City’s New Heathcote Exhibition is a Jewel

The exhibition, titled Link, will be on display from Friday, 11 July to Sunday, 10 August 2008.    

Jewellers Helena Bogucki, Claire Brooks, Kim Christian, Carolyn Gorman, Jessica Jubb, Nicole Lance, Beth Linton, Carrie McDowell, Claire Moody, Leah Tarlo and Fern Vallesi spent a year on the exhibition, which represents their participation in the FORM Contemporary Craft and Design initiative.

Heathcote Museum and Gallery Curator Soula Veyradier said the exhibition represented a significant accomplishment for these artists and their passion and dedication was reflected in their work. “The 11 artists come from very diverse backgrounds with some self-taught, others with qualifications from Curtin and Edith Cowan universities and TAFE and one is a fourth generation silversmith,” she said. “The pieces are a testament to the hard work, creativity and passion shown throughout the workshops.”

The FORM Craft and Design initiative took place over a series of five workshops. The jewellers were immersed in the design process and were encouraged to move out of their comfort zones by experimenting with a diverse range of materials, including precious metals, textiles, and found objects as well as trying new techniques.

Link artist and FORM participant Fern Vallesi said the workshops gave the jewellers an opportunity to develop their own skills and production techniques, which could be seen in the exhibition. “The process of creating the pieces for this project has been a journey through which my style has grown,” she said. “Link will be a great opportunity to exhibit our work to the public.”

Link, which will be officially opened by FORM Curator Elisha Buttler, will be open to the public at Heathcote Museum and Gallery from 10:00am to 3:00pm, Tuesday to Friday, and 11:00am to 3:00pm on weekends. 

Heathcote Museum and Gallery is located at Swan House, in Duncraig Road, Applecross. Phone 9364 5666 for more information.