natalia m.p

Sprouts, buds, prickles and shoots.

2012-02-02T23:34:00.006+11:00

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.

2012-01-18T08:45:00.005+11:00

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!

2011-12-12T11:22:00.006+11:00

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

2011-06-20T05:02:00.006+10:00

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...

2011-06-20T04:37:00.004+10:00

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.

2011-05-09T21:02:00.002+10:00

New earrings available at E.g.etal.

Touch, Pause, Engage.

2011-04-11T22:22:00.003+10:00

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.

2011-04-11T21:25:00.004+10:00

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.

2011-03-29T10:18:00.004+11:00

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 21^stat 11pm EST.

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

Bad Beasts Do Not Harm Me - Sydney. OPENED!

2011-03-07T21:38:00.004+11:00

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.

2011-03-06T11:47:00.005+11:00

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.

2011-02-27T16:58:00.005+11:00

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.

2011-02-25T08:40:00.003+11:00

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...

2011-02-22T21:40:00.004+11:00

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...

2011-02-09T22:36:00.003+11:00

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!

2011-02-09T22:28:00.004+11:00

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

Mami and Luna...

Has a ring to it.

2011-02-03T21:49:00.004+11:00

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

2011-01-30T15:35:00.004+11:00

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.

LOVE

2011-01-30T14:31:00.003+11:00

Last weekend i was taking a walk with my beloved around Albert Park Lake when we spotted these two love birds!

Love is in the air!

P.S i've dropped off some lovely new sparkly rings up at Pieces of Eight.

Subtle, no?

Blog crop up's...

2011-01-10T21:19:00.003+11:00

Happy new year!

With some relax time over the past couple of weeks, i've had time for a bit of a rummage on-line and found a couple of posts on my work which cropped up recently on some great design blogs.

Here's the links:

Ala Champ Fest.

The offshoot blog for the magazine of the same name.

This post is focuses on the newly opened Pieces of Eight Gallery, but since i was working that day, i was lucky enough to get a plug.

http://alachampfest.blogspot.com/2010/12/pieces-of-8-is-melbournes-jewellers.html

Daily Imprint.

A lovely and thorough blog exploring all things art, design, fashion, film, literature, etc. PHEW!

I was interviewed a few months ago and it popped up today.Yay!

http://dailyimprint.blogspot.com/2011/01/jewellery-designer-natalia-milosz.html

Happy Festivities!

2010-12-23T19:45:00.003+11:00

Wishing you all a festive, relaxing and joyous holiday season.

X X X

Pieces of Eight Gallery

2010-12-23T18:45:00.004+11:00

Have you been into the brand spanking new Pieces of Eight gallery yet?

We're into our 3rd week of being open, situated in the rapidly developing Russell Pl, Melbourne, (btw Lt. Collins and Burke St). I say 'we' as i am currently both stocked and working in the gallery a couple of days a week.

Gallery owner and director Melanie Katsalidis has fulfilled her vision of taking Pieces of Eight to the city and has done so with no holds barred. A jeweller herself, Melanie has an amazing eye for design as well as a heart for the whimsical and poetic, which in combination, brings to the CBD a contemporary jewellery gallery with an incredibly diverse, inspirational and fresh collection of work from Australia and afar.

Its a very exciting new addition to Melbourne's CBD contemporary jewellery community, though it's by no means new in the greater sense as it is now in it's 5th year of operation since opening it's doors in North Fitzroy. The original gallery is now closed to the public but still operates as a jewellery studio for 6 contemporary jewellers.

With a newly updated website, you can take a look at the current stable of makers, over 50 of them, as well as read up a little on the gallery and it's philosophy

http://www.piecesofeight.com.au

But most importantly, come by and visit us!

Check out the article in Melbourne's BROADSHEET for more info and images.

URBIS Magazine Issue #59

2010-12-23T18:23:00.006+11:00

OOH!

Double page spread!

Issue out now.

This was a rather unexpected and pleasant surprise. I did the interview for URBIS a couple of months ago after winning Realise Your Dream and then promptly forgot about it. Only when i recently received an email from a shop in NZ interested in stocking my work after they'd ready this article did i realise that the interview must have been published. It took a little while for the mag to land on our shores, but today, after a last minute ditch at Christmas shopping, i popped into our local news agency, and there it was! YAY!

Bit of recent press...

2010-12-22T08:09:00.006+11:00

JuJu Collection at Alice Euphemia

Earrings at E.g.etal

Threethousand.com.au did a great write up on a new little collection i did for Alice Euphemia, you can read it here:

http://www.threethousand.com.au/goods/juju-by-natalia-milosz-piekarska/

You can also find a mention of this collection on the Alice Euphemia site here:

http://www.aliceeuphemia.com/news/?p=2807

E.g.etal has put some new pics up on their website from my recent drop offs to them for Christmas. Check them out here:

http://www.egetal.com.au/collections/earrings/193-earrings-9.html

OPEN STUDIO day.

2010-12-02T09:06:00.003+11:00

Karla and myself are holding a special one day open studio on the 10th of December.

We will be open from 11am - 8pm, serving light summer refreshments and showcasing a collection of our works.

Pieces will be available for sale directly from us on this one day, so swing on by, say hi and peruse the work.

All our pieces are either one-off or limited series, so you're bound to find that something special for yourself or someone you treasure.

OPEN STUDIO

10th Dec 2010. 11am - 8pm.

Studio 9, level 5, Nicholas Building.

Crn Swanston street & Flinders lane, Melbourne.

Beastly Buddies

2010-12-01T21:55:00.005+11:00

A private commission and an exhibition piece evolved together over the last few weeks. They really do look like great friends.

Some of the materials used are timber, resin, glass beads, coral and paint.

New E.g.etal work delivered.

2010-11-23T23:49:00.003+11:00

Here's a taste from the new batch of work i delivered late last week. More to come in time for Christmas.

Excuse the lousy pics. I've temporarily lost the knack of photo taking. The earrings above are actually quite fluorescent. The two pics bellow are a front and back to a large pendant.

Rings for Pieces of Eight Gallery.

2010-11-23T23:32:00.003+11:00

Well boys and girls, the news about town is that Pieces of Eight Gallery in the city is about a week away!!! Just in time for Christmas! Start walking by when you're around Melbourne town to see if the doors have opened. Head down Russel Place, (btw lt Collins and Burke st).

Here's a couple of rings that make up part of an exclusive collection i've been working on for PO8.

The reddish stones are carnelian, the other two in the last pic here are painted timber.

Food For Thought

2010-11-23T23:09:00.003+11:00

Little Beastie Charm

2010-11-23T22:36:00.002+11:00

A great little commission from a fellow Realise Your Dream winner.

Check it out!

2010-11-08T09:36:00.002+11:00

If you're in Melb, you must go check out Bell Weather, the 2010 RMIT Gold and Silversmithing graduate showcase at 1000£ Bend, 361 Ltl Lonsdale Street, open now till 12th Nov.

It blew my socks off!!!

Catch up...

2010-11-08T08:52:00.004+11:00

Eek, it's been a while, it's so here's a catch up post to get things back up to speed.

A commissioned piece for the talented and ever so lovely designer, Skye Jeffreys (http://www.isleofskye.com.au/). It was one of those wonderful commissions where i was given free rein the make something big bold and colourful.

I also found out recently that a piece of my work was selected to be a part of the 2011 Talente showcase in Munich. This is a big honour as it it an annual juried international show of work, presenting emerging innovative practitioners from the areas of design, craft and technology. From Australia only myself, fellow jeweller Mel Miller and glass artist Kristel Britcher were selected this year, so no mean feat getting your foot in the door.

And with Christmas looming, i've been busily getting new work ready to send out to my various galleries and stockists. One exciting project that was handed to me was to create a one off Christmas piece for a festive showcase at E.g.etal. I won't say much more, you'll have to check it out when it goes up closer to the date (i'll keep you posted when it's officially launched), but it sounds like it will be quite a beautiful tribute to celebration, colour and festivities. A group of E.g.etal artists where invited to create a one off piece to be part of the collection and will available for purchase in store very soon. Here's a sneak peek at mine.

And for more exciting news, the new Pieces of Eight Gallery will be opening oh so soon (we're talking weeks, days even now), in Russel place, Melbourne. I will be involved with PO8 both as an artist, but also as gallery staff, so really looking forward to seeing this rocket launch. Their new and comprehensive website showcasing all their artists will be up and running soon also, so i'll be sure to get the link up as soon as it's updated. Here is a pic of two of my piece that will be part of my new one off collection for PO8.

Photography of the last works: Andrew Barcham

Image Courtesy of Pieces of Eight gallery.

Phew! There's more to come, but now i better get back to making...

Twitter

2010-09-18T13:46:00.002+10:00

After much procrastination and deliberation, i have ventured into twitter land. it'll take me a little while to get into the swing of things, but i'm sure soon enough i'll be glued to the damn thing. so if you'd like to follow me as i plunge further and more obsessively into social networking, you can find me at: http://twitter.com/ahhness

British Council's 'Realise Your Dream' Awards.

2010-09-14T22:17:00.004+10:00

Last week saw me in Sydney for the culmination of what has been a very exciting and intense selection process for the annual British Council 'Realise Your Dream' Awards. For the past eight years this award has sent a hand picked selection of emerging creatives from across all creative fields around Australia to the UK to pursue their own self guided career and creative development programs. With key support from Virgin and the NAB, each winner is awarded a return flight to the UK and a $8000 cash passport to help them along with their pursuits, as well as personal assistance from the British Council and their vast field of networks to help make the trip as rewarding and eye opening as possible.

This year saw an excess of 600 applications from around the country apply for the coveted prize. From the initial application stage, 17 semi finalists were chosen to present their folios and their 'dreams' to a panel of highly respected creatives and business leaders, with an eventual 10 finalists selected to gather in Sydney for yet another interview in front of what i can only say was an extremely inspirational and poker faced panel. Having traveled from Melbourne, the very generous British Council and Sir Stamford Hotel happily put me and a couple of other out-of-towner finalists up for two nights.

Over the two days we were given the chance to meet and mingle with the other finalists, all an incredibly driven, friendly, talented and passionate bunch as well as have the opportunity to glean insight from a variety of leaders from a myriad of creative and business fields, who were more than happy to offload invaluable advice and wisdom on to us. The awards night was held at the MCA which quite possibly holds one of the most romantic rooftop views of Circular Quay and the harbour that i have ever seen, (oh apart from the 28th floor view from the NAB board room, but that was just obscenely spectacular).

With bubbles and divine snacks abound, the night got underway, with a total of 5 awards being given out. Its at this point that i'm ridiculously excited to share that i was one of the five recipients of the 2010 Realise Your Dream awards, and what was truly the icing on the cake, it was handed to me by a true champion of the independent Australian jewellery community, Liane Rossler from Dinosaur Designs. The rest of the night is a bit of a blur i have to admit, with much gushing, shaking of hands, meeting great people, toasting and chatting all while keeping one eye on the canapes the other on the clock, as an imminent early morning flight loomed over me like a midnight pumpkin.

I arrived back in Melbourne the next day to open Bad Beasts with Karla Way, and since then, i've only just starting coming round to things and getting my head around the state i left my bench in and the backlog or orders i left in limbo.

As plans for the UK get underway i'll start posting bits of info up on the blog. At this stage it looks like i'll spend majority of my time in London, but where, when, who, what and for how long will unpack itself as i start putting the wheels in motion. All very exciting indeed!!!

Follow this link for more info on the award, the 10 2010 finalists and the five winners.

Bad Beasts Do Not Harm Me. Installed.

2010-09-13T18:10:00.005+10:00

Well here we are, Bad Beasts Do Not Harm Me has arrived at has made itself at home at Craft Victoria's gallery 1. Opening night was a blast with a wonderfully insightful introduction from Craft Vic's Co-ordinating Curator, Nella Themellios. The show will be open for the next six weeks, closing on the 16th of October. A limited series of 100 catalogues has been produced, designed by the lovely and super talented Wendy Ellerton from Hofstede Design Studio, and includes contributing texts from contemporary jeweller Nicholas Bastin and artist Nathan Gray. They are for sale for $15 at Craft Vic and also at Alice Euphemia, don't miss out!

Artists create a workspace that nurtures each of them. THE AGE. Thursday 9th Sept, 2010.

2010-09-10T11:04:00.005+10:00

THE AGE writer Megan Backhouse came by and interviewed myself and Karla at our Nicholas Building studio last week. The resulting article was published in yesterdays paper.

Click here to read online version of the article.

Bad Beasts Do Not Harm Me - sneaky peek

2010-09-06T17:47:00.003+10:00

Bad Beasts Do Not Harm Me

2010-09-03T07:57:00.004+10:00

Opening on the 9th of September 2010 is my, and studio buddy Karla Way's, joint show Bad Beasts Do Not Harm Me. Working independently to a shared theme and brief, Karla and I will be showcasing a body of work encompassing contemporary jewellery and object at Melbourne's Craft Victoria gallery.

Click here for more information on what the show explores, and where to find it.

Maeve online magazine

2010-08-30T10:09:00.004+10:00

Our lovely little studio was recently shot by photographer Lauren Bamford for an online magazine called Maeve. If you click on the link, go to the very end of the magazine under 'Still Life Series' and you should find the shots. Lovely.

photography: lauren bamford

styling: sarah trotter

Some new works...#3

2010-08-21T22:53:00.005+10:00

With Open Studios snapping at my heals recently, i found myself in a flurry of new work production. With no brief or boundaries restricting what i made, the output became quite random and diverse, which was quite nice and confusing at the same time. Here's an attempt (in a 3 post series), to organise some of the work, though by no means did these pieces necessarily come about in this order, but they did all occur roughly within a two month time frame. Phew! Now it's full steam ahead getting the last of my pieces ready for the upcoming exhibition... stay tuned!

Some new works...#2

2010-08-21T22:35:00.004+10:00

Some new works... group #1

2010-08-21T22:04:00.007+10:00

Journeys with timber...

2010-08-21T17:00:00.007+10:00

After numerous conversations at open studios regarding the seemingly endless variety of materials i utilise, i got to thinking about where i began with my work and how it's travelled. One material that i truly love is timber. I started experimenting with timber half way through uni and it has continued to cropped up in various guises in my work over time. Having no true knowledge of timber and how to work it, my treatment of it has it has always been quite experimental, naive and unorthodox. Some might think i'm quite the butcher with my heavy handed and brutal linishing, carving and joining, but i can't help but be drawn to it, it's forgiving nature, it's warmth, and it's subtle insistence to stay true to itself. No matter how much i torture and colour it, it always remains timber.

With so much of my work exploring the animist belief that inanimate objects can be imbued with a spirit or soul, i found timber to be a perfect material for communicating this notion as i discovered that each piece i worked with harboured it's own characteristics and personality.

Here is a little retrospective of my timber journey from some of the first piece through to now...

2007. Archane Landscape. Neckpiece. Timber, copper, enamel.

2007. Sad Eyes. Ring. Timber, oxidised copper.

2007. Companion Brooch. Timber, rubber thimble, copper, plastic.

2007. Hidey Hole. Ring. Timber, copper.

2007. Secret Garden. Brooch. Timber, fine silver, enamel.

2008. Adventure Playground. Neckpiece. Timber, copper, paint, cord.

2008. Beastie. Neckpiece. Timber, oxidised copper, paint, cord.

2009. Gone to Seed. pendant. Timber, glass beads, oxidised sterling silver, silk cord.

2009. Forest for the Fences. Neckpiece. Timber, paint, cord.

2010. Climbing Trees and Scraping Knees. Neckpiece. Timber, oxidised silver, shark vertebrae,

rhodochrosite, job's tears seeds, glass beads, pink coral, acrylic, paint.

2010. Untitled. Timber, oxidised silver, glass beads, job's tears seeds, paint.

2010. Untitled. Neckpiece. Timber, paint, silk cord.

Open Studio madness!

2010-08-21T13:41:00.005+10:00

Another 'Open Studios' has been and gone and what a turn out it was!! Despite the miserable weather, hundreds of dedicated art, craft, design enthusiasts marched through the 9 floors of winding corridors and in and out of the many studios open for viewing, business and chit chat.

Karla and i received an overwhelming sea of foot traffic with many people stopping for a good old chin wag and shopping. I managed to uphold tradition and lost my voice again as i did last year, making me think that many folks must think i must sound husky all the time.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, we have accumulated a wonderful new mailing list which we will use to keep folks updated on all things karla and natalia (independent and joint news alike).

Here are some pics. Excuse the blurriness, but it does reflect the pace of the 2 nights...

OPEN STUDIO!!!

2010-08-16T16:59:00.004+10:00

It's that time again, the annual Nicholas Building Open Studio event.

For those unfamiliar with the Nicholas Building, it's a rare beast in Melbourne. Placed bang smack in the centre of the CBD on the corner of Flinders Lane and Swanston Street, the Nicholas Building is 9 wonderful floors almost entirely devoted to housing creatives of all dominions, from jewellers to painters to graphic designs, architects, sound producers, milliners, cobblers, the list goes on.

Open Studios is a two day event that opens up the doors of many different studios giving the public an opportunity to see where the magic happens and view and buy work directly from the makers.

Karla and I will be opening our doors up for both nights, so come by, have a chat, drink some wine and check out some of the work we'll have available for show and sell.

- Hint. This event gets quite packed, leaving the one operating lift a little hard to catch. Try and make your way to the top floor straight up before you have a drink as it's much easier to make your way down the stairs after a few glasses than it is to climb 9 floors.

Click on the image to enlarge, or, if you're in town, head over to the Nicholas Building to pick up some invites from inside the lifts.

Open Studio.

19th - 20th August

4-9pm both nights.

We're on the 5th floor, studio 9.

See you there!

RMIT Gold and Silversmithing Auction

2010-08-08T00:31:00.004+10:00

: This post has directly highjacked from the G&S auction blog: http://rmitgoldandsilversmithingauction.blogspot.com/

Go check it out and scope out some of the amazing work going up for auction.

RMIT Gold and Silversmithing Annual Jewellery Auction 2010:
Snap up the work of contemporary jewellers and silversmiths!

The RMIT Gold and Silversmithing auction is just around the corner – only four days to go!
An annual landmark within the jewellery community, collectors and the public, this event is a great opportunity to spot emerging jewellers and silversmiths, and to purchase original handmade pieces by established and up-and-coming artists.

The work will be auctioned by the legendary jewellery expert Mr Ronnie Bauer of Klepner’s Fine Antique Jewellers, assisted by our own Alysha Batliwalla. A fundraising tradition, all proceeds go towards the end-of-year graduate exhibition and catalogue which highlight the exceptional talent this course nurtures and develops.

Come along, have a wonderful night and show your support by bidding on some outstanding jewellery pieces!

Wednesday 11 August
Previewing of work from 6.00 pm
Auction begins 7.00 pm

The auction venue is just opposite RMIT Storey Hall, upstairs:

The Order of Melbourne
Level 2 /401 Swanston Street

Food & drinks available at the venue
Credit card and EFTPOS facilities

- Image is of my donated piece. photograph courtesy of Shea Bresnehan Photography

Frond Pendants.

2010-07-26T11:38:00.003+10:00

A little something something i'm working on. These should be out and about in the next few weeks. + Keep a look out for info to come on this year's annual Nicholas Building Studio Open Days. This range of pendants and their friends may well be making an appearance. Save the dates 19 + 20th of August, i'm pretty sure thats when we'll be opening our doors... i'll keep you posted.

Upcoming Craft Vic show and new E.g.etal pieces.

2010-07-03T19:03:00.004+10:00

The first two images are to give a heads up and little update on my work slowly coming together for a very exciting show happening in September at Craft Victoria. Karla and i will be presenting a body of work in the main gallery exploring themes of talismanic and lucky charms titled Bad Beasts Do Not Harm Me. Each of us are approaching the topic individually, tapping into our own research into myth, ceremony, superstition and ritual, exploring the potent and transformative capabilities of materials and belief.

The last image is of some new work being developed for e.g.etal. This blue set titled Lagoon has been dropped off already, with more colours on the way.

Engagement commission.

2010-06-30T10:52:00.003+10:00

Another wonderful engagement commission came my way recently. After some discussion about colour, scale, design and stones, this was the sunny result. A 9ct yellow gold ring set with a yellow sapphire. Such a lovely warm ring, it's seems only fitting that it will find it's new home in Spain. Good luck!

Behind the Scenes.

2010-06-19T23:07:00.006+10:00

A sneak peek behind the scenes of a really exciting photoshoot we did last week. I've found myself recently in a rare situation of having a bit of work stockpiled in limbo between shows and new stockists, so I took the opportunity to hire the magnificent talents of stylist/general creative genius Sarah Trotter, outstanding photographer Ali McCann, hair and makeup wizz Hariett O'Donnell, trusty assistant Katie Clark and two divine models Lani and Chloe. The shoot took place in the frosty forests of Warburton outside Melbourne and the results are really quite magical. The shots are still tightly under wraps, but will be revealed in good time. In the mean time, here's some teasers.

Pieces of Eight - new work.

2010-06-16T15:30:00.007+10:00

Photography: Andrew Barcham

Images Courtesy of Pieces of Eight gallery.

First batch of work getting ready for the new Pieces of Eight gallery opening up very soon in Russell pl, Melbourne CBD.

Rings

2010-06-16T15:05:00.003+10:00

Some more rings. Seems to be the flavour of the month/s.

Top image is of a small batch dropped off to Craft Victoria using sapphires and oxidised sterling silver. The bottom image is a couple of commissioned wedders, with the small being in 18ct white gold, the larger in 9ct white gold.

New rings...

2010-05-14T22:43:00.006+10:00

New rings for E.g.etal and Craft Victoria.

I have started introducing precious gems into my E.g.etal collection. Using fancy sapphires and rubies, i set my own stones, creating one-off, curious and enchanted treasures.

Craft Victoria is also having a one-off ring range introduced to their existing collection of my work. Lots of fun and mystery being born from our little studio.

Mari Funkai

2010-05-13T19:23:00.001+10:00

As written by Kevin Murray on: http://crafttalk.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mari-funaki

The Melbourne gallerist and jeweller Mari Funaki passed away at 1am 13 May 2010. She had been ill with cancer for a number of years, but her indominable spirit let us all to believe that she would could never die. Those who visited the gallery will no doubt remember her vivacious character and deep love of the objects on display and the artists who made them. Her own mysterious objects will live on in our world as testament to her unique vision and extraordinary language of metal.
After having arrived in Melbourne from Japan in 1979, Mari studied gold and silversmithing at RMIT and eventually decided that Melbourne needed a serious space to exhibit art jewellery. She established Gallery Funaki in 1995, which eventually became a critical point of connection between Australian jewellery and the international scene, particularly in Munich. Last year she had a major exhibition of her own work at the Art Gallery of Western Australia and was due to have have a solo show this year at the National Gallery of Victoria.
Mari will be sorely missed, but she leaves a significant legacy. Her gallery will continue on under Katie Scott and her work will continue to be admired.
A memorial service is planned for later this year.

VALE Mari Funaki, May 2010

2010-05-13T13:58:00.004+10:00

I have just learned about the very recent passing of celebrated jeweler and gallery owner Mari Funaki. This is incredibly sad news for all those who knew and loved Mari as a friend and artist. My condolences go out to those close to Mari, she leaves behind a remarkable and everlasting legacy on the contemporary jewellery and broader creative communities.

Garlic Medallion

2010-05-05T21:13:00.002+10:00

With a few big projects out of the way, things have kicked into higher gear in preparation for our (Karla and myself) joint show coming up in September at Craft Victoria.

Here is a piece i recently finished title Garlic Medallion. There's a reason why i've gone and made a massive piece of garlic... but i'll fill you in another time... don't want to give it all away right away.

Stay tuned for more tid bits as they come.

Liana rings.

2010-05-03T22:22:00.008+10:00

Liana rings in oxidised sterling silver and 18ct yellow gold. Available at e.g.etal.

Liana is a woody vine that grows around the trunks of trees and is a symbol of love.

Firefly.

2010-05-03T22:18:00.002+10:00

Firefly earrings, new at e.g.etal.

My new favourite piece...

2010-04-28T19:22:00.004+10:00

Steadily working on my collection for the new Pieces of Eight gallery, and this is my latest piece. I'm so glad i trusted my magpie eye and bought these fluorescent orange beads. I wasn't sure why i liked them, but now i know.

New rings on the burner...

2010-04-28T19:16:00.003+10:00

I'm in the process of getting new work ready for e.g.etal, including a new range of rings. There will be stones involved and some gold as well which i'm very excited about. Here's the first two that have started the ball rolling.

Winter Brooches Invite...

2010-04-27T19:53:00.003+10:00

If you're in Sydney over this period, go check out Winter Brooches, Studio 20/17's annual brooch exhibition. I had a lot fun producing work for this show, check out previous posts of mine for images...

Quickie update...

2010-04-17T16:18:00.008+10:00

Busy times as usual in the studio with simultaneous projects on the go. At the moment i'm focusing on getting my work completed for the annual Winter Brooches show at Stdio 20/17 in Sydney, i had a lovely pendant commission utilising a very sentimental if not rather large crystal. i've been building up my new colection for the new city Pieces of Eight, Melbourne, and have place my thinking cap on firm and fast for the body of work i'll be producing for my upcoming joint show in September with studio buddy Karla Way at Craft Victoria. Oh and i had a bit of a chat recently with e.g.etal about starting to consider a few 'precious' elements to add to the collection there. So, late last week i dropped off a special little ring to be cast in 18ct yellow gold... boy and i excited! stay tuned!

The list of images from top to bottom are as follows:

A bit of press (utilising my image!) in the Tuesday Age for March 23rd, for the now wrapped up FIGMENT show at e.g.etal. I'm not quite sure about the other artist works, but mine have stayed with the gallery and are available for sale.

A lovely commissioned pendant project using a very sentimental and large crystal.

'When Salt Clogs the Shaker'. The latest and i think final addition to my Weather Lore collection for the Winter Brooches show.

A few pieces ready for my Pieces of Eight collection.

Winter Brooches.

2010-04-01T15:25:00.004+11:00

New work evolving for the annual Winter Brooches exhibition at Sydney's Studio 20/17.

The series of pins i'm working on is called 'Weather Lore' and is based around folkloric proverbial predictions of weather patterns based on age old observations in nature and it's surroundings. The pieces i have created are talismanic pins of sort, to be worn as an aid in evoking desired weather conditions. I think i've got a few more to come before the work is due, but here are my first three.

The predictions they're based on are:

If wood-lice seem in armies for to go, soon after look for rain.

Timber, oxidised sterling silver, paint.

Mackeral skies and mares tails make ships carry lowered sails.

Timber, oxidised sterling silver, pony hair, paint.

If corn husks are thick and tight, a cold winter lays ahead.

Timber, oxidised sterling silver, paint.

Penthouse Mouse Broadsheet.

2010-03-30T20:01:00.003+11:00

Just a few pics of my pieces featured in the P.H.M broadsheet published in conjunction with the event.

FIGMENT - Opening Night!

2010-03-20T12:16:00.007+11:00

Wowzers!

What an hot night to be squeezed into an underground gallery filled with people and 20 light projectors. The room buzzed and swooned under the heat, lights and beautiful work on show at Eg.Etal.

Figment has been co-curated by Eg.Etal director Emma Goodsir and Fleur Watson, from creative studio, Something Together, in collaboration with French graphic designer AnneLaure Cavigneaux from March Studio. Through an ongoing process of meetings between artists and curators, a bespoke installation concept was born, with the final jewellery pieces taking residence on a collection of odd vintage overhead projectors, contained in a purpose built 'room' within a room, lighting the work from bellow as well as above. The resulting effect was the creation of a completely immersive environment of whimsical jewellery, light, shadow and mystery.

The various narratives taking place amongst the works all loosely revolve around personal concepts of fantasy, mythology and memory. Each of the seven artists invited to participate in Figment chose to tell their own story creating a highly personal and diverse body of fascinating work.

I highly recommend you take the time to visit this exhibition, allowing yourself to immerse yourself in the glow of light, narratives and detailed execution of 26 enchanting pieces of work.

FIGMENT, officially opened thursday 18th March and will continue, Monday - Saturday's till the 31st March.

ARTISTS: Michaela Bruton, Jessica Morrison, Katherine Bowman, Karla Way, Katherine Wheeler, Natalia Milosz-Piekarska ( me ), Anna Davern.

Midmouse Runway.

2010-03-15T23:10:00.008+11:00

Last Friday night i attended Penthouse Mouse's 'Midmouse' runway show for L'Oreal Fashion Week, as some of my pieces were being used. Even though i rarely make work with gender in mind, i was surprised to find the stylist had put my necklaces on boys, but i think they looked great! My work was mostly paired up with local label 'Vanguard'. Here are some pics from the show sourced from Fashionising.com. I'm not sure who took the pics, or who to contact regarding crediting these shots, i think it might be a fellow called Allan, though im really not sure, but check out Fashionising's link to find out more.

FIGMENT opening...

2010-03-10T21:28:00.004+11:00

FIGMENT

Open to public 16th March.

Official opening night 18th March 5-8pm.

FIGMENT around the corner...

2010-03-10T21:21:00.005+11:00

Stay tuned for the invite...

Interview on the Eg.Etal Blog

2010-03-10T20:44:00.004+11:00

Artist interview

This week the e.g.etal blog features an interview with Natalia Milosz-Piekarska. In this interview with Steph, Natalia talks about her approach to jewellery, how it became a career and where she draws her inspiration from.

Natalia has been showing with e.g.etal for almost four years now. We have loved watching her work evolve and grow from strength to strength. Last year we invited her to be part of our FIGMENT exhibition in March. And again, along with the six other artists, Natalia has delighted us with her response.

Follow the link to read the interview... http://www.egetal.com.au/blog/

Sneak Peek 2... FIGMENT work in progress

2010-03-04T09:05:00.004+11:00

Figment. Opening to the public at eg.etal 16th March, official opening night 18th March.

And let me tell you... we just had a meeting with the curators, and, holy moly, this show is going to be AMAZING! the eg.etal gallery is going to be transformed like you've never seen it before!

...and more PHM work...

2010-03-02T20:47:00.003+11:00

Today in Michigirl.

2010-03-02T20:21:00.004+11:00

This little gem was waiting me for me in my inbox when i got home. Michigirl featuring my work as part of FIGMENT, the upcoming Eg.Etal exhibition.

Click here to see the full page.

http://michigirl.com/newsletter/melbourne/2289/peanut-butter-makes-you-thick/

More PHM...

2010-02-27T23:48:00.005+11:00

...and here's some new sterling silver pendants going to PHM...