Re-formed
The collection is called Re-Form·ed. I sought to gain a greater insight into a designer/maker’s ability to ‘create’ cherished objects. By choosing to focus on rings for the finger I underwent an exploration of the possibilities of embedding expression, emotion, sentiment and connection into jewellery. How and who creates the jewel in jewellery became the engine for my investigation. The process examined what aspects of making, acquiring, and wearing drive the connections made between objects and people and how the object itself plays into those connections by representing an on-going narrative.
Why does jewellery hold sentimental value? Why do people wear jewellery? Who is responsible for the emotion jewellery embodies? I created objects based on, and drawing from, my own narrative to inform the design of the object. If the experiences I represented were something fundamental, universally everyone could identify with it on some level, and as such the viewer-wearer can take what they need or desire from the objects.
With crowd sourcing, a small donation of material created one ring at a time. This allowed the slow building of each series. Each design was to be created once at each scale that was available. At the inception of the Re-form· ed Project, the aim for the donated material was to complete the collection of designs.
Through the engagement with donors my paradigm shifted. The focus of my investigation evolved. I became aware of my ability as a maker to embed an expression into the ring form, yet, never completely overwhelm or override the donor/acquirer’s narrative associated with the object that was and the object reformed.
The investigation revealed each facet of the reforming process: the design/form, the material as a connection to others, the materials narrative to the acquirer or a focus on the project concept itself, feed into each other and strengthening the connection to the piece. Not one aspect of the project proved more salient than another illuminating an interplay of not only makers intent and narrative but the acquirer’s intent and motivation. As a maker I was able to reform the materials skin but not its soul. I cannot reform the acquirers narrative, only the object which is now layered with evidence of our exchange.
The full collection can be seen here.
Collection awarded The Emerging Artist Support Scheme Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre National Exhibition Award, Australia, 2013. The Emerging Artist Support Scheme Design Institute of Australia Professional Encouragement Award, Australia, 2013.
Exhibited at Graduating Exhibition ANU School of Art 2013, held at Australian National University, School of Art, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2013.
