The trans-cultural experience is intrinsically woven into Joanne’s work. Joanne studied a Bachelor of Fine Art (Metal and Jewellery) at Monash University after having moved to Australia to further her education. Following this she studied at Alchimia Contemporary Jewellery School in Florence, Italy, known for its experimental approach to practice. Her work has been exhibited throughout Europe and in Asia and is a meditation on the capacity for jewellery to carry and reflect cultures and memories.
Joanne’s work is an exploration of contradiction through form and materials. The solid geometric structures she constructs imply weight and solidity. However, the physical qualities of the thread and PVC sheets she manipulates result in pieces that are light and flexible, almost seeming to float against the body of the wearer. The planes of Joanne’s contemporary jewellery pieces are sewn together by hand, which she sees as a reflection of the threads that connect human relationships.
“I believe to entwine different cultures into jewellery is a way to carry those cultures and memories with you, no matter where you are on this planet. It is also a way to share those experiences with people around you.”
