PHOTOS: Greg Cox | PRODUCTION: Cornelia Badenhorst | WORDS: Mirelle Leyden
Springtime never ends for Nic Bladen and his range of botanical jewellery.
When looking closely at the intricate details of a flower – its petals, the different textures, delicate shape and its fragility – one can’t help but be enthralled. Now imagine capturing these unique qualities, perfectly, in the form of jewellery. By using the principles of the lost-wax casting process, Nic captures the essence of an original flower, plant or seed in sterling silver – and where better to showcase the eternal beauty of nature than on the wrists, necks and ears of women?
Based in Kalk Bay, Nic has transformed an old garage into his creative sanctuary. Here, his artistry has found a home surrounded by memorabilia on the shelves, dried flowers and photographs suspended from a piece of string drawn across the room, the tools of his trade and many books.
Nic first practised the art of casting when he worked as a dental technician. However, he soon realised that his interest lay more in the casting process than in the technical aspects of dentistry. ‘I didn’t make any money because I was too much of a perfectionist and more besotted with the artistry of the process than anything else,’ he remembers.
Nic eventually found himself in the company of Otto du Plessis at the Bronze Age foundry in Simon’s Town, where he was taught the art of casting. After eight months of intensive training, Nic decided to venture out on his own. However, instead of choosing to work in bronze, he opted for sterling silver. ‘Its pliability makes it an ideal material to work with. Silver appears delicate but is in fact exceptionally durable – the same qualities of the flowers and plants that inspire me,’ he explains.
Nic has established a prominent name for himself over the past five years and supplies many boutique shops around South Africa. His unconventional approach to jewellery design and innovative choice of subject matter clearly sets him apart from the rest, and we’ll be sure to keep an eye on whatever’s blossoming under his skilled craftsmanship in the near future.
• Nic Bladen 021 788 8736, www.nicbladen.com
