oribatida…prostigmata...mesostigmata
This series of brooches reflects the revelation of microscopic creatures and their habitat amongst the detritus of the forest floor, feeding off leaf litter and fungi. I have focused on the defensive mechanisms each creature has incorporated into their personal armoury, devised for their survival.
These creatures highlight the intricate microcosms, often overlooked, and the delicate fragility and wonder of our world.
description
Hand raised, forged and fabricated.
copper and sterling silver, 18ct yellow gold, fresh water pearls. Approx 54 x 8 x 9mm - 105 x 60 x 10mm
image Michelle Bowden
water | pebbles | space
range of neckpieces
Sterling silver with hemp or cotton cord
confluence/influence
confluence/influence 2013
This piece has been formed and fabricated by hand, using chasing and repousse techniques with copper, sterling silver
2015
Light dependant reactions occur within the Thylakoid membrane in plants enabling them to grow. These jewellery pieces reference this action and are inspired by UNESCO's action for growth through light.
Light for development of people living at the edges of society, reaching through borders with education and growing through the gaps - with light.
These three sterling silver brooches reflect energy, growth, and the membrane
the carpet
'the carpet - jacaranda' 2016
The found, natural elements which fall, grow, and perish in our urban landscapes. The surprising colour of jacaranda flowers and their soft-fall carpet's beauty is found throughout the city of Brisbane. Lining streets and parks and gardens, and in the spring, covering the path to my door.
This celebrated exotic species is also considered an environmental weed in Brisbane.
detail and images of the installation during the Worn & Weathered exhibition
These jewellery pieces have been created in response to 'the carpet - jacaranda', a piece created for the Worn & Weathered Exhibition 2016
Sterling silver jacaranda on hemp cord neckpiece
Copper jacaranda with stainless steel pin
Copper double jacaranda on cotton cord, (with sterling silver,) neckpiece
Private commissions
Earrings designed and hand crafted from 18ct yellow gold and natural pearls
Neckpiece designed and handcrafted from sterling silver and 18ct yellow gold
'Louie' | tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor
touring exhibition 2011-2014
Louise Sauvage is one of Australia’s greatest athletes. As noted by her friend, Ros Shaw, the most amazing aspect of Louise’s achievements is her capacity to succeed at all stages, “winning over all distances, road or track”. This covers races distancing 100m right through to 42km marathons. An achievement difficult to comprehend and even more astounding when you realise that this has all occurred due to the sheer determination of an athlete who competes in a wheelchair. Louise has faced many challenges and seems to rise above them time and again, and as a world class athlete, has shown other athletes and Australians that it is our own determined efforts which will lead to our own achievements.
I have used the materials traditionally recognised to symbolize sporting success via medal presentations. That is gold, silver and bronze. The circular shapes of my piece are a simplification of form to represent success (via medals,) determination (via wheels,) and continuation (the endless cycle of testing oneself.) Because as Louise Sauvage states, “You’ll never know what you can achieve until you try.”
linked
Rings have historically been used as symbols of unity and endlessness. I have incorporated rings and these ideas into these pieces of jewellery responding to a desire for connection.
portfolio of additional work
