We have a guest tutor, Claire, joining us at the end of February to teach a 2 part copper clay workshop. So I took the opportunity to find out all about Claire and her work;
“Often, I’m introduced as my business name ‘CRZyBest’ and that’s great, because I am Claire R. Zwozny–Bestwick
I’m an eco-friendly Silversmith & Sculptor, working from my Shedquarters in Derbyshire.”
Tell us about your work.
My favourite material to create in, is metal clay: which once fired turns into the metal version of itself. I use 950 Silver clay that once fired in my kiln, can be hallmarked as 925 sterling silver and I am registered at Goldsmiths Hall in London for this. My copper clay, when fired in a special two-part kiln firing turns into pure copper, which I then polish and heat treat to create the fabulous colours you can see here in my creations.
All CRZyBest gift boxes are made from recycled material and have an eco-fibre insert, I also plant a tree for every purchase made.
I mainly create tiny sculptures which I turn into the ready to buy pieces that you see here. I also create bespoke pieces and I’m always excited to take on special requests; recent commissions include tiny bespoke earrings, anniversary gifts, hair accessories and multiple pieces for interior design installations.
How’d you get into doing what you do now?
Throughout my education I have always specialised in creative subjects, from playing around with clay at primary school, my GCSEs in Art & Ceramics; A levels in 3-d studies, Ceramics & Photography; Btec Foundation in Art, including Silversmithing, Ceramics, Drawing, Printing & Construction; BA Hons Degree in 3-Dimensional Studies, Silversmithing & Jewellery; PGCE in Art, specialising in 3D, Mixed media, sculpture and ceramics to my Masters Degree in Education & Creativity. I have always loved working in traditional materials, from clay to willow weaving and everything in-between. Specialising in creating with Metal Clay is a perfect combination of using my knowledge and skills developed from all my adventures in education and teaching.
Starting my own business after nearly twenty years of full-time teaching and running a school Art department, meant that I could use all the skills I’d developed over the years to create CRZyBest and not only carry-on teaching others on a smaller scale, but I also have more time for creating every day.
What’s your favourite aspect of your business?
For as long as I remember, I have always wanted a shed at the bottom of my garden that I can create anything I want in and not have to clear up at the end of the day. Now that my full-time job is CRZyBest, I really enjoy being able to go to my Shedquarters at the end of my garden and submerge myself in creating, from doing a kiln firing to sculpting and polishing my sculptures and jewellery.
What do you love about teaching?
Teaching has always been part of my life, from when I used to help my friends as we were growing up, to my twenty years as an Art Teacher in Secondary Schools. I love seeing people gain confidence in what they are doing and the big smiles on their faces when they have created something for the first time!
You can meet Silversmith & Sculptor Claire Zwozny-Bestwick on her 2 part workshop “Create in Copper” on Saturday 26th 2pm – 5pm & 5th March 2pm – 4pm
More about Claire;
You can find Claire on Instagram, Facebook, and various social media platforms which are all linked from her website www.crzybest.co.uk Where you can also see which events CRZyBest will be attending as well as a gallery of all her beautiful wedding commissions. And of course, you will always find Claire in CRZyBest Shedquarters too.