Illusion of Form by Kate Alterio

on 8th April 2025

“We all have a framework made up of our personality, social status, gender, ethnicity, age, spiritual or religious beliefs. On the surface this speaks of us as individuals and can create an illusion of separateness. However, on the inside something ethereal, mysterious, unknowable and intangible is ever-present. Untouched by time, this invisible essence lives within us, connecting us all.” – Kate Alterio.

Coinciding with the launch of her new collection, ‘Illusion of Form‘, we spoke with Kate to further explore the philosophy and symbolism behind her work. Known for weaving together themes of duality, identity, connection and timelessness, Kate’s jewellery continues to invite introspection and resonance beyond the physical form.

In this conversation, she shares how bold geometry and delicate details come together to express both the seen and the unseen, the intuitive and the intentional. Read on to discover how meditation, paradox, and a deep trust in the creative process have shaped ‘Illusion of Form’ – and how each piece carries meaning far beyond its surface.

Your work often explores the concept of duality, such as hardness and softness, lightness and darkness. How does this new collection reflect this concept?

For over a decade, geometry and duality have remained central themes in my work. I often reflect on the paradoxes within this world and look for fresh approaches to explore this theme. I was inspired to juxtapose bold 3D shapes with delicate pearls in this new collection, blending hard lines with soft curves. I experimented with a variety of colours and shapes of pearls, seeking to find the perfect balance between the two. I also experimented with the tension between opposites. ‘Trinity of Forms’ earrings is one such example. I was drawn to find a balance between contrasting forms, mirroring the dualistic nature of the human experience.

Kate Alterio - Trinity of Forms Hook Earrings in Silver — Trinity of Forms Hook Earrings in Silver

You have described elements of your jewellery-making process as meditative. Looking at these beautiful yet complex shapes and forms that you have designed for this new collection, we can see just how involved the making process was for you. Did you find making this collection as meditative as past collections or more challenging in other ways?

Each collection has its own unique challenges which is part of the creative and technical process. Working with my hands in any capacity is a steadying process which stills and focuses my mind much like meditation. I find immense satisfaction working with precision and repetition, staying present with each piece and imbuing them with love and care. In a world where nothing can be controlled or predicted, I find working with my hands both peaceful and comforting. The process of repetitive practice is calming in the way meditation can be.

Selecting colour palette of pearls for forms — Selecting colour palette of pearls

You talk about something “untouched by time” living within us. What do you mean by this? How did you express this idea through jewellery?

Through my meditation practice I had an experience where I left my body and merged back into the sea of everything. It felt as though I was held in a space of timeless, endless, blissful love. In that moment, I experienced pure consciousness and something that was untouched by time. Experiences such as these inspire and inform my work.

I have tried to convey this concept through geometric frameworks that symbolise the 3-dimensional world and our physical forms. The spaces within these forms represent the unseen realms, both internal and external, and the timeless essence that dwells within us. The pearls allude to the ethereal, that which is luminous, enduring and beyond the material world.

Final colour palette of pearls used in the collection

You seem to have a strong intuition. When working on big ideas like identity and connection, do you rely more on your intuition and instincts in your design process, or is it more of a physical, hands-on approach?

The concept for a new collection is usually the first aspect to emerge, followed by the forms. Once I’m working with the shapes, instinct and intuition take over. When crafting new forms, I give careful consideration to the size, thickness of the metal, curves, lines, and scale. While the designs may appear simple, it often takes multiple iterations before I settle on the final piece. I don’t feel a work is finished until my eye and intuition rest.

Inspiration can also come at unexpected moments. The ‘Interconnected’ necklace is one such example. I initially created a single form for the necklace and thought it was complete. Then one evening, as I was drifting off to sleep, I saw two smaller forms added to the necklace. The visual image instantly resonated, inspiring me to make the adjustments. This also led to the creation of matching earrings.

Are there any shapes or symbols in this collection that have a special meaning for you?

The forms used in the ‘Illusions’ pieces and ‘Reflection’ earrings loop back on themselves, similar to an infinity symbol. These forms pay homage to the infinite expressions of human consciousness.

Illusions Hook Earrings in Blackened Silver and Pearl

The name ‘Illusion of Form’ suggests things aren’t always as they seem. How does your jewellery interact with this idea?

Reality, as we perceive it, is unique to each of us; our individual lens shapes our experience and influences how we see the world and everything beyond it. The 3-dimensional shapes in this collection shift in appearance from different angles, playing with perception and perspective. The collection honours both the visible and invisible, the known and unknown and all that exists in the space between.

As an artist, there is a journey through making that continuously aids in developing your craft and eye for detail. How has your approach to design changed over time?

Forms on bench peg — Forms on Kate’s bench peg

Over a decade ago, I began exploring sacred geometry, Platonic solids, and geometric forms to express my conceptual ideas. At the time, I didn’t realise it would evolve into a visual language for me—and likely a lifelong fascination. Over the course of my career, my work has evolved to become increasingly refined and minimal, frequently exploring a single shape through repetition.

I’ve also learnt that the creative process is an unfolding journey that requires faith and trust. Solutions to creative or technical challenges often appear in surprising and unexpected ways, a mysterious and enjoyable aspect of the creative experience.

What do you hope people feel when they wear pieces from this collection?

As part of my ongoing practice once I finish a piece, I like to hold it and set an intention, wishing that it will a blessing on its new owner. I ask that it bring them joy, love, and protection. I also put a great deal of care into the creation process, hoping that the love and energy I pour into the work will be felt by the new owner.