Jess Wheeler
Jess Wheeler is a sculptor and artist working between Dorset and London.
She practises across a range of disciplines, from cast bronze sculpture to delicate chandeliers. Underpinning all her work is a desire to connect with the natural world.
For Winter 25, Ffern is welcoming Jess to our store at 23 Beak Street, London, where her new, limited edition collection of brass and silver jewellery is now available for exclusive purchase in person.
Cast from life in Jess’ West Dorset studio, the Nuts and Spices series features ingredients we love to use in Ffern fragrances — star anise and cardamom pods — as well as foraged beech nuts, walnuts and almonds.
Each pendant can be threaded onto a hand-dyed, recycled silk cord, onto your favourite chain, or be worn on hoop earrings.
You can also see Jess’ forest-inspired brass installation in the store window.
How would you describe your work?
Decorative, handmade objects inspired by nature.
What inspired the Nuts and Spices collection?
I was foraging with a friend in a forest near where I live and picked up a beechnut. It was immediately obvious that it ought to be a pendant. Unfortunately, they do tend to rot or germinate, so I cast one on bronze to make it last longer.
After the beech nut I went looking for a range of forms with interesting stories, and that felt like natural pendants. The final collection includes nuts and spices with uniquely wonderful, varied forms - cardamom, star anise, walnut and almond.
How does nature and working with the seasons inspire and inform your work?
In so many ways! Most obviously, I’m endlessly inspired by natural plant forms, and try to use sustainable materials that respect the natural world.
Where I live in the South West wedged between the hills and the sea I’m lucky to be surrounded by a remarkably varied landscape.
The weather is unavoidable, and my routine and energy are dictated by natural forces and my own circadian rhythm; the shape of the day and the kind of work I do is guided by the season.
What is your favourite winter ritual?
Watching the sun rise. Winter can feel overwhelmingly dark. A day that starts and ends with the sun’s rays on my skin is a good ritual, so I feel like I’ve squeezed out every ounce of daylight. The British weather is unpredictable, but even the wind and the rain on your face once a day is a tonic.
Which is your favourite Ffern scent?
Spring 24, Ffern’s Rhubarb scent. It came out at the time when I had an exhibition in London called ‘Rhubarb’. I had cast rhubarb leaves I grew and forged them into wall lights and a bronze table.
Photography by Joya Berrow