What’s it all about?
The place of jewellery in history has always been one of personal expression. A jewellery collection says much about the person. It can tell the story of a life.
We’ll look at jewellery as an art and learn to find, collect and care for our own.
What will we cover?
Contemporary jewellery is a practice defined by considered research, conceptual ingenuity and intrepid technical diligence. This challenges and delights, looks to the past and forges into the future.
In this class we will:
- Discover jewellery as an art form, and find out what sets contemporary jewellery apart from costume or traditional fine jewellery.
- Explore creativity and design in Australian contemporary jewellery and examine the work of some of our most exciting jewellery artists.
- Find out why Melbourne has become a hub for contemporary jewellery artists, and how our local talent is cutting it in New York and beyond.
- Inspired? Learn how to become a collector, including selecting, storing and caring for your jewellery.
Who will be teaching?
With a BA in public relations and a BFA in gold and silversmithing from RMIT University, Emma Goodsir is the director of e.g.etal – a Melbourne gallery that represents and supports Australia’s thriving contemporary jewellery design movement – and the designer and maker of her own jewellery collection. Emma plays an active role mentoring and advising emerging contemporary jewellers, including sponsoring student awards at Melbourne Polytechnic and the Buda Contemporary Australian Silver and Metalwork exhibition. A dedication to practical and meaningful design permeates each part of Emma’s life: be it in the home, the garden, the studio, or the gallery.
e.g.etal was established in 1998 and maintains a passionate commitment to contemporary jewellery. The gallery now represents over 50 Australian and New Zealand jewellery artists and designers, with occasional international guests. Over its lifetime, dozens more artists have had their work exhibited at e.g.etal.