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I am the originator of Faux Bone™, a wonderful, new material for artists- Who am I?

I am Robert Dancik

How did you come to be a jeweller?

My background and degrees are in sculpture and I have pursued this work thoughout my adult life. I stumbled into jewellery making during a time when I didn’t have a studio to work in so I began to make smaller work in my apartment and this work sort of morphed into wearable sculpture, which we generally refer to as jewellery.

Where did you train?

My undergraduate work was at Adelphi University in New York and my Masters degree is from Northern Illinois University, both in the US. Most of the jewellery techniques that I have learnt have been self-taught and from books.

Where is your studio?

I have just rented a studio in an old milk factory in Lostwithiel, Cornwall.

What is the main inspiration for your designs?

Maps of all sorts, industrial landscapes, boats, ships and the sea, toys and found objects are all sources of inspiration for me. I’m also a bit of a fiend for anything sci-fi, however, in the end, I believe I am heavily influenced by almost any visual stimulus that sparks my curiosity.

Your preferred medium is?

I have none. Whatever it takes to allow me to express myself is what I use. My experience is that virtually every possible material on the planet has been used by someone at some time, in some culture to forward individual artistic expression and I rather like following this tradition. I am drawn to metals of all sorts but am very fond of combining these with found objects, rusted bits and bicycle reflectors. Of course, I am very partial to Faux Bone™ as it is a material I developed for artists, but I use it as I do all other materials, to forward my artistic expression.

Do you have a favourite tool?

I have an old pair of square nosed pliers. They are nothing fancy or expensive; however I have altered them over the years to perform various special functions for the way I work. They feel like an extension of my hand, which after all, is just what any tool should be.

What are your future goals?

Artistically, my goals are to make work that satisfies my curiosity; work that allows me to answer the question “I wonder what would happen if…” As an author my goals are to write more books on subjects that will shed light on materials, processes and techniques that are not fully realised. As a person my goals are to remain curious and to keep learning

Do you offer workshops and jewellery classes?

Yes, I teach often both here in the UK and elsewhere including the United States, Australia, Europe and Canada. For a complete list please visit my website fauxbone.wordpress.com/workshops

What has been your greatest achievement

I’m very proud of the fact that I have been teaching for over 30 years and enjoying it more now then ever. I have taught kids from 5 to 89 years old (they’re all kids when you’re the teacher) and every age in between. I don’t know if that counts as an achievement, but it feels like it.

Where do you exhibit your work?

I exhibit and sell my work at museums and galleries in the UK and US as well as at my workshops and classes