Calendar: May 2011

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Romy Mittelman ‘Precious Debris’ @ e.g.etal

“I want a cow bell. I’m in love with the cow bells …”

That’s what I was muttering to myself in wonder as I walked away from Romy Mittelman’s exhibition ‘Precious Debris‘ at e.g.etal.

installation; image courtesy and with permission of gallery

Exhibition media: “Romy manipulates precious metals by hand and creates organic jewellery forms that incorporate found objects such as bottle caps, beer cans, film canisters and computer chips, making permanent what was once ephemeral. It is a series of aesthetic and narrative beauty.”

Regular readers will know that I don’t readily connect with found-object work – and that’s okay, if everyone were the same it would be one very boring world! However I surprised myself with how much I liked these works – perhaps because the ‘found’ part was wholly integrated into pieces that were in themselves beautiful; or perhaps it was because the ancient / tribal references (they especially reminded me of Etruscan jewellery) resonated with me, or that the manner in which the ‘found’ piece was sympathetic with their setting…

image used with permission of gallery

The lovely rings below sat next to a most incredibly fine little gold and ruby ring that looked to me almost medieval (maybe due to the granulations). I tried it on, it wanted to come home with me (along with the bells, of course!), it took much strength to resist.

image used with permission of gallery

While found objects are a focus of this collection, it seemed to me it’s not all about that. The exhibition was kind of in two parts: the found object-based works, and the bells. I loved the bells! Some of the shapes were just stunning; especially the larger piece (in the top image) and one of the pendants… Covet-able and evocative! And there was a genuine sense of dialogue and that the two groups belonged near each other.

image used with permission of gallery

There are some more images on the handmadelife blog, the e.g.etal facebook page and the e.g.etal blog interview with Romy; and I particularly like the brief comment on Michi Girl.

‘Precious Debris‘ is at e.g.etal until 30th April 2011. [I am SO sad I didn’t visit this exhibition earlier, work and holidays just distracted me.]

Update (3rd May): just a quick note to mention that I understand Romy’s work to still be in the gallery, though not on exhibition – so just ask to see them if you weren’t able to make it to see the show!

The Seeds Project: a Fundraiser for Japan

Regular readers of the wonderful Pieces of Eight blog would already be aware of this. But for everyone else, please read the below … I think this is a beautifully thoughtful and gentle fundraising project.

Information from, and reproduced with permission of, Pieces of Eight gallery.

About the Seeds Project:

One of our represented artists, the Japanese born Yuko Fujita, has been moved to create a fundraising project which would assist in helping the people of her homeland affected by the recent devastating earthquake. We are honoured to support her in this endeavour, our hearts go out to all those affected.

“As a Japanese born Jeweller, it has been heartbreaking to see what is happening in this beautiful country and to its people. I approached Pieces of Eight Gallery in Melbourne to ask if they could share sympathy for what Japan is facing. Melanie Katsalidis, (Director) who is also a lover of Japan’s rich culture and heritage, and other members in the gallery were willing to accept my small project.

I made ‘seeds’ thinking of the people in Japan who are going through a difficult time. The seed is a symbol of hope, growth and the future. In some cultures people wear seeds as protection and a respect for nature.

The seeds will be spread with the help of people here. The seeds will grow through people’s kindness, generosity, awareness and action. The seeds will help heal the deeply hurt land, life and people. The seeds will contribute to the making of a new era. The seeds are for people who believe in a brighter future. Thank you for your donation.”
Yuko Fujita

Seeds are available in exchange for a $10 donation via Pieces of Eight Gallery.
For further inquiries, call us on (03) 9497 8121.

photograph from gallery; click on image for original source

Lucky Charm fundraiser

A quick update on the Lucky Charm. Making Good Fortune Happen fundraiser for the Red Cross Foundation…

I was lucky enough to secure two pieces … which I am very excited about (of course!) and will write about another time.

As of writing this post (7pm, 27th April) almost $11k has been raised. That’s just amazing!!!

Perhaps it would be a gorgeous idea for the auction winners to share an experience of wearing their new piece … some time in the future perhaps?

Congratulations and thanks again to Natalia Milosz-Piekarska for her enthusiasm, initiative and go-get-’em attitude!

auction media