Our classification of something being wearable has, throughout human history, included such items as mouse fur stick-on eyebrows and plastic bobbles in our hair. We paint our faces, clip on brooches and string charms around our necks.
Thinking of this, as I apprehensively approached the gallery at Craft Victoria, I thought, what could be so ghastly that it be deemed ‘unwearable’?
Lisa Walker’s Unwearable collection of jewellery challenges the very concept of what we wear jewellery for, and at what point we say ‘I cannot wear this’. Upon my first encounter with the display of 87 pieces from her extensive collection, I noticed the jewellery ranged from the tiny and intricate, to the outrageously large and uncomplicated.
Grotesque and tacky plastic toys, rubbish from her workshop bin, shells, toy sheep and plastic craft eye balls combine with a plethora of other material to make up the display of brooches, necklaces and pendants. Trying to understand the idea’s behind the pieces was as much of the experience as discovering what peculiarly collected items awaited you at the next table. It was surprising and exigent, and while I only found a small number of items aesthetically pleasing, I was interested in each piece equally.
As I wandered around the gallery, watching other craft enthusiasts and makers interpret the works, I remembered my years at kindergarten and early primary school, when I would make a seemingly endless number of ice-cream-bucket hats, or necklaces with brightly painted clay beads for my Mum, who would proudly wear them, no matter how unfashionable. They meant something to her, just as these pieces mean something to Walker, and undoubtedly to all those who encounter them.
Wearable or unwearable, they make a statement, and essentially, isn’t that what jewellery is there for?
Each piece, whether individually or collectively, question the simple thought we face everyday- what is wearable? The display is beyond eclectic, it’s challenging.
- Review written by Emily Bentley-Singh.
Showing posts with label accessories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label accessories. Show all posts
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Tuesday, 7 October 2008
enCOUNTER: new work by Hammer and Daisy
Filled with the things we have made by hand, from images printed on paper to things sewn with a needle and thread. We have the paper for correspondence and we have the stuffed creatures to populate the many small islands.
Last week, illustrating/toy-making/book binding super duo Gracia Haby and Louise Jennison were busy installing their enCOUNTER window display entitled All The things to take to your very own archipelago. The installation is a flurry of activity with many wondrous toys, adorable owls, timber animals and postcards covering almost every inch of the display space. A true feast for your eyes!
Stay tuned for an upcoming Introducing... post on these lovely ladies, it's something worth waiting for!
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Introducing... Kearnsie
You never know with this Melbourne weather, one minute it's 20 degrees and sunny, the next its 13 and gusty. Egads! One thing you can be sure of is daily nuggets of goodness from yours truly. Today's nugget comes in the shape of Lisa Kearns, of Kearnsie fame. There's been much abuzz about this lady and we do like to please, so it is with great pleasure that we present to you this edition of Introducing. But before we begin, our heartiest congratulations to Lisa who is about to be wed! From what we've heard, the ring is pretty spectacular... we wish you all the happiness in the world Lisa!
I was inspired to start Kearnsie by...
My dad. Without being too heavy, he is no longer with us. The head Kearnsie nurtured and encouraged creativity. The business is a way to keep his presence in my life.
The story behind the 'Hello' badges...
I have worked in many customer service positions and always wished I could tell the irritable customer what I was really thinking! The badges have been edited from that initial process, however “Hello, I’m doing my best” was always in the mix. It actually makes me feel a little sad how popular this product is, I’m sure everyone is doing their best.
“Hello I like to skim stones & take long walks in the park” is the line I pulled on my boyfriend when I first met him in a bar, we’re getting married!
The achievement I'm most proud so far...
I’ve never been a prizewinner! I guess it would be driving across the Nullarbor with my border collie barking the whole way! (4000kms). The fact the he doesn’t live in Cocklebiddy is an achievement.
My day begins...
With me bouncing out of bed for a bit of pilates followed by a chai latte, work on my memoirs, milk bath, lunch with the ladies, pass the afternoon with a bit of Proust, a massage, then off to bed...
In real life I press snooze & think of ways to validate working from bed… coffee. I work from my back shed, I try to work from 11 – 6, give or take. For a break I might take the dog for a walk. I have recently moved to Castlemaine, there are 4 op shops in town so I might do the rounds, this is considered work. Then I cook dinner and think about bed. I’m not depressed, I just love sleeping.
The last exhibition I saw was...
Regional Quilters at Buda House Castlemaine - I gotta get out more, it was very inspirational. Now that is a craft of love, the patience required astounds me and the accuracy is mind bending. I’m certainly not anti-quilt however a diversion from floral fabrics may have made it more interesting.
This weekend I'm looking forward to...
My friend Kelly visiting on Friday, we are very good at drinking wine in the afternoon sun.
One thing I can’t bear to be without...
My sense of humor! It tends to go missing every now and again especially between 9-11 daily! Life is so much easier with it.
I was inspired to start Kearnsie by...My dad. Without being too heavy, he is no longer with us. The head Kearnsie nurtured and encouraged creativity. The business is a way to keep his presence in my life.
The story behind the 'Hello' badges...
I have worked in many customer service positions and always wished I could tell the irritable customer what I was really thinking! The badges have been edited from that initial process, however “Hello, I’m doing my best” was always in the mix. It actually makes me feel a little sad how popular this product is, I’m sure everyone is doing their best.
“Hello I like to skim stones & take long walks in the park” is the line I pulled on my boyfriend when I first met him in a bar, we’re getting married!
The achievement I'm most proud so far...
I’ve never been a prizewinner! I guess it would be driving across the Nullarbor with my border collie barking the whole way! (4000kms). The fact the he doesn’t live in Cocklebiddy is an achievement.
My day begins...
With me bouncing out of bed for a bit of pilates followed by a chai latte, work on my memoirs, milk bath, lunch with the ladies, pass the afternoon with a bit of Proust, a massage, then off to bed...
In real life I press snooze & think of ways to validate working from bed… coffee. I work from my back shed, I try to work from 11 – 6, give or take. For a break I might take the dog for a walk. I have recently moved to Castlemaine, there are 4 op shops in town so I might do the rounds, this is considered work. Then I cook dinner and think about bed. I’m not depressed, I just love sleeping.
The last exhibition I saw was...
Regional Quilters at Buda House Castlemaine - I gotta get out more, it was very inspirational. Now that is a craft of love, the patience required astounds me and the accuracy is mind bending. I’m certainly not anti-quilt however a diversion from floral fabrics may have made it more interesting.
This weekend I'm looking forward to...
My friend Kelly visiting on Friday, we are very good at drinking wine in the afternoon sun.
One thing I can’t bear to be without...
My sense of humor! It tends to go missing every now and again especially between 9-11 daily! Life is so much easier with it.
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
Introducing... Mainichi
This week CLOG meets Dearne Herrenberg of Mainichi, one of the newest labels to join the COUNTER flock. Inverting the traditional concept of 'precious' jewellery, some of Dearne's favourite materials include leather, bamboo, vintage fabrics, plastic, hemp and felt. For Mainichi, "everyday materials become pieces of wearable art". You bet we like the sound of that!
The story of Mainichi begins...
Before I became a full time Mum and part time creative, I operated my own interior design practice, focusing mainly on residential and retail fitouts. Because of the long lead time from conception to creation that is inevitable when working in construction of buildings it can be quite a long time before you see your “fresh” ideas come to fruition. Being able to design, create and enjoy the fruits of my labour in a relatively short space of time was the inspiration to begin creating pieces of jewellery.
I am inspired by....
The reward and satisfaction of creation inspires me to create more. And the inspiration to begin is in the world that surrounds us, both tangible and virtual. Also my materials very much inform my work, so an outing to some op shops or bead suppliers, or a new shipment of materials arriving can be enough to kick start me.
My favourite thing I've made so far is...
A special piece I made a few years back for the Flinders Quarter Award (pictured below). It was a giant version of the Shinzo necklace – it now hangs on my living room wall and is more a piece of sculpture rather than a piece of jewellery. There are many hours of loving work that went into it, including boiling up pots of dye for the fabric and felt, and I’m reminded of this each time I look at it. I’m also very proud because it earned a 'special mention' in the award!
A day in the life of Dearne Herrenberg would entail...
...looking after my darling boy Andre who is currently finding his feet and embarking on toddlerhood, so the world is a very exciting place! And while he sleeps, grabbing a few moments to make some work for my retailers and any special orders I have, and juggling that with a little bit of Interior Design work.
When I was younger...
I always wanted to work in some field of design or do something creative. Fashion designer was the first thing that comes to mind.
Ten years ago...
I was living in Brisbane and had just started studying Industrial Design at Queensland University of Technology, and was plotting how to change my major to Interior Design! And meeting some wonderful people and enjoying the life of a (mature age) student.
...and in ten years' time
I’ll probably be making batches of playdough and figuring out how to use it in jewellery making! Seriously though, still living in Melbourne (or the vicinity of), using lots more eco friendly and recycled materials, and exploring the sculptural and experimental side of Mainichi some more. Hopefully having more time to do all that and a bit more sleep at night too!
The story of Mainichi begins...
Before I became a full time Mum and part time creative, I operated my own interior design practice, focusing mainly on residential and retail fitouts. Because of the long lead time from conception to creation that is inevitable when working in construction of buildings it can be quite a long time before you see your “fresh” ideas come to fruition. Being able to design, create and enjoy the fruits of my labour in a relatively short space of time was the inspiration to begin creating pieces of jewellery.
I am inspired by....
The reward and satisfaction of creation inspires me to create more. And the inspiration to begin is in the world that surrounds us, both tangible and virtual. Also my materials very much inform my work, so an outing to some op shops or bead suppliers, or a new shipment of materials arriving can be enough to kick start me.
My favourite thing I've made so far is...
A special piece I made a few years back for the Flinders Quarter Award (pictured below). It was a giant version of the Shinzo necklace – it now hangs on my living room wall and is more a piece of sculpture rather than a piece of jewellery. There are many hours of loving work that went into it, including boiling up pots of dye for the fabric and felt, and I’m reminded of this each time I look at it. I’m also very proud because it earned a 'special mention' in the award!
A day in the life of Dearne Herrenberg would entail...
...looking after my darling boy Andre who is currently finding his feet and embarking on toddlerhood, so the world is a very exciting place! And while he sleeps, grabbing a few moments to make some work for my retailers and any special orders I have, and juggling that with a little bit of Interior Design work.
When I was younger...
I always wanted to work in some field of design or do something creative. Fashion designer was the first thing that comes to mind.
Ten years ago...
I was living in Brisbane and had just started studying Industrial Design at Queensland University of Technology, and was plotting how to change my major to Interior Design! And meeting some wonderful people and enjoying the life of a (mature age) student.
...and in ten years' time
I’ll probably be making batches of playdough and figuring out how to use it in jewellery making! Seriously though, still living in Melbourne (or the vicinity of), using lots more eco friendly and recycled materials, and exploring the sculptural and experimental side of Mainichi some more. Hopefully having more time to do all that and a bit more sleep at night too!
Dearne's Shinzo piece that was made for the Flinders Quarter Award.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)