NorthCity4 Launch! Invitation!

A very exciting new initiative that i'm very honoured to have been asked to speak at for it's upcoming launch party and fundraiser.

Have a read below, and please join us on Friday 2nd March for the launch and show your support for this great new studio/school/workshop/platform/dream organisation!

Announcing the launch of Northcity4

A new era in creative endeavours

Melbourne’s newest creative initiative, Northcity4, is the brainchild of five talented and forward thinking artists who have come together to create a new contemporary jewellery & object studio and school in Brunswick.

This collective, which is made up of highly regarded contemporary jewellers and small object makers, is developing a work and educational space that will inspire a new style of artistic practice, never before seen in Melbourne, and is committed to an environmentally sustainable work ethic.

LAUNCH DETAILS ‘Open the Door’

Friday 2^nd March, 6–8pm

61 Weston Street Brunswick

SPEAKERS

Marcus Westbury - Not Quite Art ABC1, columnist The Age

Natalia Milosz-Piekarska - Award-winning contemporary jeweller

Katherine Bowman prints and Ali Limb jewellery will be for sale on the night to help fund the next stage of NC4’s development. Music by a local DJ will contribute to the atmosphere.

Wine generously sponsored by Mount Langi Ghiran

WHERE / WHO – 61 Weston Street, Brunswick 3056

The NC4 studio and school is the initiative of artists Romani Benjamin, Katherine Bowman, Anna Davern, Caz Guiney and Ali Limb. This group of artists has come together with the aim of sharing their knowledge, skills and techniques through mentorships, seminars, access studios and workshops.

WHAT

NC4 is a not-for-profit organisation with a shared commitment to environmentally sustainable arts practice that promotes and supports the integration of sustainability into all aspects of contemporary jewellery and object design. NC4 will work with Sustainability Victoria and Moreland Energy Foundation to reach its green goals and to ensure the NC4 communal footprint is minimised or off-set where possible.

The NC4 warehouse space will offer studios for long and short term tenancies for working makers and artists as well as an education program of short courses, weekend workshops and holiday programs, for those with and without previous training.

GAFFA Gallery - Curio Cabinet

For the next 2 weeks, i have a small showcase of my work on display in Sydney's GAFFA gallery Curio Cabinet.

On show is a selection of exhibition pieces, retail collectibles and some of my working drawings.

If you're around town, pop in and check it out.

281 Clarence Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, (+61) 02 9283 4273

Mon-Fri: 10-6pm, Sat: 11-5pm, Sun+Holidays: Closed

Sprouts, buds, prickles and shoots.

A new collection of little stack rings has sprouted, possibly inspired by the amount of time i've been spending watching my little seedlings growing on the kitchen window sill...

These have only just been delivered to Pieces of Eight Gallery. They can be ordered in any number, from a single little treasure to a whole stack. Each one is individually sculpted in wax, then cast, so no two rings are ever exactly the same.

Heart to heart.

Oohh... as 2012 has slowly dawned on me, i've taken a moment to look through my shiny new diary and have realised, it's only a few weeks till a certain little day that makes lovers coo, and keeps jewellers busy - Valentines Day!

If V day happens to be on your radar this year, then take note that along side my art projects and quirky pieces, i also create special, sparkly and sentimental treasures.

here are a couple of pics of some special pieces commissioned over the last little while...

Back In Action!

Its been a crazy six months with my being over in London for a very exciting, challenging and rewarding internship. I was awarded two grants, one from the British Council, Australia, the other from the Ian Potter Cultural Trust, which supported my time in London while i worked with the wonderful UK fashion/costume/contemporary jeweller, Scott Wilson.

My time with Scott was incredibly rewarding and inspiring, while at the same time very challenging and eye opening. We worked on a broad range of projects, including fashion collaborations, production line ranges, catwalk pieces and bespoke commissions.

London in itself was also an intensely vibrant and energising experience, so, now that i'm back, its time to knuckle down and start processing it all and channeling it into some new and exciting work. Look out 2012!

In the pipe line for the new year will be new collections going out into my various galleries and stores, as well as working on an online shop, among a host of other projects on the go. So stay tuned.

In the mean time, Karla (my studio buddy) and i had our one day Christmas sale last week. Apologies if you missed the memo, i'm only just getting back into action.

*Do note, if you're not following my Facebook page, it might be worth while 'liking' it as i do post notices up on there regarding sales, events, projects etc...*

It was a great event, with some lovely folks stopping by to do a bit of shopping and sticking round for a chat.

Here are some pics from the night, as well as a few shots from my time with Scott Wilson.

Pieces of Fate - @ Pieces of Eight Gallery

Amazing group show currently on at Pieces of Eight Gallery, Melbourne.

PIECES OF FATE - 24th May - 2nd July

I'm honoured to be one of the participating jewellers involved.

Instrument of Divination. Sterling silver, timber, paint, silk cord.

Pieces of Eight Gallery presents
Pieces of Fate
24th May – 2nd July, 2011


Have you ever come across a piece of jewellery, and thought to yourself, this must have been made for me… And there it was, just sitting there, quite simply, waiting to be found.

Pieces of Eight Gallery presents Pieces of Fate, a group exhibition of exquisite handcrafted pendants. Drawing inspiration from Professor Robert Baines, who coined the term, the exhibition includes works from 37 of the gallery’s represented artists who broadly explore the idea of an objects fate. Within the pendants various manifestations lay inherent intentions, purposes and appeal; an unquestionable right to exist. What then becomes its destiny?

Historically, pendants have provided all kinds of meaning and perceived powers for the wearer. Pieces of Fate explores how the modern day pendant can tell a story, possess magical powers or provide particular protection to an individual. It playfully engages with conversations about how materials, symbols and personal concepts give power or inscribe meaning to a piece of jewellery, and consequently how this may cause it to potentially determine its wearer.

With the making of each pendant, the artist was asked to record who or what the pendant may be for. This confidential text travels with the piece as a secret exchange between the creator and wearer of the pendant. As Kevin Murray states in his essay about the exhibition, "These incantations represent an important step forward in the restoration of jewellery power. They’re more than reflections on the personal inspiration of the jeweller. They also anticipate how the pendants will be experienced by the wearer."

Participating artists Bridget Bodenham, Cesar Cueva, Cinnamon Lee, Craig Spark, David Parker, Djurdjica Kesic, Dougal Haslem, Elfrun Lach, Jin-Ah Jo, Justine Austen, Karla Way, Katie Jacobs,Katrina Freene, Katrina Tyler, Krista McRae, Lucy Folk, Marcus Foley, Mark Edgoose,Melinda Young, Meredith Turnbull, Nadja Soloviev, Natalia Milosz-Piekarska, Nicky Hepburn, Nina Oikawa, Nina Ellis, Pennie Jagiello, Peta Kruger, Raymond de Zwart,Shimara Carlow, Sian Edwards, Sim Luttin, Steffi Kalina, Tamara Dixon, Teresa Lane, Tessa Blazey, Tim Fleming, Zoe Crowder

Opening
May 24th, 2011, from 6-8pm
Exhibition to be opened by Melanie Katsalidis, director and curator, Pieces of Eight Gallery. RSVP by May 20th, email marketing@piecesofeight.com.au

Book Launch
Exhibition publication to be launched on the opening night. To pre-order or purchase a copy, email info@piecesofeight.com.au

Workshop
‘Lucky Dip’ with Rachel Gorman and Pennie Jagiello.
June 25th, 2011, 10 – 3pm.
Open to all, bookings essential, participation fee $50.
RSVP by June 20th, 2011 to marketing@piecesofeight.com.au

http://piecesofeightgallery.blogspot.com/2011/05/upcoming-exhibition-pieces-of-fate.html

Catch up...

I'm a little late to the party with this one, but here's a post from the Pieces of Eight blog from March 29, 2011.

Also, I'm currently in London on a 6 month internship with fashion/costume jeweller Scott Wilson. I was awarded two grants to help fund this stint O.S. Late last year i was one of five creatives to be awarded a British Council, 'Realise Your Dream' travel grant to the UK, and a month ago i was awarded an Ian Potter Cultural Trust grant to assist me in London. So, it's exciting and busy times ahead!

I wont be posting too much up on here while i'm away as i'll be concentrating predominantly on Scott's collections. I am however trying to get a sideline blog up and running that documents my time in london, problem is, so far, i haven't had much time to sit down and do it... but watch this space, i'll get there eventually...

http://piecesofeightgallery.blogspot.com/2011/03/workbench-of-week-natalia-milosz.html

WORKBENCH OF THE WEEK: Natalia Milosz-Piekarska

Natalia's studio, photography by Kim Brockett from Craft Victoria.

Natalia Milosz-Piekarska's work engages with the animist notion that inanimate objects can be imbued with a spirit, as she explores ideas of totemism, fetishism and the 'spirit' within objects.
Her contemporary jewellery practice revolves around creating whimsical artefacts from stories and mythologies untold. Steeped in fictitious folklore and superstition, these objects do not reference any particular form of belief, but rather the structure of belief itself.

Working from her shared studio Nicholas Building with fellow jeweler and buddy, Karla Way, (though they are about to move two floors up to share with a couple of other jeweler buddies), Natalia likes to think she works in a way not dissimilar to an alchemist. With boxes full of collected materials, paints, beads and bits and pieces, Natalia rummages through her apothecary, cutting, carving, painting, threading, constructing and assembling her spirited works into wearable treasures.

Natalia is also currently coordinating a fundraiser in support of the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Rescue Fund. This is an amazing project she has created, bringing together many very talented jewellers who have donated pieces for an online auction. Check it out and add to your collection whilst supporting a very good cause. You can find it here: Lucky Charm. Making Good Fortune.

Natalia is also about to embark on a 5 month internship in London with fashion jeweler Scott Wilson after winning an 2010 British Council, Realise Your Dream Award. We'll be sad to see her go but what a brilliant opportunity and really, we couldn't think of a more deserving person! Watch this space (or this blog!) for more news about Natalia and her overseas adventures, we know she has a very bright future ahead of her.

Detail of Natalia working on a piece in her studio, Photography by Kim Brockett from Craft Victoria.

New earrings available at E.g.etal.

Touch, Pause, Engage.

I had a piece in a recent group show in Auckland, NZ titled Touch, Pause, Engage. This exhibition showcased works from a selection of New Zealand and Australian contemporary jewellers at Object Space Gallery, Auckland. For more info check out: Touch, Pause, Engage.

The piece i offered was a timber neckpiece titled 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

UNDERFOOT. OVERHEAD. Studies in Nature.

I currently have work in the newly opened exhibition 'UNDERFOOT. OVERHEAD. Studies in Nature.' at Object Gallery, Sydney, curated by Kate Ford.

Exploring the environments beneath us and above us, and all that lies between. Underfoot. Overhead. includes a number of makers who take inspiration from the natural world and create artefacts that then challenge our idea of what is 'natural'.

Featuring work by Juz Kitzon, Ken + Julia Yonetani, Emily Valentine Bullock, Natalia Milosz-Piekarska and Michelle Kelly.

My work came under the title 'Immortal Morsels' and is an idea i think i might like to explore further down the track...

'Immortal Morsels' sees Natalia explore the mysterious world of food and it's endless uses as mediums for worship, healing and protection. Throughout time and across cultures, certain foods and an endless repository of enigmatic edibles have been administered with the belief that they house magical and medicinal properties. They have been used to heal, protect and alter our physical and mental states. Some foods and ingredients take on such divine eminence, the question could be asked, are they the food of the gods, or are they gods in themselves?

Natalia plays with these ideas through the construction of her own fictitious talismanic morsels . Using a veritable apothecary of materials to conjure up her creations, she cooks up a collection of weird and wonderful bite size charms to be taken strictly as prescribed.

Above are some of the pieces i included.

LUCKY CHARM. Making Good Fortune Happen.

I have recently curated a charity fundraiser auction of contemporary jewellery donated by makers from near and far. All proceeds are going to the Red Cross Disaster Rescue and Relief Services. Read on for more info...

Lucky Charm. Making Good Fortune Happen, is an online auction fundraiser coordinated by Melbourne based jeweler, Natalia Milosz-Piekarska, (me), in order to raise much needed funds in support of the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Rescue services.

In light of the recent bout of devastating natural disasters that have taken place around the world, in particular, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, it became apparent that humanitarian charities such as the Red Cross have become increasingly stretched for funds and resources which allow them to respond quickly and effectively in critical times.

The Lucky Charm fundraiser will see a cornucopia of amazing contemporary jewellery works auctioned off online as a means to show support and help raise much needed funds for the Red Cross -Australia.

All works have been donated by an incredibly generous and highly respected assembly of local and international contemporary jewellers who have banded together to create what organizer, Natalia Milosz-Piekarska calls, “An unstoppable force of GOOD nature”.

Established and emerging makers alsike have come together, with names such as Lucy Folk, Julia deVille, Nicholas Bastin, Melinda Young, Anna Davern in the mix. It’s a rare opportunity to view and bid on such a vast and varied collection of amazing jewellery works. What is even more amazing is that ALL pieces start at a reserve price of only $30!

Thank you for your support, spread the word far and wide, good luck, happy bidding, and may you yourself become a Maker of Good Fortune!

Bidding is open now, all auctions end on April 21st at 11pm EST.

Go to: http://www.luckycharmfundraiser.blogspot.com

Bad Beasts Do Not Harm Me - Sydney. OPENED!

Bad Beasts opened to a wonderful reception at Metalab Gallery, Surry Hills, Sydney, last Thursday night. Thanks so much to the brilliant Nina and Cesar for being wonderful hosts and for supplying our jewellery community with such an exceptional space and institution. They are a true force of nature, so much energy, so many ideas, so much going on. If you are in Sydney now, go check out our show, it's on till the 31st March. If you're not in Sydney, but plan on visiting, be sure to stop at Metalab in your travels, it's a must!

Hofstede Design - Bad Beasts Catalogue.

Hofstede Design, Melbourne.

Last year when Bad Beasts Do Not Harm Me came to fruition, we commissioned the wonderfully lovely and talented graphic designer Wendy Ellerton, from Hofstede Design, to design our catalogue. With contributing texts from highly regarded creatives, contemporary jeweller/object maker, Nicholas Bastin, and artist/experimental musician, Nathan Gray, the catalogue showcases a selection of work from the show and includes some brief words on who, what, why and how Bad Beasts came to be.

Beautifully designed, the catalogue has become a treasured adjunct to the show.

Only a small run was printed, so, all in all, a great little collector's piece to add to your library. Copies are currently available for sale at Metalab while the show is up till the 31st March, otherwise, feel free to contact me if you're keen to get your hands on a copy.

...and more rings.

I'm running out of ring pun titles for all the rings posts i've been putting up lately, but none the less, here's two more rings i made recently.

The first is Chilli Seed Ring and is a wee addition to my Bad Beasts Do Not Harm Me body of work which is travelling up to Sydney next week to be shown at Metalab Gallery in Surry Hills. I thought that as the exhibition is touring to a new home, a new little addition, just for Metalab, would be a nice way to carry the show forward.

Second is a ring i've nicknamed Eyes For You. It was meant to be a ring to go out as stock, but during the final stages of finishing it i realised, i never keep anything for myself. So, this one stayed with me and currently lives very happily on my middle finger.

I've had requests for similar designs since i started wearing it, so clearly wearing your own work is a good business move, pity i don't wear a lot of my own jewellery. People often ask why i don't wear more of my own work, or much jewellery at all for that matter. Part of the reason is simply because i find that when i work, i don't like having things getting in the way just in case i either a) damage the jewellery or b) get the jewellery caught in something that spins very fast or catches on fire, in turn, damaging myself.

Pieces of Eight, piece of the day.

Yesterday i was featured of the Pieces of Eight blog as part of their ongoing Piece of the Day series.

Included was a short little rundown on me, my work and a few tasty morsels from my vast personal inspiration file.

Here's the link...

http://piecesofeightgallery.blogspot.com/2011/02/piece-of-day-watching-me-watching-you.html

Sydney folks, the time is nigh...

Dear Sydney friends,

I'm very excited to inform you that Bad Beasts Do Not Harm Me, my and Karla Way's joint show which was launched last year at Melbourne's Craft Victoria, is now travelling up to Sydney and will open at Metalab Gallery on Thursday 3rd March.

If you're around, we'd love to see you at the opening, otherwise, be sure to come check it out when you can.

Tasty Morsel...

Its still all fairly under wraps, but i am working on a few new exhibition pieces for a group show opening at Object Gallery in Sydney rather soon. More news to come, but in the mean time, here's a taster of what i'm offering...

Also, Bad Beasts will be travelling to Sydney very soon to be shown at Metalab, opening 3rd March. More info to come, but save the date and come on down if you're in town then!

Now 'Ear This!

Two pairs of new earring designs dropped off at E.g.etal late last week.

Mami and Luna...

Has a ring to it.

Seems to be ring season at the moment.

Here's two commissions i took on recently.

A very exciting couple of 18ct Yellow Gold wedders for two very special peeps, congrats you two!

And,

a spontaneous requests for a little double serpent ring in oxidised sterling silver with a stunning Tsavorite Garnet plonked in the middle.

Fun times.

Colours

Velvet Wedders: Sterling silver, Tsavorite Garnet. (Can be commissioned in white or yellow gold).

3 Stone Ring: Sterling silver, 2x yellow Sapphires, 1 x pink Sapphire.

I've really enjoyed playing with coloured stones recently, and, coupled with my rather 'unorthodox' setting methods, i think the results have quite a playful and joyous feel, like a cheeky wink.

At the moment i'm predominantly using a variety of coloured natural Sapphires, but have also started playing with Tsavorite and Demantoid Garnets for their amazing, other-worldly green colours.

Most of my rings are made in sterling silver, but, i'm more than happy to have them commissioned in either white or yellow gold, and i'm happy to work with other coloured stones and/or diamonds.

My stone set rings are sold at E.getal and Pieces of Eight in Melbourne. The lovely gallery staff in both galleries are more than happy to work with clients in having something extra special commissioned.