Kaitlyn Bullen

Jewellery is my primary medium because of its direct relationship to the human body. My background in yoga teaching, art history, and commercial garment and store design all inform my practice. My jewellery draws inspiration from female surrealists, embodiment practices, theories around consciousness and my relationship to the natural world. Each piece emerges through an intuitive making process rather than traditional design and as a result, most of my pieces are one-of-a-kind.
The silver on Earth originates from the heart of exploded stars which feels almost magical and resonates with me. I primarily work with recycled silver for this reason. Using a molten silver technique I encourage the liquid metal to flow into organic, unpredictable forms, creating pieces that have a sense of the uncanny. In a tiny, symbolic and material way, my jewellery connects the cosmic, the earthly, and the bodily.
Beyond jewellery, I occasionally create assemblages with natural materials and notebook fragments. I create small silver sculptures using the same molten technique. This feels like a playful and freeing extension of my practice. I also engage in image-making, which is both a functional part of my branding and an artistic exploration in itself. I photograph jewellery on bodies and experiment with
techniques like photocopying, investigating the relationship between body, object, and technology.
EXHIBITIONS
ABOVE EXHIBITION
Superfriendz Leeds, March 2025
WORKSHOPS: PROCESSING EMOTION THROUGH NATURE AND SURREALISM
Henry Moore Institute, Feb-March 2025
https://henry-moore.org/whats-on/processing-emotion-through-nature-and-surrealism/
ONES TO WATCH EXHIBITION
Sunny Bank Mills, 2024
https://www.sunnybankmills.co.uk/ones-to-watch-2024/kaitlyn-bullen/
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Small Business Owner, designer and maker (jewellery). 2021 - present
A Wiggly Line/ Honeysuckle Studio
Freelance textiles tutor and business module leader. 2021-present
Leeds City College
Head of Merchandising & Design 2019-present
Blue Rinse Vintage
Fashion Editor 2019-2020
Caboodle Magazine
Online Editor and Features Writer. 2015-2017
Ballad Of... Magazine
UK concessions manager - vintage clothing. 2016-2020
Topshop & Topman stores, UK & Ireland
Gallery Assistant volunteer 2016
Hepworth Wakefield
Costume Assistant Volunteer 2016
Leeds Playhouse
Arts Volunteer 2016|
Art Hostel Leeds
EDUCATION
MA Creative Practice, Leeds Arts University, complete 2026
BA Art History, University of Leeds
A Levels: History (A), Mathematics (A), Psychology (A), General Studies (A). Egglescliffe Sixth Form College
11 GCSEs grade A*-B, Egglescliffe School