Model is wearing the Caprious Ring and Meltdown Hoops
As the founder and designer of Nowhere Soon Studio, Zoe Fenne-Bavis transforms fluctuating emotional states into wearable relics, blending ancient casting techniques with recycled silver sourced from NHS medical x-rays. Each piece becomes a kind of artifact — a totem, a touchstone, a fragment of memory frozen in form.
Rooted in London’s historic Hatton Garden District, her studio embodies ethical production through local partnerships, ethical production and responsible sourcing.
In this interview, we explore the emotional and environmental storytelling behind her designs, and how her multidisciplinary background continues to shape a quietly radical jewellery practice.
Jewelry Made from X-Ray Silver? Meet Zoe, the Artist Behind Nowhere Soon Studio
Interview written by Luka Mahmuljin Udovicic
Luka: Who or what inspires you to translate ‘fluctuating emotional states’ into the physical form of your jewellery pieces?
Zoe: My inspiration for my current collection has been drawn from the ever-changing human psyche. This dynamic nature of emotions is mirrored in the fluid and organic designs of the pieces I create - capturing the essence of transient feelings and translating them into tangible forms.
By employing ancient casting techniques and freestyle handwork, each piece becomes a unique reflection of human sentiment, allowing the wearer to connect with their inner experiences.
Zoe Fenne-Bavis, Designer and Founder of Nowhere Soon Studio
Luka: You use recycled silver from NHS medical x-ray film, which is quite an innovative approach. What inspired you to work with this material, and how do you see it contributing to the larger conversation about sustainability within the jewellery industry?
Zoe: In an innovative approach to sustainability, I am using recycled silver extracted from NHS medical x-ray films. This choice was driven by a commitment to responsible sourcing and eco-consciousness. Traditional silver mining can lead to significant environmental degradation, including heavy metal pollution and acid mine drainage. By repurposing silver from discarded x-ray films, the studio not only reduces the demand for newly mined materials but also supports the NHS by alleviating storage costs associated with outdated films. This practice aligns with the broader movement within the jewellery industry towards sustainability, demonstrating that quality and environmental responsibility can coexist.
Luka: You decided to ‘transition’ from a multidisciplinary creative to a goldsmith: where do the influences from your previous creative experiences come into play in your jewellery designs?
Zoe: Influences come from a range of diverse artistic practices. The rich visual language of the pieces and brand aesthetic is inspired by modern design and arts. This fusion of disciplines results in jewellery that serves as a material transfer of conceptual language, allowing for self-expression through high-quality craftsmanship. I also experiment and take a lot of the photography work myself which is something I love to do.
Luka: When describing the jewellery as a ‘totem’ or ‘touchstone,’ can you elaborate on how you perceive it helps the wearer re-connect with meaningful moments in their life?
Zoe: Describing the jewellery as ‘totems’ or ‘touchstones,’ each piece is envisioned as a conduit for the wearer to reconnect with significant moments in their life. Crafted through freestyle handwork, the jewellery embodies personal narratives and memories, serving as tangible reminders of one’s journey. This intentional design fosters a sense of connection and reminiscence, making each piece more than an accessory but a meaningful artifact of personal history.
Luka: Can you tell us more about your commitment to ethical production in the Hatton Garden District? Why does working with local suppliers and workshops matter?
Zoe: There is a very strong commitment to ethical production, through using local suppliers and workshops in London’s Hatton Garden District. By outsourcing services to small-scale workshops and community suppliers, the studio supports the local economy and ensures transparency in the production process. Utilising recycled and fair-mined materials further underscores the dedication to sustainability. Working with local artisans not only maintains high-quality craftsmanship but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation, reinforcing the studio’s eco-conscious ethos.
Shop Nowhere Soon Studio and support a global community of independent designers crafting with care — only on Move Slow Fast.
0 comments