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.