New rings...

New rings for E.g.etal and Craft Victoria.

I have started introducing precious gems into my E.g.etal collection. Using fancy sapphires and rubies, i set my own stones, creating one-off, curious and enchanted treasures.

Craft Victoria is also having a one-off ring range introduced to their existing collection of my work. Lots of fun and mystery being born from our little studio.

Mari Funkai

As written by Kevin Murray on: http://crafttalk.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mari-funaki

The Melbourne gallerist and jeweller Mari Funaki passed away at 1am 13 May 2010. She had been ill with cancer for a number of years, but her indominable spirit let us all to believe that she would could never die. Those who visited the gallery will no doubt remember her vivacious character and deep love of the objects on display and the artists who made them. Her own mysterious objects will live on in our world as testament to her unique vision and extraordinary language of metal.
After having arrived in Melbourne from Japan in 1979, Mari studied gold and silversmithing at RMIT and eventually decided that Melbourne needed a serious space to exhibit art jewellery. She established Gallery Funaki in 1995, which eventually became a critical point of connection between Australian jewellery and the international scene, particularly in Munich. Last year she had a major exhibition of her own work at the Art Gallery of Western Australia and was due to have have a solo show this year at the National Gallery of Victoria.
Mari will be sorely missed, but she leaves a significant legacy. Her gallery will continue on under Katie Scott and her work will continue to be admired.
A memorial service is planned for later this year.

VALE Mari Funaki, May 2010

I have just learned about the very recent passing of celebrated jeweler and gallery owner Mari Funaki. This is incredibly sad news for all those who knew and loved Mari as a friend and artist. My condolences go out to those close to Mari, she leaves behind a remarkable and everlasting legacy on the contemporary jewellery and broader creative communities.

Garlic Medallion

With a few big projects out of the way, things have kicked into higher gear in preparation for our (Karla and myself) joint show coming up in September at Craft Victoria.

Here is a piece i recently finished title Garlic Medallion. There's a reason why i've gone and made a massive piece of garlic... but i'll fill you in another time... don't want to give it all away right away.

Stay tuned for more tid bits as they come.

Liana rings.

Liana rings in oxidised sterling silver and 18ct yellow gold. Available at e.g.etal.

Liana is a woody vine that grows around the trunks of trees and is a symbol of love.

Firefly.

Firefly earrings, new at e.g.etal.