I created this one-of-a-kind handmade brooch called Origin Unknown from an approximately 4x4cm trapezoid-shaped composite cement tile, some sort of partially rusted electronic part, and a swirly rusted bit with a comet tail. All of the bits and bobs to make this brooch were found on the streets during my daily walks.
I normally create wall sculptures and 3D sculptures from the wood, metal and tiles I find on the streets of Melbourne. However, through Instagram I met handmade jewellery designer Lynn Powers from New Orleans. She encouraged me to try making jewellery from the objects I found on the street, but I never had.
Then I saw that the Contemporary Art Society of Victoria was holding its annual brooch exhibition. I entered–and found that making brooches is great fun. In 2019 I displayed my brooches in the Australian National Brooch Show at the Fitzroy and Eltham public libraries. In 2020, my brooches were in Wearable Art at The Old Auction House in Kyneton and online in Survival Kit at the University of Melbourne George Paton Gallery.
As part of Geelong and Melbourne Design Weeks in 2021, my brooches were featured in exhibitions at The Reimaginarium in Geelong and again at The Old Auction House in Kyneton. And, of course, my brooches are always available through Incube8r Gallery, in both the Fitzroy and Prahran shops, as well as online.
