I created this one-of-a-kind brooch entitled Boiling the Billy – just 3x4cm – from a piece of flattened copper pipe, a bright copper-coloured ring, short copper wires and a small piece of silver-coloured metal, all of which I found on the streets of Melbourne. It is featured in the online exhibition ‘Survival Kit 2020’ at the George Paton Gallery, University of Melbourne.
I normally create wall sculptures and 3D sculptures from the wood, metal and tiles I find on the streets, but last year I took the opportunity to think smaller. Through Instagram I met handmade jewellery designer Lynn Powers from New Orleans. She regularly encouraged me to try something ‘jewellery sized’, but I never had. Then I saw that the Contemporary Art Society of Victoria was holding its annual Australian National Brooch Show.
I hunted through my collection of trash looking for smooth backing pieces and tiny pieces of metal. I bought a packed of brooch clips, then started experimenting. Making brooches is great fun. Five of my pieces were on display in the 2019 Australian National Brooch Show. Many more have sold at Incube8r Gallery in Prahran and Fitzroy. Now they are available through my online shop as well.
