100s of Rings, by forty artists

Opens Friday 2 October 2009

Studio Ingot

The ring is a symbol universally interpreted as a marker of an emotional or spiritual bond. This simple object has always reflected the wearer and communicated a social context. As a symbol, the ring has always generated mystery, power, magic and desire.

Since its earliest appearance in archaeological finds, the ring has always been a subject of historical reflection. Design and materials have communicated both the artist’s voice and the wearer’s desires. One of the few items worn that is worn daily, a ring serves as both a talisman and reminder.

As a poignant gift the ring communicates: Affection, Love, Betrothal, Commitment, Engagement, Mourning, Celebration, Congratulations, Friendship, Luck or Thank you.

In a contemporary context, rings approach the definition of sculpture. They may please or provoke, sending a powerful communication from the wearer about their personal style or beliefs.

Platinum, white gold , silver, corian, recycled plastic, diamond, ruby, pearl, titanium, yellow gold, green sapphire, black diamond.

Artists:

Studio Ingot represents over 60 Australian jewellery and silversmithing artisans.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1ST 2009, TWO EVENTS, ONE DAY ONLY!

OPEN STUDIO DAY at the Pieces of Eight Workshop, part of Craft Victoria’s Craft Cubed festival. Come behind the scenes and meet the six resident jewellers. Share in a cup of tea and some homemade sweets while you visit us: Nina Ellis, Lucy Folk, Rachel Gorman, Melanie Katsalidis, Krista McRae, Suzi Zutic. From 3 -6pm

ARTIST FLOOR TALK, featuring exhibiting artist Tessa Blazey who will discuss her current exhibition, ‘Fabrication’, 18 Aug – 12 Sept, 2009. In this exhibition Blazey creates intimate sci-fi worlds and geometric wearables through a series of new jewellery pieces for Pieces of Eight Gallery. The collections exhibited are highly sculptural and unified by their common conceptual origins – Blazey’s fascination with mineral specimens, their formal geometries and structures From 5pm

For more information, link to the website and read an interview with the artist on the blog.

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Inform Contemporary Jewellery

This year, for the very first time, the group of jewellers working at the Pieces of Eight studio have exhibiting together. The exhibition was recently held at Sturt Gallery in Mittagong, NSW and has now travelled to Inform Contemporary Jewellery, Christchurch New Zealand where it will open this coming Tues 25th Nov from 5pm. The exhibition comprises various works made by the workshop residents at Melbourne’s Pieces of Eight Gallery; Nina Ellis, Lucy Folk, Rachel Gorman, Melanie Katsalidis, Krista McRae and Suzi Zutic.

The individual methodology of each artist reveals the diversity of their approaches. For Ellis, it is related to the hardy weeds of the Australian landscape; manifested in blackened steel, silver and sprays of colour. Folk, immerses herself in the colour and pleasures that food inspires, creating a range of delights in joyful ways.

Both Gorman and Katsalidis utilise materials in unconventional ways. Gorman employs ceramic, metal and paint to re-create versions of costume jewellery; playful and colourful. While Katsalidis turns to the beautiful nature of organic pearls, particularly black pearls to assert a contemporary vision of modern day glamour.

In the work of McRae and Zutic, a certain romance exists. McRae draws on the sublimeness of shapes; oxidised silver, set with tiny dark blue sapphires that sparkle like stars. Zutic’s ring series (modelled in wax and set with petite gems) have a timeless quality, like they could have been exposed in the uncovering of an ancient roman dig

Inform Contemporary Jewellery

158 High St
Christchurch, New Zealand

Inform gallery hours: Mon to Fri, 10.30 – 5pm and Sat 10.30 – 4pm.

Ph +64 3 366 389

An exhibition curated by Pieces of Eight Director, Melanie Katsalidis

at Woodbine Art, Malmbury

Sunday Drive showcases a collection of eight urban artists that have each responded to the landscape, particularly around the town of Malmsbury, Victoria. Each artist took a drive to explore its history, flora and fauna, developing personal responses to the environment. The exhibition includes both jewellery and objects inspired by this journey.

Exhibiting artists: Alexis Beckett, Nina Ellis, Laura di Florio, Rachel Gorman, Katie Jacobs, Cate Longden, Djurdjica Kesic, Julia Silvester.

Opening this Sunday, Nov 16th at 11am
Woodbine Art
2644 Daylesford Rd
Malmbury, Vic (Mel. ref. 609 E8)

Exhibiton runs until Dec 14th, 2008

Sturt Gallery

The Pieces of Eight Workshop Group exhibits for the first time together.

The exhibition comprises of various works made by the workshop residents at Melbourne’s Pieces of Eight. The six exhibiting artists are Nina Ellis, Lucy Folk, Rachel Gorman, Melanie Katsalidis and Suzi Zutic. Pieces of Eight is an innovative gallery and workshop in Melbourne’s North Fitzroy which showcases contemporary jewellery and object based work. This is the first time these jewellers have exhibited together, and the individual methodology of each artist reveals the diversity of their approaches to making wearable work.In November this exhibition will tour to Inform Contemporary Jewellery in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The individual methodology of each artist reveals the diversity of their approaches. For Ellis, it is related to the hardy weeds of the Australian landscape; manifested in blackened steel, silver and sprays of colour. Folk, immerses herself in the colour and pleasures that food inspires, creating a range of delights in joyful ways.

Both Gorman and Katsalidis utilise materials in unconventional ways. Gorman employs ceramic, metal and paint to re-create versions of costume jewellery; playful and colourful. While Katsalidis turns to the beautiful nature of organic pearls, particularly black pearls to assert a contemporary vision of modern day glamour.

In the work of McRae and Zutic, a certain romance exists. McRae draws on the sublimeness of shapes; oxidised silver, set with tiny dark blue sapphires that sparkle like stars. Zutic’s ring series (modelled in wax and set with petite gems) have a timeless quality, like they could have been exposed in the uncovering of an ancient roman dig.

Sept 14th – Oct 19th

Sturt Gallery