Amulets, talismans and fetishes influence Natalia’s work: our innate attraction to, and subsequent projection of belief, trust, power and ritual onto certain jewellery pieces and objects. The exploration of this idea began when Natalia initially studied a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Gold and Silversmithing) at RMIT University after having studied a Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) at Monash University. Since then, she has lectured at RMIT University and taken part in exhibitions at e.g.etal, Craft Victoria and Object Gallery. In 2011, with the support of the British Council and the Ian Potter Cultural Fund, Natalia undertook an internship in London with contemporary jeweller, Scott Wilson.
As well as employing an eclectic range of materials and techniques in her contemporary jewellery, Natalia adopts an intuitive approach that embraces the serendipitous and the experimental. She is inspired by the animist notion that inanimate objects can be imbued with a spirit and she explores the relationship that we build with certain pieces of jewellery, as they become a point of reassurance and comfort, guidance and contemplation.
Storm earrings
Trinity neckpiece
Triplet ring
Cycle ring
Pinnacle ring
Grass ring
Tinsel earrings
Joy ring
Liana ring
Besotted ring
Sprout earrings
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)…
Exhibition dates: 18th March - 31st March, 2010
Opening night: Thursday 18 March, 5pm - 8pm at e.g.etal, 167 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
“…it became clear that the preciousness of this collection of work ultimately lay in the rigorous and reflective process that preceded their finished form.”
“Amulets and talisman fascinate me; their form and shape and the materials they are made from. Jewellery has a spirituality and emotion connected to it. I like to explore the connection of established practices such as spirituality or tribal symbolism to pieces of jewellery, and look at the personal aspect of why we imbue so much into it…”
