Meet The Maker - Molly J Rigby

This week on our Meet the maker blog post we talk to the talented Molly Rigby about her graduate Collection 'Clubbing Through the Generations' . An exploration of thoughts and feelings expressed through different generations of clubbing. Wearable relics and illuminated memorabilia pieces that link us all through the power of dance.

When did you start creating jewellery?

I started making jewellery with beads and wire when I was 8 years old after I was gifted a huge box of glass beads and findings. I should’ve seen this as a sign that I loved to make, but I didn’t rediscover jewellery until my foundation year at DJCAD. I fell in love with the workshop and I have been there ever since. 

Who inspires you the most?

My parents have definitely encouraged me as an artist from a young age, they are always super supportive of my creativity and oftentimes extremely helpful. They were clubbers in the 90’s and early 00’s as well, so I have them and their friends to thank for their stories, photographs and ideas. 

I am also super lucky to have an amazing support network of friends who are makers, but also party-fiends, which truly helped spark my work and I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am without them. 

Which is your favourite piece in your collection?

This is such a tricky question, because both of my collections are so different! If I had to pick though, I would say the ‘Forget All the Shite’ brooch is my favourite from the ‘Then’ collection. It was the first fully realised piece with electronics that I had made and I still remember how excited I was when I finished it. From my ‘Now’ collection, my favourite piece is definitely the ‘Dance For Yourself’ neckpiece, I just love the way it looks lit up.

Tell us a bit about your creative process

I always start with a photograph I like and try to find any shapes or patterns that occur that I think look interesting. From there I squash or stretch that shape until it works as an entire piece, and fits the focal point of the image. Both collections reflect the clubbing posters of the time: My ‘Then’ collection is a lot more organic in shape and has a lot more going on and my ‘Now’ collection is very rigid and sleek. I always then try to make a paper model to figure out what size would fit the electronics and how I would actually realise the design. All of my pieces had to be meticulously planned out because I had to order custom decals and various powder coating colours for each piece. 

Whats next?

I am currently undertaking the MFA Fine Art course at DJCAD, and I am exploring the themes of clubbing on a more personal and possibly ritualistic level. I want to be able to explore this theme in a very open and fluid way, however I am definitely very interested in seeing it manifest in a sculptural, and maybe wearable manner.

What would your dream piece be?

I think my dream piece would be something that explores connection and is very personal. I would love to try to incorporate neon lighting into a piece, a large sculptural neckpiece or something. I don’t know if this would be possible but maybe in the future!