated rings. 4 rings at the top celebrating the 4 campuses in yellow gold for illumination and prosperity and supported by 2 rings at the bottom to represent the joint partnership with Singapore and China.
The design is perhaps a contrast to many traditional elaborate ceremonial mace designs which are often very ornate and steeped in visual intricacies and symbolism. With the forward-thinking ethos of the partnership, I was inspired to design an object that was a modern and symbolic representation of the concept of collaboration.
Whisky Tumblers
An ongoing project for a small group of tumblers for a private tasting experience.
Taking inspiration from copper whisky stills, the rugged Islay landscape and the firing process the whisky tumblers mirror the journey of the liquid, incorporating the identity and spirit. Each tumbler is spun then hammer shaped by hand and forged in fire to create unique markings and individual fingerprint of each tumbler.
Collaborations & Partnerships
Michelle Currie regularly works with groups and companies on Art & Science collaborations such as working with London Architecture company ‘Chetwoods’ and researchers at Cambridge on developing interactive art collaboration using Ferrofluid and GSA Creative Engagement Team.
Solo & Group Exhibitions
Maintaining a small collection at The Scottish Gallery im Edinburgh, Currie exhibits regularly via solo and group exhibitions and events. Below is a list of some recent events:
Elements, Lyon & Turnbull, Edinburgh, 2022
Mace Commission Presentation and Art Workshops, Singapore 2022
MAD Exhibition, Museum of Art & Design, New York 2022
Elements Exhibition, Hamilton and Inches, Edinburgh 2022
Gravity - Solo Show at Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh 2021
Memento Mori Exhibition, Switzerland Dec 2021
Shape of Nature Exhibition, Beijing 2021