2020 - Sound On! (Online Exhibition)
‘Sound On’ exhibition is the second of the online exhibition series brought to you by @jmga.queensland. The provocation, ‘Sound On’, asks artists to involve their senses in their work, drawing on connections to memory, feeling and histories. Artists were invited to be experimental and inventive with technical boundaries. The pieces are activated when worn, or require the wearer to interact with the piece to create sound. An important element of the exhibition was capturing the sound on video, for viewers to experience this virtually.
Exhibiting Artists: Beth von Brae, Carolyn Butler-White, Helen Moriarty, Kate Hunter, Katherine Grocott, Kierra-Jay Power, Kylie Keates, Mari Hirata, Michelle Stemm, Nellie Peoples and Tina Horton.
For those who are interested in purchasing a brooch please contact us via email at [email protected] the subject line of “Sound On”.
#jmgqonline #jmgq #jmga_qld #contemporaryjewellery #contemporaryjewelry #jewellery #jewelry #schmuck #queensland #australianjewellery #handmadeinauatralia #artsqueensland
Exhibiting Artists: Beth von Brae, Carolyn Butler-White, Helen Moriarty, Kate Hunter, Katherine Grocott, Kierra-Jay Power, Kylie Keates, Mari Hirata, Michelle Stemm, Nellie Peoples and Tina Horton.
For those who are interested in purchasing a brooch please contact us via email at [email protected] the subject line of “Sound On”.
#jmgqonline #jmgq #jmga_qld #contemporaryjewellery #contemporaryjewelry #jewellery #jewelry #schmuck #queensland #australianjewellery #handmadeinauatralia #artsqueensland
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BETH VON BRAE
BIO
Jewellery making has been a release for me in this time of isolation. I have found that, as the days pass, my designs are getting bolder, more elaborate. I feel that the confinement is allowing me to fill the room, the hall, the house, with my own creative energy and it’s starting to yell. I can’t wait to come out of ISO dripping in bling. Jewellery should not be quiet, and neither should you. STATEMENT not hollow was not an intention. It wasn’t a mistake either. It just...happened. I was trying to keep it simple, don’t complicate things. And then just before closing up this ring forever, an idea made its home in my head and I put that idea in the ring and now it’s not hollow WORKS not hollow 2020 (3cm x 2.2cm) recycled sterling silver, brass. NFS CONTACT Instagram: @bethvonbrae Facebook: @bethvonbrae |
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CAROLYN BUTLER-WHITE
BIO
My jewellery making journey began about 15 years ago in Hong Kong where, on Saturday mornings, I attended silversmithing classes. In these classes, I also learned beading, wirework and Chinese knotting. As I learned new techniques, I soon fell in love with the processes involved in experimenting and creating. On returning to Australia in 2012, I continued to pursue my jewellery making interests through weekend and holiday courses. At the BIA (Brisbane Institute of Art) I attended short courses in various jewellery making techniques. I also attended metal sculpture classes at this institute and although I thoroughly enjoyed them, I realised my preference for working on small scale pieces. As well as attending the BIA, I also took jewellery making courses at Toowoomba’s Cobb & Co Museum and at the 2018 USQ McGregor Summer Arts Retreat. Currently, I enjoy working with copper, brass and silver, creating shapes and surfaces through experimentation rather than prescription. Thanks go to all of my teachers thus far. With so much more to learn, I look forward to continuing my journey of discovery. STATEMENT Small brass cymbals swing from a large classic hoop of icy cool silver. Responding to the movement of the wearer, tiny circles of sound emanate from the bright brass bells and jingle in the ear. WORKS Circles of Sound 2020 (6.5cm diameter) Sterling silver and brass. NFS CONTACT Instagram: @carolynb Facebook: @carolyn.butlerwhite |
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HELEN MORIARTY
BIO
I am a recent graduate from the Jewellery and Small Objects school at Queensland College of Art, earning a Bachelor of Fine Art from Griffith University. I have actively participated exhibiting my work since beginning my fine art studies, and I have participated in many group shows both here in Australia and overseas. My work was shown in the Greensmith exhibition. A group show curated by Artisan and Christine Dhine which was shown both here in Australia and in California. I was selected as a finalist in the online exhibition, “So Fresh, So Clean”, run by the international group Ethicial Metalsmiths. I continue to research ways to make my practise more clean and green. In my practice, I am focused on the exploration of the landscape and our impact as humans on it. I have a love of the diverse natural environments we are so privileged to encounter here in Australia. It is from observations and reflections on the detail and diversity of these experiences, that I draw a continuing source of inspiration for my jewellery practice. STATEMENT I choose to make earpieces for this SOUND ON challenge as they can hang in space and move freely with the body of the wearer, responding to a shake of the head, or the rhythm of the body when walking. The sounds are very soft and will be heard by the wearer as they are so close to the ears. These earrings are designed to make two different sounds as they are worn. One a bell like sound as the glass moves away and then back to strike the steel plate. The other is a ‘stuttering’ like a stick running along a chain wire fence. This is made when the glass moves across the perforated surface of the steel. WORKS Coffee Time (4cm x 4cm) Recycled Sterling Silver, Recycled Glass, Found Stainless Steel. $75 CONTACT Instagram: helenmjewellery Facebook: Helen Moriarty |
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KATE HUNTER
BIO
I live on the edge of a tidal mangrove estuary and love quietly watching all the little creatures going about their existence. My observations of these fragile existences drive an ecological narrative in my work. Making for me celebrates the details in life and my fascination with the connectedness of the wearer. The transformative magic of jewellery. I have a Bachelor of Design in Jewellery and Metalsmithing and make in sterling silver, copper, brass and bronze, with accents of gold. I really enjoy all different sorts of materials and how they can be combined. I love the challenge of exploring new materials and how I can use them in my work to convey my ideas. I am currently experimenting with embedding into concrete, cold connecting aluminium, surface treatments of reticulation and fusing. I also like the sleek industrial finish of powder coating. I construct each piece by hand. I enjoy this methodic process of exploring my ideas in metals and other materials. I often work in series to investigate an idea thoroughly. STATEMENT A treasured sailing memory for me is the sound of coral chinkling as every little wave makes the shore. Holbourne Island National Park is 37 kms east of Bowen, and is where I heard this sound whilst snorkelling for the first time, squeezing my husband’s hand with joy, as we slid through the sparkling water to this delightfully delicate sound surrounded by colourful fishes, corals and giant clams. Hollow formed in copper and brass these organic tampered metal shapes re-create that chinkling coral sound when worn and played with by the wearer. The oxidised pendant is reminiscent of something you may find beach combing and hangs from an adjustable leather necklace. WORKS Holbourne Is. Sounds 2020 (7cms x 4cms) Copper, Brass and leather. $145 CONTACT Instagram: @khdjewellery |
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KATHERINE GROCOTT
BIO
I have been interested in jewellery design since she took it as a minor subject in her Fashion Degree. I took the plunge to focus on jewellery design in 2014. My work is quite visually strong and graphic featuring clean lines and contemporary, modern design. I appreciate minimalism and this features prominently in her work. Over the years, my commitment to environmental sustainability has influenced my design process. Recycled and found objects feature in my work, and I source recycled metals as much as possible. The materials I use are varied, including silver and titanium, acrylic, plexiglass and plastic. Gemstones are a new addition to my repertoire. In terms of found objects, I have made jewellery utilising x-rays, vintage serving platters, plastic tubing, tea infusers, venetian blinds, and perfume sample bottles amongst other materials. I believe that jewellery offers a perspective of the wearer, an opportunity to express oneself. Jewellery can be an expression of creativity, with both the wearer and the maker gaining pleasure from a piece. A piece of jewellery can tell a story or act as a memory. Jewellery can also be a wonderful conversation starter. STATEMENT My grandfather passed away a little while ago. The necklace and cuff are a memorial, testament and celebration of his life. Made from one of the last x-rays taken while he was ill, it is representative of seeing the inner person, the real man. When brushed, the necklace tendrils make a unique sound and have a distinctive feel. It becomes a visceral, tactile and auditory reminder of who he was. When the cuff catches the side of the body while walking, it prompts memories of our time together. The sterling silver is included as a homage to his lifelong passion for metal fabrication and the workshop which was a source of instruction and creativity for me. The repetition of saw pierced cuts reflects the precision that was a requirement of his work as a toolmaker. The necklace is designed to look like it is floating on the body, without a highly visible hanging mechanism. The cuff is a firm fit, another reminder of his closeness to his grandchildren. By wearing these pieces, Pa is not forgotten. WORKS 1. In Memoriam Necklace 2018 (13.5 x 2.5 x 10 cm) Sterling Silver, X-Ray, Silk. 2. In Memoriam Cuff 2019 (1.5 x 18 x 15cm) Sterling Silver, X-Ray. $990 for set CONTACT Instagram: @katherinegrocott Facebook: Katherine Grocott |
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KIERRA-JAY POWER
BIO
Kierra-Jay Power is an emerging artist studying a BFA Honours at the Queensland College of Art. Her work engages with curiosity and natural history through experimentation with digital fabrication and kinetic sculpture. She likes to make things other people want to play with. Her work has been featured in group exhibitions locally and internationally, as well as held in private collections. In 2017 she received a Research Bursary from the Griffith Honours College to travel to the Gallery of Comparative Anatomy in Paris and create a body of work inspired by Paris Natural History Museum specimens. She currently has a home studio in Brisbane full of pitcher plants, unidentified sandpaper grits, and bones. STATEMENT In January 2020 the Australian media began running constant PSAs about hand washing, and public bathrooms were spontaneously growing graffiti telling you to wash your hands. In April 2020 I celebrated my birthday in lockdown. When you move the hands on the front, this brooch sings Happy Birthday to you twice, for 20 seconds, so that you can properly wash your hands. WORKS Happy Birthday to You (Wash Ya Damn Hands) 2020 (9cmx6cmx3cm) Repurposed wood, recycled copper, brass, stainless steel, electronic photosensitive speaker. NFS CONTACT Instagram: @kj.power |
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KYLIE KEATES
BIO
In 2016, I founded Biografi Design as a contemporary outlet for my work, taking its inspiration from nature, my surround sings, and life’s stories along with modern design from the 60s to today. Pieces inspired by the timeless elegance of the 1920s and 30s cannot be ruled out either. Completely moved by the works of Vivianna Torun (Swedish), I travelled to Biot, where Torun had lived and created for several years. Biot is a hilltop community of artisans, overlooking the Mediterranean in the Alpes-Maritimes department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France and I cannot wait to return and commune there! I am a Brisbane-based metalsmith, specialising in sterling silver jewellery and objects often set with semi-precious stones in either raw/rough, polished, or faceted form. I also work in copper, brass and occasionally gold. Metalsmithing has been a surprising but most welcome new adventure after more than 30 years spent in spreadsheets and databases. Having a piece of jewellery or an object handmade as part of an experience, a memory, or a celebration resonates strongly with me. The experience may be an event, memories of a loved one, or good times shared, or anything that allows you feel emotion when it is worn or even just admired. Being asked to work on commissioned pieces is an absolute privilege especially when re-purposing treasured elements from the past. STATEMENT Dancing Discs is a ring made of sterling silver. The ring shank is a double, heavy band with extensions like goal posts above the ring. Twelve hammer textured, sterling silver discs are suspended on sterling silver wire riveted into place between the “uprights”. The shape of the wire adds to the interplay and therefore the sound of the discs, albeit still a gentle jingle. WORKS Dancing Discs 2020 (2.6cm x 3.5cm) Ring is size Q. Sterling Silver. NFS. CONTACT Instagram: @biografidesign Facebook: Biografi design |
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MARI HIRATA
BIO
Mari Hirata is a visual artist + silversmith based in Brisbane. Since completing her MAVA at Queensland College of Art, Mari has exhibited in venues throughout Australia and overseas. Her practice over the years has revolved around photography, sculpture, installation, and silversmithing, and her works are housed in collections including the National Gallery of Australia (Canberra), HOTA (Gold Coast), and UTS (Sydney). Mari has received ongoing mentorship under renowned Gold & Silversmith Sel Pilgrim since 2014, and has progressed onto developing a distinct style that responds to her surroundings and relational concepts, while reflecting the aesthetics and sensibilities of her Japanese cultural heritage. Her wearable art pieces are currently stocked at the Museum Of Brisbane, Artisan, and Lorraine Pilgrim + Studio 87 (Gold Coast). STATEMENT I found this piece of wood near the beach around 10 years go. I’m not sure which tree it belongs to, but I’ve always loved its long and coned claw-like shape – and even after moving addresses a couple of times since then, I’ve found myself keeping it close for the pure love of its form. The idea of the bird caller came to me from another little gadget that was given to me during a primary school camping trip. I don’t have this particular caller anymore, but remember this very plain and simple looking object made the sweetest chirping/whistling sound… and have wondered on occasion if it was possible to recreate it. About 30 years fast forward – with a lot of trial and error to get the right tension between the right wood & right metal - I have again a bird whistler to call my own. WORKS The Whistler 2020 (10cm x 1.2cm) Natural wood, Brass. NFS CONTACT Instagram: mari.hirata.artist Facebook: Mari Hirata |
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MICHELLE STEMM
BIO
Michelle Stemm works as an artisanal jeweller from a small studio in Brisbane, Australia. Stemm is an advocate for responsible sourcing of materials and the ethical production of metals and gemstones in her profession. Stemm’s design practice is led by a desire for versatile, innovative and functional jewellery that reveres the story of origin. In this way she explores connections both in the technical functionality of a piece, and emotionally, between maker and wearer. For Stemm, connections create opportunity and dynamism, bringing form, function and personal histories together in endlessly interesting ways. Stemm has worked in local politics and education before finding her creative direction. She has university qualifications in International relations, Community Development and Education as well as Visual Arts. She is interested in combining her passions of Community Development and jewellery making and has recently returned from a trip to Madagascar working with underprivileged women. STATEMENT Sitting at day break, drawing the things in my garden during lockdown led me to these interesting little flower pods on a succulent. The shapes began in lines on paper, then I cut out paper shapes, made outlines in wire and finally, formed a pod. I was trying to capture a ‘garden fairy’ tinkle in the sound of this pendant. It tinkles as you go about your day, a constant reminder of the botanic origins of this piece. WORK Succulent 2020 (60cmx15cmx2cm) Matte Onyx, Rutilated Quartz, Nickel Silver, Stainless Steel cable, Sterling Silver. $220 CONTACT Instagram: @TwoPlumsDesign Facebook: TwoPlumsDesign |
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NELLIE PEOPLES
BIO
Nellie’s is based in jewellery and small metals. She is based in Brisbane, Australia. At the core of her practice is the exploration of the connections made between objects and people; and how the object itself plays into those connections by representing on-going narratives. A thread that runs through her body of work is that cherished objects, in particular jewellery, have the potential to act as a souvenir, an aides de mémoires, of a special event, beloved person, or a particular place. She has a Bachelor of Design Arts with First Class Honours from the Australian National University (ANU), School of Art (2013). Whilst undertaking a graduate residency at the ANU’s Gold and Silversmithing Workshop, she completed a graduate certificate in Visual Anthropology at ANU (2014). She also has a Bachelor of Architecture and Applied Science from the University of Canberra (2007). STATEMENT The inspiration for this piece came from my childhood nickname Nell Bell. Even today there are certain family friends who call me by this name, which I am very fond of. I decided to take this chance to make a (Nell) bell. After rummaging around my studio space, tapping different materials to see what kind of sound is produced, I settled on old steel signs made by my grandfather. I absolutely love using these old red and white signs, especially when the original message is obstructed, and the red letters become patterns instead of words. To retain this painted finish, I decided to focus on folding the bell form and using cold joining techniques to attach the bell’s clapper. I had such fun playing with the size and shape of the bells, which make their own personal bell tolls. Through this making process I discovered there is a difference between making a sound object and an object with an attractive sound. WORKS Nell Bell 2020 (6 x 5 x 3cm) Reclaimed steel sign, sterling silver, silk cord. $125 CONTACT Instagram: nellie_peoples Facebook: nelliepeoplesstudio |
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TINA HORTONBIO
A born and breed Queenslander, my jewellery studio is currently set on acreage overlooking the beautiful Moreton Bay. I like to think of my style as naturally organic, I draw much of my inspiration from nature and as such endeavour to ensure all of my work practices are sustainable. Nearly all my pieces have organic cast elements to them, I am truly fascinated by this process as it allows me to keep my practices sustainable. What I love most about organic casting is that no matter what you do every piece is as unique as a fingerprint. I love creating pieces that have a story, a history, pieces that allows the viewer/wearer to perceive the piece however it has meaning to them. I like to keep it real, keep it ethical, keep it sustainable and keep it as unique as you are! STATEMENT Inspiration for this piece was easy to find within the beautiful Watercast bell shapes that form so naturally. To give this piece sound I combined 3 Sterling Silver watercast bell shapes connected with wire and separated with sterling silver beads. To complete the bell I added faceted amethyst bead representing the traditional bell clapper. The sound produced from the bells was a delicate ring, reminding me of the fae stories told to me as a child. Fae are of course magical creatures and it seemed only right their sound would sit under the night sky of a Amethyst Merkaba bead. Above the Merkaba I connected a cascading piece of Cuttlebone Cast silver this for me represents the cascading magick from the night sky. Created from 100% Recycled Silver. WORKS Fae Bell 2020 (8cm x 3.8 x 2cm) Sterling Silver, Amethyst Beads. NFS CONTACT Instagram: @tlhinspired Facebook: @tlhinspired |
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