On paper, you could be forgiven for thinking that Ryan Dewsbury has a few more years under his belt than is the case. Actually in his early 30s, the Christchurch-born creative has had no shortage of experience; having thrown himself into a wide range of fields including art, music, sports, architecture and technology amongst others.
“I have been described as ‘wearing many hats’”, says Dewsbury, rather modestly.
Perhaps more aptly described as a Renaissance man, his skillset extends from charcoal drawing to making clothes; customising musical instruments; building computers; framing artwork; and, more recently, designing and creating jewellery.
After studying architecture and computer-aided design, Dewsbury launched into music and has since been a member of three bands including ‘Radio Ron’ who produced three albums and spent several years entertaining Cantabrian socialites at Dux de Lux. He now plays with well-known Christchurch band, ‘Beagle Boys’.
Dewsbury’s most recent creative endeavour was inspired largely by a recent change in employment. Notable for its jewellery, Christchurch’s Form Gallery provides not only inspiration but also a workshop space and the gallery’s Founding Director and talented jeweller, Koji Miyazaki, saw Dewsbury’s potential early on.
“My jewellery so far, and the pieces I wish to create in the future, are of a bold, minimalist, and structural nature. I tend to start my designs with a series of calculations or measurements, trying to find the right visual balance. Once started, I often find a new direction to take the design in as I'm making it and let the design develop naturally rather than being strict to the original plan.”
“I have been described as ‘wearing many hats’”, says Dewsbury, rather modestly.
Perhaps more aptly described as a Renaissance man, his skillset extends from charcoal drawing to making clothes; customising musical instruments; building computers; framing artwork; and, more recently, designing and creating jewellery.
After studying architecture and computer-aided design, Dewsbury launched into music and has since been a member of three bands including ‘Radio Ron’ who produced three albums and spent several years entertaining Cantabrian socialites at Dux de Lux. He now plays with well-known Christchurch band, ‘Beagle Boys’.
Dewsbury’s most recent creative endeavour was inspired largely by a recent change in employment. Notable for its jewellery, Christchurch’s Form Gallery provides not only inspiration but also a workshop space and the gallery’s Founding Director and talented jeweller, Koji Miyazaki, saw Dewsbury’s potential early on.
“My jewellery so far, and the pieces I wish to create in the future, are of a bold, minimalist, and structural nature. I tend to start my designs with a series of calculations or measurements, trying to find the right visual balance. Once started, I often find a new direction to take the design in as I'm making it and let the design develop naturally rather than being strict to the original plan.”
Dewsbury’s background in architecture and design has proved both useful and influential in his jewellery making.
“I still use the precision of tech drawing to start a jewellery design, and try to incorporate the rules of photography, architecture and graphic design to the piece.”
A successful first exhibition early in 2018 provided positive feedback and attracted the interest of Kiwi company, Phoenix Lingerie who have asked Dewsbury to create pendants featuring their logo.
Going forward, Dewsbury hopes to fill a gap in the market for stylish, bespoke men’s jewellery.
“Commercial jewellery for men is fairly easy to find but over-priced. Artisan pieces and more interesting designs seem to be lacking.”
Dewberry feels lucky about the way in which he has fallen into the jewellery craft, but notes that starting out can be tough and expensive.
“I still use the precision of tech drawing to start a jewellery design, and try to incorporate the rules of photography, architecture and graphic design to the piece.”
A successful first exhibition early in 2018 provided positive feedback and attracted the interest of Kiwi company, Phoenix Lingerie who have asked Dewsbury to create pendants featuring their logo.
Going forward, Dewsbury hopes to fill a gap in the market for stylish, bespoke men’s jewellery.
“Commercial jewellery for men is fairly easy to find but over-priced. Artisan pieces and more interesting designs seem to be lacking.”
Dewberry feels lucky about the way in which he has fallen into the jewellery craft, but notes that starting out can be tough and expensive.
I've found that to effectively stay on top of my jewellery making I have had to change a lot of my lifestyle; developing more discipline and changing the way I think about work and money. This is an ongoing learning process.”
You can view more of Dewsbury’s jewellery on the Form Gallery website at www.form.co.nz/ryandewsbury
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