JULIE BLYFIELD

I made this wall piece after my partner Chris, passed away. It's been hanging on my studio wall as a reminder of that time. A personal piece made for me inspired by a plant which Chris planted in our garden. Making this work gave me a sense of purpose and meaning whilst navigating the complexities and depths of grief.

Working from nature has been an ongoing source of inspiration for my metal work. Making jewellery and small-scale objects has been my focus. I enjoy capturing a moment in time, working with ephemeral materials, and translating them into something of permanence, whilst choosing the medium of metal as my form of expression.

This circular wall piece deviates from my usual way of working, from making jewellery and small freestanding table objects. It is meant for the eye and to be attached to a wall. The circular wreath of Caper Berry leaves and flower buds evoke a sense of intimacy and fragility and yet, are made from a hard material- metal which has strength and the ability to be manipulated and softened through the texturing process. I utilise metal chasing to texture the annealed metal into three dimensional forms where small, detailed metal elements are sleeved together to create the overall structure of the piece.

When making this new work there is a sense of translation where my intentions and meaning can be viewed and interpreted by others who in turn will view and engage with the work adding their own layers of meaning and interpretation. A piece from me to share with others.

Julie Blyfield is a South Australian jeweller and object maker. She has been the recipient of both the Australia Council – Creative Australia Award and the South Australian Living Artists Award. Her work is held in national and international collections including the National Gallery of Australia, the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and The Musee des Arts Decoratifs, Paris. Julie has been a finalist in both Schmuck, Germany and Schoonhoven Silver Award, Netherlands.

Memento Vivere (remember to live), 2023
Bi-metal copper fused to sterling silver (oxidised black), sealed with archival wax
215mm L x 170mm W x 15mm H
$4,400