Romy picks things up off the ground, knowing that each discarded object carries with it a unique past and a story. She incorporates these objects into much of her work, particularly in her series Precious Debris, which debuted at e.g.etal in 2011. Romy’s jewellery practice was sparked after studying a Gold and Silversmithing course in Rome in 2003. She has since studied a Bachelor of Fine Art (Gold and Silversmithing) at RMIT University and holds an Advanced Diploma in Engineering Technology from NMIT.
Romy manipulates precious metals by hand and uses fine wax wires to create organic jewellery forms. These forms incorporate found objects such as bottle caps, beer cans, film canisters and computer chips, making permanent what was once ephemeral. By appropriating found objects and employing them in place of precious materials, Romy’s pieces challenge traditional notions of what ‘precious’ means in contemporary jewellery. Found objects are subtly contrasted with 18ct yellow gold, sterling silver and rough cut diamonds, so that all materials are treated equally.
We recently commissioned seven artists to make a piece of jewellery. Their brief was simple: take an item once belonging to an e.g.etal staff member and recycle, recreate, re-imagine it. These items came with their own story, were given a new one by each artist and now they wait for their new owners. We’ll be handing these pieces onto new owners via our Facebook page.
Looking back at the breadth and depth of work produced for our exhibition program this year is staggering. Over the course of nine months we have presented nine exhibitions by outstanding contemporary jewellers…
“I find real beauty in these bottle tops and other objects. I sometimes feel they are more interesting than traditionally cut precious stones. Although they are mass-produced, once placed in a different context they can exhibit a unique beauty and character.”
Exhibition dates: 11th April - 30th April, 2011
Opening night: Tuesday 12 April, 6pm - 8pm at e.g.etal
“I literally pick things up off the ground. I love knowing that each discarded object carries with it a unique past and a story. The film canister necklace previously held someone’s real photos, documents of their life. I like to honour and capture that history in a meaningful and unexpected way.”
