Kaleidoscope

metalsmith

2012-01-29T09:08:00.008+11:00

I finally signed up for a subscription to the American jewellery magazine metalsmith.

No more borrowing from my good friend Chris! Sometimes hit and miss, but often each issue does have one or two great articles worth a read. It really is the only 'jewellery based' magazine I am interested in. Hopefully one day a decent jewellery magazine will pop up in Australia,

I'd like that!!

One of last years issues that I am reading now.

There is a great article about Svenja John and her amazingly intricate 'origami like' polycarbonate jewellery. (image on cover)

$49 for an international yearly subscription...5 copies a year...not bad!!

http://www.snagmetalsmith.org/

piece of the week...

2012-01-27T19:27:00.002+11:00

Sari Liimatta

modern mexican

2012-01-26T08:45:00.004+11:00

mmmm....

2012-01-24T19:26:00.007+11:00

not much jewellery news really...

still in holiday mode and really enjoying the sunny days off!!!

(iPhone photos...not the best quality but surprisingly OK!

and convenient of course)

lazy sunday listening...

2012-01-22T10:17:00.003+11:00

Brous, Streamers, from her recent EP release.

This has been hot on my summer music mix!! :)

http://brous.com.au/

piece of the week...

2012-01-20T10:22:00.003+11:00

Terhi Tolvanen

Jan Kempenaers

2012-01-18T16:12:00.007+11:00

HELLO!!

Welcome back me from a wonderful and relaxing summer time break!!

Wasn't going to start blogging until next week but I was hanging out at Perimeter Books today and discovered this book Spomenik, by the photographer Jan Kempenaers...and I just had to tell you all about it (if you didn't know already)

It blew my mind!!!

"During the 60s’ and 70s’ former president of Yugoslavia, Tito wanted to show the world the strength and confidence of the Socialist Republic by having sculptors and architects building those (very futuristic) monuments commemorating the Second World War. This series entitled Spomenik was photographed by Jan Kempenaers. Today these sculptures now in ruins are located in Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia and Bosnia."

"These works are the result of sculptors and architects such as Dušan Džamonja , Vojin Bakic , Miodrag Zivkovic, Jordan and Iskra Grabul , names mean little to most of us, but at the time were at the center of Slavic cultural movement ."

http://www.jankempenaers.info/

Merry Christmas...

2011-12-23T17:52:00.007+11:00

to one and all!!

I hope your festive season is full of love and joy...

and pudding and wine and all that good stuff!! :)

(our pretty tree)

Signing out for a few weeks...

Thank you to all who follow my blog, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I do creating it!!

See you all back here in the new year with even more jewellery adventures to report!

Summer fun...

2011-12-22T15:54:00.008+11:00

Doris Betz Master Class at RMIT!!

'Not knowing, Not wanting, Just playing.'

(To enlarge flyer, click near the outside of the flyer and not on it - then you can magnify the image...

blogger is playing tricks!?!?)

http://www.shortcourses.rmit.edu.au/

on his way...

2011-12-20T22:54:00.002+11:00

Having trouble deciding what to buy me for christmas?? ;)

http://www.galleryfunaki.com.au/

piece of the week...

2011-12-19T15:40:00.001+11:00

Bruno Martinazzi

nephrite with thulite

2011-12-17T16:34:00.006+11:00

the last of my graduate work.

mutton fat brooch_

white nephrite with pink thulite, 925 silver, stainless steel

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

'post-haste'

2011-12-15T09:23:00.006+11:00

My recent online book purchase!

Merry christmas to me! :)

Christmas just wouldn't be christmas without some great jewellery books!!

Lets just hope Santa delivers them to me 'post-haste'...

My pet rocks

2011-12-12T18:14:00.033+11:00

More of my graduate work.

my pet rocks_(series of 5)

green jasper, copper, enamel

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

These rocks were really fun to make.

I was able to experience the whole process myself by making the rock moulds out of wax, constructing my own wax tree and then casting in copper at uni. I want to make more, in a myriad of colours!!!!

piece of the week...

2011-12-11T11:21:00.003+11:00

Ramon Puig Cuyàs

Magic Mountains

2011-12-10T17:29:00.011+11:00

More of my graduate work.

magic mountains_ (series of 3)

petrified wood, prase, granite, copper, enamel

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

When I was about 11 years old my family went on a holiday to Adelaide and stayed opposite the theme park 'Magic Mountain' in the seaside suburb of Glenelg. From the outside it looked like a giant papier-mâché rock, with a water slide snaking around the exterior. It was pretty exciting!! It was closed down and demolished in 2004 to make way for 'development.'

These rocks are dedicated to childhood memories and never forgetting the things in life that are important to us and make us happy.

nugget 'o' gold

2011-12-10T00:10:00.007+11:00

Tonight my housemate invited her mum and step dad over for dinner. Her step dad Pete is a jeweller and was carrying these around 'on his person' till monday, until he could get to his safe!! :/ crazy I know...but that's a lot of gold!! Over 20 grams in these nuggets

(all from central Victoria), and a Soverign!

A Soverign, very cool!!

Currency back in the 1900 - real gold, 22 kt.

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

Pete then went on to explain to me that coins up until 1945 were made of sterling silver. Apparently cheaper now to buy than sterling silver and a really nice alloy to melt or roll down...

ah, the good ol' days!!

"we may as well be made of stone"

2011-12-08T20:37:00.017+11:00

Here are some images of my graduate work. A series of brooches.

made of stone #3_ brooch_

serpentine, copper, enamel, 925 silver, stainless steel

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

made of stone #1_ brooch_

jasper, copper, enamel, 925 silver, stainless steel

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

made of stone #2_ brooch_

rhodonite, copper, enamel, 925 silver, stainless steel

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

"we may as well be made of stone"

One Wing, Wilco

It WAS like a fever...

2011-12-07T09:51:00.008+11:00

Our exhibition ended last sunday - It was sad pulling it all apart and packing everything up!

The end of an era...3 years can go so fast...

But if you missed the fever, here's what it looked like!

(Image not to be reproduced without permission)

It was a great show!

Our class really pulled together and made It Was Like A Fever an exciting exhibition.

An exciting yet exhausting process!!!

I could sleep for days!! :/

piece of the week...

2011-12-03T15:50:00.004+11:00

Timothy McMahon

A week in exhibitions...

2011-12-03T09:00:00.009+11:00

Mary Hackett's work as part of the Master of Fine Art Graduate exhibition,

running until the 8 December. A great exhibition streamed across many mediums.

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

These works are fantastic!! A definite highlight of the week for me!

http://maryjanehackett.blogspot.com/

Robyn Hosking Capital City Carnival

29 November 2011 - 1 March 2012

On at the Sofitel foyer! Robyn was the winner of last years

Craft Vic/Sofitel Melbourne FRESH! award

Political satire meets ceramics and found objects :)

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

and...

a few images from the opening of the FRESH! awards (see post below)

Allona Goren

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

Wendy Korol

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

Both award winners!!!! Congratulations ladies :)

There were actually many other graduate students work I really enjoyed at the FRESH! show, just wasn't snap happy enough!

Still many more shows on my list!!!

That time of the year...

FRESH 2011

2011-11-28T18:22:00.012+11:00

Craft Victoria's FRESH! award is opening this thursday night!

A HUGE congratulations to my 2 amazing friends and studio buddies Wendy Korol

and Allona Goren for being selected for this fantastic exhibition!

They both make amazing unique work, I am so proud of them!!

Some of Wendy's colourful copper and enamelled vessels...

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

http://wendykorol.blogspot.com/

And a few of Allona's amazing brooches -

Wooden toys and resin vacuumed formed with plastic.

Such exciting work!!

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

I wish them both the best of luck for the awards on thursday night!!

Clean sweep ;)

Exhibition info here:

http://www.craftvic.org.au/whats-on/exhibitions/fresh-2011

Master of Fine Art

2011-11-26T12:19:00.003+11:00

Be sure to check out this exhibition, and see the gold & silversmithing works by:

Leah Teschendorff
Claire O'Halloran
Mary Hackett

piece of the week...

2011-11-26T11:37:00.002+11:00

Timothy Information Limited

Treasure Hunter #19

2011-11-22T21:29:00.008+11:00

Wonderful Wendy (again) wearing her proud new purchase,

an amazing Helen Britton ring!!

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

Helen Britton - ring, 2011

sterling silver, ethically sourced diamonds

(92 to be precise...I counted ;)

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

Wendy's first appearance on Treasure Hunter (here)

feelin' the fever...?

2011-11-21T20:56:00.005+11:00

I sure am...

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

only 2 more sleeps!!

IT WAS LIKE A FEVER

piece of the week...

2011-11-19T22:00:00.001+11:00

Lucy Sarneel

My talented friends!

2011-11-18T22:56:00.007+11:00

Between These Things and Those Things

by Kubota Fumikazu

Last night was the opening of my friend Kubota's exhibition, Between These Things and Those Things. An amazingly talented and meticulous illustrator!! Be sure to go check out his show running until the 17 November at the 'mini' No Vacancy Gallery space at Federation Square.

no longer human

pen on paper

30 x 40 cm

And a few shots from last night's opening...these images were taken after the 'substantial' crowd had all filtered out! A fantastic successful show!!

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

'How can our thoughts physically control themselves? Even though our minds are already exhausted by our thoughts, they can’t stop producing more complex patterns. These new thoughts then physically start controlling our mind – proving to be an endless repeating process. Are we able to stop this cycle? However, what if we don’t have this process? Does that mean are we free from our complicated thoughts or just left standing in a room full of emotional emptiness?'

http://kubotafumikazu.blogspot.com/

http://no-vacancy.com.au/

It STILL IS like a fever...

2011-11-15T23:06:00.007+11:00

Our graduate show!!!

A bit exciting!!!

Hope ya'll can make it :)

https://www.facebook.com/events/

Treasure Hunter #18

2011-11-14T16:07:00.005+11:00

The beautiful Naoko Inuzuka wearing one of her own creations.

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

brooch - 2010

sterling silver, copper, enamel, stainless steel, coral

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

There really is something special about Naoko's work.

Check out more of her wonderful pieces here:

http://naokoinuzuka.com

Piece of the week...

2011-11-13T10:08:00.003+11:00

David Neale

Ted Noten

2011-11-12T09:53:00.002+11:00

Ted Noten wins Dutch artist of the year.

http://www.artjewelryforum.org/blog

BLOG PLUG #3

2011-11-09T20:26:00.005+11:00

http://stoppingoffplace.blogspot.com/

This blog is such a visual feast!!

I've been trawling through it for days now on a friends recommendation. This was one of my favourite posts! Drawing on stone...pretty awesome :)

Treasure Hunter #17

2011-11-08T21:31:00.005+11:00

Helen Britton wearing some of her amazing earrings at her own opening,

industrial at Gallery Funaki tonight!

Great night...balmy weather...prolific jeweller...

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

earrings -

sterling silver, diamonds

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

Be sure to check out this exhibition.

One not to be missed!!

let the graduate exhibitions begin...

2011-11-07T17:10:00.004+11:00

lazy sunday listening...

2011-11-06T11:40:00.004+11:00

St. Vincent - Cruel

From the recently released album 'Strange Mercy'

I've been hooked on this album for weeks now :/

It's really great!!

Piece of the week...

2011-11-06T10:25:00.002+11:00

Tanel Veenre

Save Craft Australia!!

2011-11-04T20:15:00.004+11:00

Craft Australia has been defunded...

What an outrageous situation!!!

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION HERE:

http://www.craftaustralia.org.au/

Helen Britton

2011-11-02T20:37:00.005+11:00

industrial at Gallery Funaki.

VERY excited about this show :)

http://www.galleryfunaki.com.au/

Edition X

2011-11-01T21:21:00.002+11:00

Only a few days away...

From that fantastic bunch at Pieces of Eight Gallery!

http://www.editionx.com.au/

Piece of the week...

2011-10-28T23:21:00.002+11:00

Karl Fritsch

in the making...

2011-10-26T21:09:00.005+11:00

I know I haven't really posted anything I have made recently, doesn't mean I haven't been making though! It's just that it's a BIG secret (sssshhhhh) all kept under lock and key until the final reveal!! Our exhibition!! Which is creeping FAST upon us!

I'll be posting information about our graduate exhibition here soon...but until then, make sure you keep Wednesday the 23 November free for our opening.

See more info here: https://www.facebook.com/event

Now, I better get back to work...wish there were more than 24 hours in a day :/

A few sneaky images from my recent casting adventures!!

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

Oh, and birthdays galore in our studio!

Happy Birthday Joelle!!

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

make your own...

2011-10-25T20:04:00.001+11:00

fun!!!

http://shapewright.com/

My giving ring!

2011-10-24T19:52:00.006+11:00

Here is a photo of Grace, the lucky lady who received 'my giving ring'

I gave Grace (my housemate) my ring because every now and again she acts as my taxi service - driving me here and there on my jewellery missions... :) AND never complains!

(I think deep down she loves the stoney adventures...hehe!!!)

Thanks Gracie!!

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

mineralART

2011-10-22T17:08:00.003+11:00

this looks exciting!!!

competition info here:

http://www.mineral-art.de/2011/documents/mineralART_web_ENG.pdf

Piece of the week...

2011-10-20T20:28:00.001+11:00

Christine Graf

A Giving Ring...

2011-10-18T19:04:00.010+11:00

Pop along this sunday (23rd October) to The Rose Street Artist market if you're interested in participating in an exciting 'jewellery experiment' by the ever talented Chris Massey!

A Giving Ring is the brain child of Chris' ceramic/jewellery assignment. A free ring!! Just for you!! But yes, there is a catch, you must give it away!! And in giving it away your job is to record who, where and why!!

Check out more details here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups

The pearls in the making...

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

The silver rings in the making...

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

You are probably thinking exactly what I am thinking...

If I got one, how to part with it!?!

lazy sunday listening...

2011-10-16T13:49:00.002+11:00

Quail and dumplings, from the newly released Bonnie "Prince" Billy album,

Wolfroy Goes to Town.

Piece of the week...

2011-10-15T13:45:00.007+11:00

Sara Borgegård

ALL ABOARD!!

2011-10-13T20:52:00.004+11:00

Come on down to my lapidary club's LAPIDARY SHOW - this Saturday and Sunday!!

Much to see and buy...guaranteed to be a hoot!

Treasure Hunter #16

2011-10-11T21:14:00.006+11:00

Manon van Kouswijk at tonights opening of David Bielander's exhibition

Ripsnorter at Gallery Funaki.

Manon is wearing a brooch by Peter Bauhuis.

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

Peter Bauhuis at FUNAKI

http://peterbauhuis.blogspot.com/

Manon van Kouswijk at FUNAKI

Stonemason

2011-10-10T15:01:00.014+11:00

A trip to the stonemasons...

This particular stonemason mainly works with granite for gravestones.

Conveniently located cemetery just around the corner!

stonemason |ˈstōnˌmāsən|

nouna person who cuts, prepares, and builds with stone.

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

The big drill/corer...

I need one of these in my studio!

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

Getting the coring done with the marble I bought a few months ago.

Wet drilling = tricky business

Thanks John, what a guy!

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

Now into the studio to turn the stone into something wearable!!

I like a good challenge :/

Minerals that look like things...

2011-10-09T19:15:00.011+11:00

hehe!! I've always thought about this - silly I know :)

Stilbite

Gypsum

Rhodochrosite

Chrysocolla

Psychomanteum

2011-10-06T22:07:00.004+11:00

14 October to 6 November 2011
Opening event: Thursday 13 October, 6–8 pm
Artists Talk: Saturday 15 October, 2.30pm

Nicole Polentas (RMIT PhD candidate) and Christopher Earl
Milbourne (RMIT Alumni) have designed their shared exhibition space to
resemble the psychomanteum; the naturally occurring rockpools where
people would go to consult the Oracles in Ancient Greece. Using cellular
clusters of concrete, water and light to invert external space, the
ambient and immersive gallery environment enables a consideration of the
linkages between place and memory that each artist explores in their own
practice.

(click on info for a larger view)

Treasure Hunter #15

2011-10-05T23:35:00.004+11:00

Elise Sheehan wearing one of her own...a necklace/pendant made from

brass, sterling silver and paint.

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

And check out Elise's Pride of Place blog here - creative little cat she is!

http://moreconfusionthanhuman.blogspot.com/

Tim McCreight lecture

2011-10-03T20:21:00.002+11:00

The famous Tim McCreight...

Author of The Complete Metalsmith, amongst others!!

(double click image for info)

Double David

2011-10-02T14:33:00.002+11:00

http://www.galleryfunaki.com.au/

NOT to be missed!!!

2011-10-01T12:00:00.008+10:00

One of my favourite, most creative, exciting and innovative jewellers is taking a masterclass at RMIT.

How to make a Rip-Snorter: David Bielander, Switzerland

"Classic old world skills meet new ideas..."

(click on flyer for info)

http://www.shortcourses.rmit.edu.au

and back to business...

2011-09-29T16:44:00.006+10:00

More Robert Baines...

ROBERT BAINES

Frisches Fleisch : Fresh Meat October 4 - November 12, 2011

Exhibition Opening Tuesday October 4, 6-8pm

Pieces of Eight Gallery

http://www.piecesofeight.com.au

Great pieces!

Check out Robert's other current exhibition here!!

good-bye cottage!!

2011-09-29T16:27:00.011+10:00

Alas, I have returned to the land of the living. Good-bye beautiful Otways and our lovely cottage!

The amazing view from the verandah...

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

visitors!

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

ultra cute Alpacas :)

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

jewellery stalking...

2011-09-25T18:05:00.017+10:00

Annelies Planteijdt

AnBeautiful city -

yellow wings golden figure, 2009, necklace, 18ct gold, yellow South Sea pearls

Beautiful city -

yellow wings white figure, 2009, necklace, freshwater pearls, white and yellow South Sea pearls

Beautiful city -

green wings orange figure, 2009, necklace, 18ct gold, pigment, green Tahitian pearls

Beautiful city -

pink wings yellow figure, 2009, necklace, 18ct gold, tantalium, titanium, pigment, South Sea pearls, white and pink- freshwater pearls

Beautiful city -

black wings black figure, 2009, necklace, tantalium, reconstructed hematite

Beautiful city -

white wings blue figure, 2009, necklace, 18ct gold, pigment, white baroque South Sea pearls

(All images taken from http://www.marzee.nl/galerie/)

Amazing!!

I have always been interested in Annelies' work. The transformation from the static to the wearable is fascinating. Each of her necklaces relate to a certain landmark or geography - in it's 2D form - a map of an area or place. Once picked up, worn, it's initial purpose has been lost, yet the necklaces still imbues strong tension and intrigue. One of those concepts where you think, "damn, I wish I had of thought of that first."

Well, I am heading outta town tomorrow for a couple of days, hittin' the road!!! Looking forward to breathing in that fresh country air, plenty of relaxing and indulging in some yummy food and wine!!!

I'll be back in the bloggasphere next week!! :)

hand update...

2011-09-24T10:57:00.010+10:00

now this...

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

from this, then this!!

So, here I am, just over 7 weeks since the 'incident.' I could have never imagined such an ordeal and drawn out recovery from such a quick, slip of the knife!! :/ I thought they all (they being the doctors) were making a mountain out of a mole hill!?!? But, in retrospect, a severed nerve is not such a small problem...tis a big one. 7 1/2 weeks on and I still have no feeling along the outer side of my index finger...my hand is moving fine and I can finally straighten my finger (after it being in a cast and splint for weeks.) I was lucky I didn't sever any tendons too. So the type of surgery I had to have was micro-surgery, which basically means the surgeon gets in there under a microscope and attaches my radial nerve back together again with some nylon!?! crazy I know...Apparently it was 80% severed, yay for that 20% still hanging in there.

I was told by the hand therapist that the nerve is about the size of a piece of spaghetti, they can join the outer layer but it's the little bits running through the middle that have to regrow themselves. Loving my medical/technical terms :) hehe!! This could take months, years and perhaps never - no guarantees!!

I am already getting used to having no feeling in my finger, so any feeling I get back will be a bonus!! It just feels really strange holding something and not feeling it, not feeling hot and cold, those sorts of things...The scar is also very sensitive. This is where all my nerve endings are now, so if i knock it or touch it I feel a strange sensation up my finger, like pins and needles. But on the plus side, that is all in the past now and I am very positive I will get most of my feeling back, eventually! And I'd just like to say that the treatment I received, from the emergency department to the nurses in the hospital to the surgeons and therapists have been above all expectations. Such amazing people, working so hard to help people in these situations. It really was a gratifying experience, under the circumstances.

Now it's no more complaining and back to work!! :)

Oh, and a warm thank you to Lynda from my printmaking class who made this wonderful wood block print in ode of my broken hand, and absence from class. So sweet of her!!

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

I love it :) Such a lovely thought...

busy...

2011-09-21T21:32:00.007+10:00

It's been a very busy time, firstly with setting up the show WONDERENAMEL and opening it last night, and secondly, getting back into the studio (with my finger 'a little' better) to start making work for our end of year exhibition. The date is looming...eekkss!!!

The pressure is on!

Important tools of my trade...

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

busy desk...

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

A sneak peak at the Wonderenamel Exhibition - go check it out, there's some beautiful enamelled pieces on show!!

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

Robert Baines

2011-09-19T20:14:00.002+10:00

(click on images for a larger view)

RED

2011-09-17T22:13:00.022+10:00

Here are links to all my other colours...

Wondernamel 2011

2011-09-15T19:57:00.006+10:00

'Wondernamel is an invented word based on the idea of the curiosity cabinet originally called a wonder room or wunderkammer in German. Historically the wonder room was for the collection of objects including but not limited to scientific specimens, art and antiques. Wondernamel illustrates the joy of colour and intensity of jewellery and object making that is united by the use of enamel.'

(click on invite for a larger view)

Come along to the opening next Tuesday, the 20th September, from 5:30 - 7:30pm.

I'll be exhibiting a few pieces from last year and last semester.

Plenty of fabulous enamelled jewels to see and a vino or two to be had!

*Note the artist talk on Thursday 29th September from 1 - 2pm

Treasure Hunter #14

2011-09-14T17:27:00.006+10:00

Chris Massey wearing his latest purchase, an Anna Davern brooch.

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

Gold fish brooch -

reworked biscuit tin, copper, garnet beads, silk thread

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

"I feel naked without it" Chris Massey, 2011

http://annadavern.com.au/

Tonight at Sotheby's

2011-09-13T10:30:00.014+10:00

Head on down if you have some cash to burn!! :)

Some 'classic' (and not so classic) pieces up for auction!

I'll have these A-M-A-Z-I-N-G earrings!!

Lot No. 98

PAIR OF AQUAMARINE AND SAPPHIRE EARRINGS

Each surmount centering a step cut aquamarine in a blue sapphire set surround suspending an articulated bezel set step cut aquamarine in a blue sapphire set surround, the aquamarines together weighing approximately 56.00 carats, mounted in 18ct white gold, length approximately 35mm.

Estimate $22,000-$32,000

spare change ;) hehehe!!

Check out the extensive catalogue and short film relating to the auction.

http://www.sothebysaustralia.com.au/

I wouldn't mind going down to this event,

just to experience the atmosphere and see the 'jewels' for real.

Corpus

2011-09-12T21:29:00.006+10:00

Ruudt Peters exhibition Corpus has just opened at Galerie Rob Koudijs in Amsterdam.

(A wonderful contemporary jewellery gallery)

(image taken from Klimt02)

And a video I found referencing Peter's inspiration for his new work.

(film taken from Klimt02)

http://www.klimt02.net/exhibitions/

http://www.galerierobkoudijs.nl/

lazy sunday listening...

2011-09-11T03:11:00.012+10:00

I can't stop listening to this song!!! Actually, I can't stop listening to Wilco in general...perhaps it's the anticipation of their new album coming out later on this month...yipee!!

What a great song!!

tonight...

2011-09-06T22:51:00.004+10:00

Right back into it :)

You only really need one hand to facet anyways!

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

I have FINALLY finished faceting and polishing the pavilion. Now for the change over to cut and facet the crown. Excitement!!

today...

2011-09-06T17:32:00.010+10:00

the next step...

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

from this

and this...

Locutions (the loved object)

2011-09-05T19:23:00.005+10:00

Exhibition by Katherine Bowman at Craft Vic.

Untitled 2010

collage

560 mm width x 760 mm length

invitation link (here)

Katherine's blog here: http://katherinebowman.blogspot.com/

Great exhibition review here: http://melbournejeweller.wordpress.com

My talented friends!

2011-09-04T10:45:00.006+10:00

My talented photographer friend Rohan has recently been offered two residencies, one in Siglufjordut, Iceland and the other in Kanazawa, Japan. This gives him the best opportunities to continue his amazing work.

He currently has some prints for sale! Cheap!! To fund these residencies...It's a perfect opportunity to pick up a Rohan Hutchinson before he becomes famous and expensive!!

Check it out!

Utoro, 2009 - Rohan Hutchinson ©

SALE on here: http://northeasternestates.blogspot.com/

http://www.rohanhutchinson.com/

beautiful!

2011-09-03T11:53:00.007+10:00

(image taken from Klimt02)

I have always loved the work of Iris Bodemer and I recently came across this necklace,

so beautiful! :)

She has a current exhibition with Bettina Speckner at Galerie Rosemarie Jäger

http://www.rosemarie-jaeger.de/

I've posted about my love for Iris' work before...(here)

Participation...

2011-09-02T10:08:00.001+10:00

GEM show...

2011-09-01T13:26:00.002+10:00

Last weekends adventure!!

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

Agatised Rhyolite from Queensland - pretty stuff!!

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The customary tea break - even sat next to the gentleman who 'made' the

apricot jam... :) "Kiss the cook!" hehe...

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Cabochonorama!!

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These got me VERY exciting!! Amazing colours...

Realgar and Orpiment crystals

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

Orpiment on Snow Calcite

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

Came home with a few goodies!! Once my hand is on the mend I'll be straight back into it.

tonight!!

2011-08-31T12:05:00.010+10:00

Don't forget tonight's public lecture.

'The contemporary jewellery movement is

more alive than dead.'

Info here

Speakers -

the faces instead of the jewellery - a nice change!

Damien Skinner

Susan Cohn

Benjamin Lignel

Prof. Robert Baines

http://www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/events/event/public-lecture-contemporary-jewellery-movement-more-alive-dead

and now this!!

2011-08-29T14:29:00.006+10:00

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

On the road to recovery!

From this...

Host A Brooch

2011-08-28T11:38:00.002+10:00

what's that Jacqui Chan up to now!?!?!

http://hostabrooch.blogspot.com/

this is what she was up to last time:

Material Migrations

Callum Morton

2011-08-27T17:20:00.019+10:00

Today I went on a small road trip with a friend of mine, we headed out Frankston way (more on why soon), and en route we passed by this odd sight on the side of the freeway. It looked familiar, as though I'd seen pictures of it before. So on the return journey, driving 100km/h I took this photo (on phone)...not bad I thought! Except for my silly phone cover I forgot to take off, which unfortunately creates shadow around the edges of the image.

(click on image for a larger view)

Isn't it great!?! I was so confused when I saw it - out in the middle of nowhere!! Literally!!

After some investigation (aka: google) I have now discovered that it is a sculpture by the artist Callum Morton, aptly named 'Hotel' 2008.

"Morton is best known for his elaborate architectural models which incorporate sculpture, photography, sound and digital imagery to set familiar forms from architectural history against their original function. Weaving drama and humour into his work he undermines the seriousness of many buildings, filling them with narratives drawn from life, movies or books."

Represented by Anna Schwartz Gallery - more of his work can be found here:

http://www.annaschwartzgallery.com/works/

Oh, exciting!!! Looks like he has a current exhibiton on at Heide Museum of Modern Art - one of my favourite places to visit in Melbourne! Looks like another road trip is in order.

http://www.heide.com.au/exhibitions/callum_morton

And a great write up about his current exhibition here:

http://www.artabase.net/exhibition/3214-callum-morton-in-memoriam

I love discovering new artists, a constant reminder of amazing people doing amazing things!

wan•der•er:

2011-08-26T17:09:00.008+10:00

to wander aimlessley...

Not much else for me to do while I am still out of action with work and school...But who can complain when days are so amazing like these!! Melbourne is putting on the sunshine!!

Just beautiful!

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

My trip to the marble shop...

2011-08-24T20:34:00.012+10:00

Like a kid in a candy store!

Went on my own excursion to a marble/granite factory today. Lots of stone, GIANT polishing and cutting machines and plenty of broken bits for me!

Flat polishing machine

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

Edge polisher

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

HUGE diamond cutting saw

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

It was great...but kind of sad to see SO much stone thats been wrenched out of the ground. SO much!! I feel better knowing I use only a small amount for my art, a drop in the ocean really. It's a shame people feel the need to decorate their homes/businesses with this beautiful natural material, in excessive amounts.

Thank you Mr.Postman!

2011-08-22T20:41:00.005+10:00

Well...I am still incapable of making jewels (bor-ing) so I may as well fill my time reading about them. However, I did order these books before my accident, I must have known. :/

Great books!! Haven't had the chance to have a good read of 'Thinking Jewellery,' but I am loving 'Art Meets Jewellery' which just arrived from Mr.Postman today!! Art Meets Jewellery is a look at 20 years of Galerie Slavik Wien in Vienna. Some of my favourite jewellers feature in this book; Ramón Puig Cuyàs, Annelies Planteydt, Stefano Marchetti and Mirjam Hiller. Great photography! I spotted this book at the NGV bookshop a few months ago and decided I wanted it. Bought both books from The Book Depository, a UK based online bookstore with free delivery (for now!!)

Arnoldsche have some amazing jewellery books being released later this year...

Looking forward to getting my mitts on them :)

R 'n' R

2011-08-20T18:06:00.007+10:00

A forced break!!

Some R 'n' R down at my dad's house...

Just what the doctor ordered!

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

Hunter!! The most fearsome fighting cat in all of Little River!!

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

Two-up Tuesday

2011-08-19T14:34:00.009+10:00

Two exhibition openings on the same night! Both very worthy!!

(click on images for a larger view)

http://www.galleryfunaki.com.au/gf/

(click on images for a larger view)

A jam packed jewellery day...

Don't forget the SEMINAR thats on all day tuesday too!!

At least my injured hand cant stop me from participating in these events! I definitely have no problems holding a glass of wine ;)

Out of action...

2011-08-17T20:40:00.014+10:00

From this...

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

to this...

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and then this...!!

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

A jewellers worst nightmare...

Tell ME about it, totally out of action!!

So...last week I decided to 'slip' using a wood carving tool, attempting to carve plywood in my printmaking elective class. Can you believe it? I can't...not even a jewellery incident!!! A small unassuming 'u' shaped laceration has turned into quite a serious, drawn-out ordeal. After a few attempts at fainting I ended up at the Uni medical clinic then straight to Emergency with what seemed to be severed nerves.... :(

A visit to the hand surgeon the next day and...correct-o-mondo!! So for a week I sported just a bandaid (not a very convincing battle wound), some serious bruising and a completely numb and swollen index finger...an awful feeling really! Ended up in surgery 2 days ago...out to it, getting my 'severed nerves' re-attached! An overnight hospital stay later and here I find myself...a sling, plastered and bandaged up for 2 weeks and then some!?!? lets hope the surgeon attached those nerves good and proper!! I just kept thinking, well they can sew fingers back on.....

And the moral of the story being....

'stick to what you know' :/

BUDA at The Arts Centre

2011-08-14T20:34:00.005+10:00

A selected group of work from the BUDA Exhibition in Castlemaine has now travelled to the Melbourne Arts Centre in the city, being displayed in the foyer I think. Go check it out if you are in the area! I have a cup and saucer in the works selected. :)

(click on image for a larger view)

my cup and saucer!

2010 - oxidised copper, enamel paint

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

Carlow House Garage Sale...

2011-08-14T20:31:00.002+10:00

(click on image to enlarge)

HANDshake...

2011-08-13T17:14:00.010+10:00

http://handshakejewellery.com/

This seems like an exciting project in the making...Graduates linking up with their favourite jewellers as a mentoring program to produce a few exhibitions over the next few years.

Jealous much!?!? YES!!

mmm, who would I choose? who would you choose??

(unlucky pause on the video, hehe!!)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Handshake

oh, and while I am talking about exciting happenings in NZ,

check this out!

Looks like I might have to make my first trip to New Zealand next year!

success...

2011-08-12T17:46:00.009+10:00

Thank you to all who came to the RMIT G & S Auction last night. It was a great success and I hope all who attended had a great night, and even better, went home with some amazing jewels!! The total amount raised has not been confirmed yet but we are estimating somewhere around $17,000 (auction and raffle included.) Oh, and a huge congratulations to Emma Wood (a friend of a friend of mine) who was the lucky winner of the Wayne Guest sugar bowl!! What a lucky lady!! OH, and a HUGE thank you to all who donated, we couldn't have done it without you!!!

A few happy snaps...

The 'pearl necklace' edible bread sculpture by Baker D. Chirico in collaboration with partner Allona Goren and jewellery co.

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

The many jewels on display before the auction.

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Yazzie on security!! Don't mess with her ;)

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Let the auction begin!!

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Raffle ticket jar...

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Aaron the amazing auctioneer!! What a great job he did!

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Dedicated teachers Mark and Nick, joining in the fun! hehe...

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"going once, going twice..."

Happy bidders Clem and Allona

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

http://rmit-g-and-s-auction2011.blogspot.com/

Auction update!!

2011-08-07T18:06:00.005+10:00

http://rmit-g-and-s-auction2011.blogspot.com/

More jewels added to the blog today!! Only 4 days till the big night!

And my piece finally made it onto the blog...

'untitled' - brooch

Amazonite, Marble, sterling silver, stainless steel

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

I really enjoyed making this piece.

Of course I encountered the usual 'problems,' but I got there in the end.

The Amazonite I bought from a market when I was in Darwin and the marble was just from a found piece of stone. Fun carving times!!!

?

2011-08-06T09:50:00.002+10:00

tonight!!

2011-08-03T08:37:00.003+10:00

Come down to the RMIT School of Art Gallery tonight!

Many artists across different worlds, and work by the jeweller Inari Kiuru.

http://inarikiuru.blogspot.com/

Public lecture:

2011-08-01T19:49:00.006+10:00

'The contemporary jewellery movement is

more alive than dead.'

Don't miss out on this event!! It's going to be a doozy!!

(click on image for a larger view, and then again to magnify!)

This event has been organised by my 3rd year class as a fundraiser for our end of year exhibition. Promised to be an interesting lecture, no doubt it will be with the calibre of these speakers!!

Robert Baines

Susan Cohn

Damien Skinner

Benjamin Lignel

ANOTHER event not to be missed!!

It's a jewellery bonanza!!

check it!!!

2011-08-01T07:36:00.004+10:00

Click the link to see all the jewellery flooding in for our Fundraising Auction!!

http://rmit-g-and-s-auction2011.blogspot.com/

More to come soon!

Mark Rothko - Thomas Gentille

2011-07-30T16:17:00.014+10:00

Mark Rothko

Untitled, 1959

No.301 - (Reds and Violet over Red/Red and Blue over Red)

[Red and Blue over Red], 1959

Yellow and Gold, 1956

Thomas Gentille

brooch -

mahogany, pigment resin, vinyl-coated steel, paint, metal

brooch -

mahogany, cherry, pigment resin, metal, glazed porcelain marble

brooch - 2007

reflective industrial glass, aircraft plywood, maple, pigment

Thomas Gentille 'jewellery stalking' post here

Treasure Hunter #13

2011-07-28T21:33:00.004+10:00

Ruby wearing one of her own.

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

Split pin brooch, 2011

Split pins (steel), stainless steel, sterling silver

(image not to be reproduced without permission)

Ruby's blog:

http://cephalopodmollusc.blogspot.com/

Practise as a Site for Enquiry II:

2011-07-26T22:55:00.007+10:00

And another event not to be missed...

(click on image for a larger view, and then again to magnify!)

Some great speakers!!!

Download seminar registration form here.

Benjamin Lignel Workshop

2011-07-26T22:51:00.004+10:00

Another exciting workshop/short course running through RMIT.

(click on image for a larger view, and then again to magnify!)

http://www.benjaminlignel.com/