USE 2018-2021
These works are currently touring with the USE exhibition at Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery, SA: 11 December 2020 – 31 January 2021
USE is a touring exhibition in partnership between Jewellers and Metalsmiths Group of Australia (Queensland Chapter) Inc. and Museums & Galleries Queensland, curated by Lisa Bryan-Brown. This project is supported by the Visions regional touring program, an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to cultural material for all Australians; the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland; the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body; Liveworm Studio; and Queensland College of Art, Griffith University.
USE film
This video was commissioned by M&G QLD, supported by the Australian Government, Visions of Australia. It was filmed at the Jewellery and Small Objects studio, Queensland College of Art, Griffith University.
USE is a touring exhibition in partnership between Jewellers and Metalsmiths Group of Australia (Queensland Chapter) Inc. and Museums & Galleries Queensland, curated by Lisa Bryan-Brown. This project is supported by the Visions regional touring program, an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to cultural material for all Australians; the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland; the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body; Liveworm Studio; and Queensland College of Art, Griffith University.
USE film
This video was commissioned by M&G QLD, supported by the Australian Government, Visions of Australia. It was filmed at the Jewellery and Small Objects studio, Queensland College of Art, Griffith University.
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Multichrome | Scoops shovels and spoons | Sterling silver, fine silver, copper, plastic buttons | Photo: Michelle Bowden, Visuall
Monochrome | Scoops shovels and spoons | Sterling silver, fine silver, glass, mother-of-pearl | Photo: Michelle Bowden, Visuall
I work with a lot of recycled and reused materials, both precious and non-precious. The scoops and shovels exhibited in USE are a continuation of my research into the domestic object.
I have a large collection of buttons, collected, inherited and given to me over many years, some whole and some incomplete, and these form the handles, inviting your thumb to sit comfortably as you form a scooping action.
My material choice of the button tells a story of another use, and the impression of fabric upon the metal surface, predominantly from old cotton and linen shirts, is chosen to reflect this use.
Objects such as these buttons may sit for some time in my studio before it becomes clear how I will approach using them, and where they belong in my work. Handling the material and the tools to form the work connects me to a long history of the handmade; craftsmen using tools and materials available to them to tell a story, to make a useful object or piece of adornment, or sometimes for the sheer pleasure of using tools that bear the marks of extended use and care, and have a history of their own.
My studio is an efficient but compact space, and this dictates a particular approach. Most of the tools I
employ are hand tools, many of which were purchased at the commencement of my studies in 1983, and
these have become familiar and comfortable, fitting into my hand as though slipping on a well-worn glove. I know exactly what to expect from them, and have built confidence and expertise with these old
friends.
It is a contemplative process of considering the objects and materials, taking time to think about the creation of objects and using tools to bring the ideas to fruition.
USE Catalogue, p.20
I have a large collection of buttons, collected, inherited and given to me over many years, some whole and some incomplete, and these form the handles, inviting your thumb to sit comfortably as you form a scooping action.
My material choice of the button tells a story of another use, and the impression of fabric upon the metal surface, predominantly from old cotton and linen shirts, is chosen to reflect this use.
Objects such as these buttons may sit for some time in my studio before it becomes clear how I will approach using them, and where they belong in my work. Handling the material and the tools to form the work connects me to a long history of the handmade; craftsmen using tools and materials available to them to tell a story, to make a useful object or piece of adornment, or sometimes for the sheer pleasure of using tools that bear the marks of extended use and care, and have a history of their own.
My studio is an efficient but compact space, and this dictates a particular approach. Most of the tools I
employ are hand tools, many of which were purchased at the commencement of my studies in 1983, and
these have become familiar and comfortable, fitting into my hand as though slipping on a well-worn glove. I know exactly what to expect from them, and have built confidence and expertise with these old
friends.
It is a contemplative process of considering the objects and materials, taking time to think about the creation of objects and using tools to bring the ideas to fruition.
USE Catalogue, p.20