David J Lilly
he/him
Vernon, BC, Canada
David J Lilly is colour-blind. Born when colour-blindness was considered a limiting factor, sadly David was discouraged at school from pursuing an artistic/creative career.
David is a self-taught jeweller & stained glass designer. David’s work is inspired by both Brutalism and the Mid-century Modern aesthetics, and since 2019 he has created a variety of jewellery collections using both precious and non-precious materials.
In 2021 David won the SkyArts/Lexus “In Search of Takumi” metalwork prize for his Amethyst Darricarrere Ring. Since then, David’s work has appeared in NYC Jewellery Week, Las Lagunas Gallery, Gallerium Art Exhibitions, the Observica Elite Edition amongst other galleries and publications.
David was a semi-finalist in the BBC’s “All That Glitters” TV show in 2022.
“My work is a reflection of the beauty I find in architecture from the mid-century modern and brutalist aesthetics.”
“This ring exudes the huge Kunzite that flourishes from the top of the ring."
How does your work relate to the theme of flourish(ing)?
How does your creative practice allow you to flourish (grow, thrive, blossom)?
“My practice allows me to explore all the wild and wacky Ideas I have from purchasing gems most people won’t touch due to the larger sizes or odd shapes and by exposing myself to the wilder version of the MCM and Brutlist aesthetics.”
“Kunzite Daricarrere Ring”, Sterling silver, steel blue kunzite, tanzanites, 24ct gold vermeil, 2023
As a queer+ artist, what would you like to see and/or what do you need in order to flourish during this time?
“I need time to explore my ideas without boundaries or feeling as though I have to conform to anyone's else's idea, beliefs of needs.”
Photographs Courtesy of the Artist
“I make jewellery for people, never for any particular sex or sexuality.”