Katherine started making jewellery as a child: with the tools in her Dad’s garage she pulled apart an old television and used the wires it contained to make jewellery. As an adult studying Art History at the University of Melbourne, Katherine continued teaching herself to make jewellery. Having learnt all that she could by herself, Katherine studied a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Gold and Silversmithing) at RMIT University, followed by a Master of Fine Arts. As well as her contemporary jewellery practice Katherine also teaches at RMIT University, having written and developed a class for the Gold and Silversmithing program.
Katherine is influenced by nature and the history of art. The intuitive forms of her work harmoniously blend history and contemporary design. The presence of the maker’s hand is particularly apparent in Katherine’s jewellery and her pieces embrace the organic and ostensibly random. Hand-carved details recall the qualities of textiles and the casual beauty of the Australian landscape—Katherine’s pieces immediately initiate a tactile relationship with the wearer. Coupled with the lustre of carefully worked metals, these qualities imbue each design with a softness and relaxed sophistication.
Journey neckpiece
Marengo Beach neckpiece
Rockpool ring
Milly ring
Colony neckpiece
Leaf Seed Pod ring
Recollection ring
Nomad ring
Trousseau ring
Thin Random ring
Cut-out earrings
Diamonds earrings
Hope ring
Pledge ring
Possibilities ring
Possibilities ring
File Mark Wedder ring
Engraved ring
Wonky Wedder ring
Prosperity ring
Wonky Wedder ring
“The forms are directly influenced by a consideration of both nature and the cultural environment in which they were made. This is why I chose not to use overt Australian imagery. I like for pieces to be explored by the viewer. If the imagery is too obvious, and everything is stated, then there is nothing left for the viewer to explore.”
NC4 is a new Melbourne-based initiative driven by the remarkable individual practices of its founders as well as a mandate to share their collective knowledge, skills and techniques through a program of mentorships, seminars, access studios and workshops, for those with and without previous training (so there is hope for us all)…
e.g.etal recently hosted an evening in which we presented a collection of over 100 precious gems from all over the world. The gallery became a studio in which Katherine Bowman, Julia deVille and Emma Goodsir explored ideas, designs and stories with clients who chose a stone (or stones) to form the basis for pieces of jewellery.
“There’s so much jewellery in the world, but there’s only one me. The jewellery I make comes from everything that I know. Hopefully the end result carries some of that. It needs to look old and like it’s lived through the process of it’s making…”
e.g.etal wanted to support a more personal and real celebration this Christmas. Inspired by Mexican festive traditions, we are embracing the community spirit to bring you the magical cycle of days.
