Will Odell, Silversmith

Naomi Jones discovers there’s beauty in imperfections, thanks to Will Odell’s striking silver pieces.

ABOVE (left-right): Will uses a hammer to get texture into the silver; this cracked vase was inspired by his rock climbing hobby; a pair of salt and pepper vessels.

What motivates you to create?
The desire to make a mark – and beautiful silver objects; I enjoy the pleasure my pieces bring to people’s daily lives.

Did you have formal training?
Yes, an art foundation at the University of Portsmouth and a degree in 3D Design from the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, specialising in metalwork and jewellery. After a residency at Farnham, I worked for Ndidi Ekubia and also William Lee, two award-winning silversmiths, while setting up my own business.

Where is your workshop?
I share a studio at Cockpit Arts in Holborn, London; we all bounce ideas off each other and have good camaraderie.

Is silversmithing a full-time occupation?
No, I also work in an independent rock climbing shop and for a performance cycling clothes brand; these jobs reflect my other interests.

ABOVE: Ricochet Bowl showcases Will’s talents for silversmithing and gilding and his ability to create clever designs.

Do you think that your hobbies influence your craft?
I would say climbing definitely has informed my silversmithing: my work looks at rock forms as a reflection of life – external pressures and forces causing cracks and splits. These underlying imperfections are what shape our personalities, making us interesting and intriguing as individuals. The beaten, mottled texture and fissured rims of my vases and tumblers give them their uniqueness.

Do you feel you were always destined to have a creative occupation?
Watching my father repair and restore vintage cars when I was growing up taught me about tools and materials and the joy of working with your hands. I spent hours designing cars, tree houses and various inventions. But at one point I was heading in a very different direction: I had a place to do a degree in European Studies. Then, during my gap year at a vineyard in Burgundy, I realised I wanted to study art.

Which contemporary designer and maker do you most admire?
Hiroshi Suzuki. I first saw his work in 2005 and was fortunate to spend some time working for him last year. The experience opened my eyes to what is possible if you’re prepared to work hard and follow your passion.

And who is your biggest fan?
A client in Hampshire who has collected a few of my pieces over the last couple of years; she sent me pictures of my work in her home. It’s amazing to me that people are so proud to own what I have created.

What do you do to unwind?
Living and working in London, it’s important to find some green space; I also like to soak up the views from Waterloo Bridge. But when all else fails, I’ll book a trip to a spa hotel.

Will’s pieces start from £180; visit willodell.com for more information. The Cockpit Christmas Open Studios event in Holborn is taking place 25-27 November (cockpitarts.com).

Read about the work of another silversmith...

WORDS NAOMI JONES PHOTOGRAPHS BY SYLVAIN DELEU (sylvaindeleu.com), RICHARD BOOTH (richardbooth.co.uk)
Featured in the December 2011 issue of Period Living