Redox Jewellery Studio

New Work by Kim Victoria Wearne

2012-03-06T19:02:00.000-08:00

These stunning new pieces by Kim arrived in the Studio recently and are just a sample of her new range at Redox.


Diamond Mountain Engagement Ring - 18ct gold, chocolate diamond

Mountain Ring - Sterling silver, Citrine

March Workshop Classes

2012-02-27T21:58:00.000-08:00

The March workshop schedule is listed below:

February Workshop Classes

2012-01-30T19:39:00.001-08:00

The new workshop class schedule for February can be downloaded below:

January 2012 Workshop Classes

2012-01-10T21:44:00.000-08:00

The January Workshop Classes Schedule has been modified. Please see the updated brochure under the classes tab or follow the link below.

Q&A with our August Feature Artist - Mary Hackett

2011-08-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

Photo by Jeremy Dillon

Mary was born in Tasmania and has lived in Melbourne for over twenty years building a

business (NMH Metalworks) and a family with her husband Nick. Recently Mary completed an Advanced Diploma in Engineering (Jewellery) at NMIT which reawakened a long held love of raising and forging. Currently Mary is a Master of Fine Art candidate at RMIT University, Melbourne. She is also a founding member and co-ordinator of Blacksmith Doris, a group dedicated to sharing blacksmithing with women.

Things about Mary..

Q. Where did you train and how has your training influenced your work?

A. I began my metalsmith training at the University of Tasmania (UTAS). I have studied Jewellery Engineering at NMIT and now I am at RMIT. All of my teachers and supervisors have influenced my work, though one awakened my curiosity and creativity. In my second year at (UTAS) Ray Norman taught me raising, Ray had a wild, raw style and encouraged his students to make with passion. One of his favourite phrases was ‘rip, shit and bust’ which translated meant to push the work over the edge to failure and bring it back again.

Q. Do you work only with metal or do you experiment in other mediums?

A. My favourite medium is metal. I love the character of metal, the warm feminine nature of copper and the cool practicality of steel. It amazes me how much emotion can be drawn from them. I like to use material that is malleable though I tend to fiddle with anything. I learnt to knit and crochet as a child and have always needed to keep my hands busy.

Q. Can you visualise a piece in its entirety or does it grow organically out of different ideas and experiences?

A. I don’t design. It’s not a word that sits easily with my practice. My work grows from play, from scribbling, bending wire, hitting metal with a hammer, and from reflective writing and more drawing. It evolves.

Q. When does contemporary jewellery/smithing become art and not craft, and what is the difference between the two?

Photo by Angus Hackett

A. I prefer to use the word ‘maker’ when referring to my practice. It doesn’t reflect all that I do within my practice but in a way it describes my motivations. I make as a question - Why do I make? Why do we make? This occupies my thoughts constantly. Most of what is made for common use is mass produced. Why is it then that people feel pleased when they make something? I don’t think that the debate should be ‘Is this art or craft?’ rather ‘What do we do when we make? ‘ or ‘Of what benefit is the making process and the end result to us? Or, more simply, ‘ What would happen in a world without it?’

Mary will be exhibiting her work at the Redox Jewellery Market on the 28th of August - a must see!

Article from Geelong Arts Bulletin - Artist of the Month - Susan Frisch

2011-08-07T20:03:00.000-07:00

Susan Frisch graduated from The Northern Melbourne Institute of Technology (NMIT) in 2007. Since that time she has been making limited production, as well as one off, exhibition pieces for a growing number of galleries and retail outlets Australia wide. Redox Jewellery Studio is delighted to be able to showcase an artist and jeweller of Susan’s creativity, talent and professionalism.

Susan is a regional artist working amongst native Australian bushland and the influences of her environment are strongly reflected in her work. Working predominantly with metal and glass Susan’s pieces explore the forms, textures and colours of our native flora and landscape.

Susan’s strong interest in her environment stems from an old Native American Indian proverb that reveals that we should “treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents but borrowed from your children”. Susan sees that our Australian landscape is rugged yet fragile, and that current and future generations have much to lose if what remains is not preserved. It is in this context that she bases her practice.

In Susan’s arts and jewellery, she captures a small piece of a larger picture; a response to what is truly precious, of a moment in time that passes, but one that hopefully will not be lost forever.

The work of Susan Frisch is on display at Redox Jewellery Studio. Her work, and that of 20 additional Melbourne based and regional Victorian contemporary jewellers, are also available for purchase at the Studio.

From The Geelong Arts Bulletin:http://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/community/arts/artsbulletin.aspx

Farewell to Victoria

2011-07-30T19:24:00.000-07:00

We would like to let everyone know that our business has undergone a change and we bid farewell to our former partner Victoria Edgar. Victoria has left Redox to pursue her other business activities, and we wish her all the very best in her future endeavours.

New to Redox Jewellery Studio - Works by Julia deVille

2011-06-24T21:55:00.000-07:00

Striking and macabre - The fabulous work of Julia deVille is an exciting new addition to the Redox Jewellery Studio!

Royal Skull Ring

words from Julia...

I am fascinated with the aesthetic used to communicate mortality in the Memento Mori period of the fifteenth to eighteenth centuries, as well as the methods the Victorians used to sentimentalise death with adornment.

I work predominately in traditional gold and silversmithing techniques, combined with materials that were once living such as jet, a petrified wood historically used in Victorian Mourning jewellery, human hair and most importantly, taxidermy. I use these materials as a Memento Mori, or reminder of our mortality.

I incorporate the symbols of death through out my work because I think it is important to identify with the concept that we are in fact mortal creatures. The nature of our culture is to obsess over planning the future, however in doing so, we forget to enjoy the present.

I consider my taxidermy to be a celebration of life, a preservation of something beautiful. I feel strongly about the fair and just treatment of animals and to accentuate this point I use only animals that have died of natural causes.

Bow Necklace

Lily Claw Brooch

Redox Jewellery Studio is Now Open!

2011-05-22T00:53:00.000-07:00

We opened our doors on the 21st of May, and we are very happy to be representing the work of over 20 talented artists!

We are getting some great feedback on the work and the contemporary nature of the space.
Come and Check it out.

Easter Sunday's Stallholders

2011-04-18T01:06:00.001-07:00

Bree Timmins - www.breannatimmins.com

Bree's work is based around the theme of nature, and she works in materials such as sterling silver, gold and stainless steel. Her collection consists of a range of lily pad pieces, a bird and twig collection, plus some geometric rings with and without stones. Her exhibition work is based around the themes of birdcages and patchwork dolls and is detailed and technique based.

Ro Yule - www.rocobydesign.com

Ro's latest collection is entitled "Contemporary Fossils". Cast in bronze and sealed to maintain their lustrous patina these unique pieces reflect the beauty and diversity of Australian flora. Her work describes both literal impressions of plant forms and more abstract images of land and seascapes.

Di Surgey

Di makes jewellery and small objects mostly from silver and often with the specific purpose of drawing attention to social issues. She is currently focused on the ocean and its well being. Many of her pieces reference the sea, its creatures and her respect for their interactions.

Sefideh Agahzaman - www.sefideh.com

Sef works in art clay to produce pieces in fine silver, copper and bronze. Her work is predominantly based on the natural world and Sef's graphic design background brings a unique modern flavour to her jewellery.

Stephanie Hocking - www.ginkohjewellery.com

Stephanie predominantly works with sterling silver and non-ferrous metals, incorporating materials such as wood, stone, bone and horn, to achieve her own personal style. Stephanie's work is organic and she has a passion for the human form, travel and nature.

Q&A with our April Feature Artist - William Griffiths!

2011-04-11T03:51:00.000-07:00

William started his career in London's Jewellery District, Hatton Garden over 30 years ago. His work has since been sold and exhibited throughout Europe, Japan, the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

Bird Skull Ring

William works out of his workshop and studio - Metal Couture, which is open to the public everyday from 11am-6pm at 122a Gertrude Street Fitzroy, Melbourne. He specialises in creating one off commissions for films and high profile clients such as Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Dolce & Gabbana, Billy Idol and Angelina Jolie.

William was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Q. When and why did you decide to become an artist?

Medieval Ring

A. I haven’t done any formal training. I saw a job advertised in the paper in Auckland to make jewellery, and I thought ‘I will give that a go’.

Q. Where did you train and how has your training influenced your work?

Urn Ring

A. I started my first job and was a bit disappointed because it was just standing at a machine making wedding rings all day. When I was eighteen I went to London and got a job in Hatton Garden in the jewellery district. I did trade work for about 15 years in workshops. I worked as a pattern-maker and did repairs and along the way learned many ‘tricks of the trade’. One of the people that I worked for used to have competitions where we all made a piece of our own and the winner was the person who sold their piece. My pieces sold and I thought I could be successful doing this.

Q. Do you work only with metal or do you experiment in other mediums?


Moonstone Cathedral Ring

A. I work with feather and bone, not pieces of bone, the whole bone or skull. I had an exhibition with Julia de Ville last year and I made dioramas with taxidermy mice where you turn the handle and the mice turn around and it plays Swan Lake and opens the curtains.

Q. Which artists or jewellers inspire you? What draws you to their work?

Chandelier Earrings

A. I really like the work of artists like Simon Baigent from Monsalvat and the Turkish jeweller Sevan Bicacki. Sevan Bicacki uses fabulous carved stones in architecturally inspired rings. I like differently cut stones and got into rose cut stones in a fairly big way for a while.

Q. What process do you go through as you begin to design and make a new body of work? Can you visualize a piece in its entirety or does it grow organically out of different ideas and experiences?

Sailing Ship Necklace

A. Because of my background in pattern-making where you have to be able to take a piece apart, find out how it is made and plan how to make it, I do plan the pieces that I make. I use wax moulding techniques where I make waxes from existing decorative elements and use pieces of them as components in my work. Some of my pieces are made up of numerous components that can be used in different ways to produce original jewellery. You have to be practical in the production of your work in terms of what sells and what doesn’t but I’m not constrained by that, so I can move back and forward from an idea and approach it in a different way each time.

The Redox Jewellery Studio would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for the time that William has taken to answer these questions. William is a true artist and we hope you enjoy his work as much as we do.

Exciting News!!

2011-03-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled to announce that we have found a perfect retail/gallery space! It is in the same venue (The Wintergarden) in which we run the market - only downstairs in Shop No. 3. The Redox Jewellery Studio will be the first contemporary jewellery gallery in Geelong!

We will be opening in May 2011, and so we are frantically preparing the space with a focus on a clean, contemporary look.

We invite contemporary jewellers and metalsmiths to register their interest in being part of the Redox Jewellery Studio. Please visit the Retail Gallery Tab for more information.

Our First Market

2011-03-03T22:29:00.000-08:00

Huge thank you to everyone who came out on such a cold day to experience the very first
Redox Jewellery Market.

An even bigger thank you to our wonderful stallholders, who all put in an amazing amount of effort into their work and into their displays!

Some pictures from the day!

Josephine's Gumnut Rings

Josephine Gaetani & Deena Michela

Emma Luke & Naomi Walsh Mohini Jewellery

Chris Sherwin Anny Apostolidis

More of our Fabulous February Stallholders

2011-02-16T02:20:00.000-08:00

Anny Apostolidis - annyapostolidis.tumblr.com

Anny's work is colorful and bold. She draws inspiration from the Mexican artist Freida Kahlo and from Mexican handcrafts. Anny works in silver and gold and uses semi-precious stones and silk thread to add color to her work.

Deeanna Michela - www.deeanamichelajewellery.com

Deeana works with sterling silver, fine silver and stainless steel to create intricate pieces using a number of different techniques including saw piercing and riveting. Her ranges include lockets with interchangeable inserts, Art Deco inspired pieces, and saw pierced earrings and pendants.

Josephine Gaetani

Josephine works with sterling silver, yellow gold, precious and semi-precious stones and silk to create pieces that are inspired by nature and textiles. Her work is tactile featuring cast lace and objects sourced from nature.

In Ore by Dianne Walker - http://www.inorejewellery.com.au/

In Ore represents the work of three professional gold and platinum smiths. They specialize in high quality remodelling, repairs and small reproduction runs, using CAD Design.

Q&A with our February Feature Artist - Victoria Edgar

2011-02-07T03:19:00.000-08:00

The Redox Jewellery Studio has compiled a series of questions that will allow our readers to get to know the feature artist.

Victoria Edgar has been a prolific designer and maker of superbly crafted jewellery and sculpture for over 25 years. Victoria works from her idyllic 165 year old farm based studio near Geelong.

Victoria has chosen to answer the following questions:

Q. When and why did you decide to become an artist?

A. I went to Monsalvat in Eltham as a six year old to collect a 22 ct golden pendant from the jeweller 'Matcham Scipper' that my father had commissioned for my mother. I had never seen anything like that wonderful vision of a place. It struck me that the artists that lived there, lived and thought at a different pace. I knew I wanted to be an artist and combined with a love of exploring my mothers very abundant jewellery box - metal and interesting objects became my medium.

Q. Where did you train and how was your training influenced your work?

A. I believe there is a destiny of sorts. I had been accepted into arts at Melbourne Uni but found that it was not for me. Two weeks before the start of term I had to find another course, someone suggested RMIT. I walked straight down the stairs into the Gold and Silversmithing department and was mesmerized by the showcase full of amazing hollow-ware and exquisite jewellery. As I was looking Robert Baines walked past and asked if he could help me. I told him I wanted to do the Gold and Silversmithing course, but the course was full, he gave me the opportunity to meet with lecturers and I was subsequently offered a place. The studio only had 12 seats, which meant I did not have a proper work space until third term after someone left.
Having fought to get in I was determined to make the most of this brilliant and comprehensive course. The students I met and the lecturers fed my soul and gave me a great skill base which has allowed me to explore many creations over the last 30 years.

Q. What process do you go through as you begin to design and make a new body of work? Can you visualize a piece in its entirety or does it grow organically out of different ideas and experiences?

A. When creating my sculptural works I feel a direction and allow time, the right tools and materials to come together. I search for new material and have found inspiration in very obscure places. When I have all of my material I then start to play with shapes and formations. Patterns are very important much like putting a jigsaw together. For example when I use pearls I immediately visualize a place I love like Port Willunga in South Australia - I imagine walking through the rock pools, carefully weaving through the myriad of extraordinary but fragile seaweeds, rocks and animal life. My 'Mer' Series of indoor and outdoor sculpture came from this place.

Q. What is the most challenging thing about your art form?

A. Living and working in Geelong has been challenging. When I returned 15 years ago the arts infrastructure to support emerging and even established artists was almost non-existent. So a group of us set-up two arts organisations; the Arthouse Collective and the Geelong Sculptors.

Q. You are a founding member of the Redox Jewellery Studio, what was the driving force behind the formation of this collective?

A. Initially a group of us recognised the need to create an exhibition style opportunity for both our own work and the work of other jewellers/metalsmiths. It coincided with the closure of the successful design markets run by Jill Shalles (Artist and Proprietor of art@wintergarden). We envisaged the possibility of running 6 markets a year. This would provide an opportunity for 11 artists to exhibit their work in a market style environment. The result of this was the Redox Jewellery Studio which is the collaborative creation of Annie Broadway, Joanna Harris MacNeil, and myself.

We would like to thank Victoria for taking the time to answer these questions and to offer an insight into her life and her art.

More sneak peeks on our February stall holders still to come.

Some of our Fabulous February Stallholders

2011-01-28T00:53:00.000-08:00

Mecurialist by Emma Luke - www.mecurialist.com.au

Mecurialist’s 2011 collection focuses on the use of anodised aluminium, oxidized silver
and blackened brass and stainless steel, employing techniques such as casting, acid
etching, and anodizing, these processes are offset by hand finishing, constructing,
forming and surface embellishment of the final pieces.

Sherwin Design Studio by Chris Sherwin - www.gsga.org.au

Chris produces bespoke precious metal jewellery and silversmithing featuring semi‐precious
precious stones, pearls and Australian wood. His highly technical work includes limited edition silver and gold production work, earrings, rings and chains.

Mohini Jewellery by Kylie Parish - www.mohinijewellery.com

Kylie's whimsical jewellery is handcrafted using a variety of different materials such as: sterling silver, leather, 18 Ct gold plate and natural gemstones.

Maille Fantasy by Kelly Clitheroe - www.maillefantasy.com.au

Kelly produces handmade chainmaille jewellery in sterling silver and 14 carat white, yellow and rose gold fill. Her pieces are all one of a kind, and are beautiful examples of a timeless, classic style.

More stallholder previews to come...

Market Promotion

2011-01-18T18:56:00.000-08:00

We are currently very busy....promoting, promoting, promoting!

The Redox Jewellery Market will now be represented in the City of Greater Geelong Arts Bulletin.

We have also organised to have our marketing flier available in the Geelong Otway Tourism Information Center.

In addition to this we are in the process of printing and putting up event signs. These 1.2m x 1.2m signs will be strategically placed on community advertising roadside boards around Geelong and the Surf Coast.

There is lots more to come......

Welcome to the Redox Jewellery Studio!

2011-01-10T15:02:00.000-08:00

The Redox Jewellery Studio is pleased to announce the launch of the Redox Jewellery Markets!

The markets will be held at the picturesque Wintergarden in Geelong. A unique concept, this jewellery only market will showcase the talents of Victorian jewellery artists and metalsmiths.

At each market we will feature the work of one artist in our informal exhibition space. This artist will have the opportunity to present their work in an exhibition style format amongst the busy market environment.

In addition to the informal exhibition space there will be 10 individual stalls. All artists offering pieces that exhibit a high level of design and technical ability.

If you would like to be a part of the Redox Jewellery Market then visit the Stallholder Info tab. Otherwise, we would love you to come and see what our fabulous market has to offer.

Watch this space....see who will be our first featured artist, and our first stallholders!