A visit to NGV- Unexpected Pleasures

Dorothea Pruhl- Habicht (Hawk) elm wood

Unexpected Pleasures is an exhibition of contemporary jewellery exploring the vast territory beyond the idea of personal adornment.

The is a room full of pieces that are not limited by conventional concepts. Not sure what I mean?

Think about jewellery. What does it mean for you? A big diamond set in gold claws sparkling on your ring finger? Chandelier earrings bollywood style? Delicate tennis bracelet?

If you want to shake up your understanding of what makes personal accessorising, make the mental leap to a more radical perspective, look no further than a bracelet made from MacDonald's logos separated from the top of the franchise's plastic spoons. You may not choose to purchase and wear such a piece but it is jewellery.





I walked away, after studying each glass display case, thinking about how I had limited my thinking. I am redefining the scope of the materials I could use, the form and size I can play with.

Susanne Flemm- Frozen Polyolefin

Sam Tho Duong- Frozen silver, pearls, nylon

Carlier Makigowa- Nature in Structure sterling silver, coral

George Dobler- Airplane silver, stone

Unexpected Pleasures
at National Gallery of Victoria
to 26th August 2012
Entry is free

Creation can be...well....ugly

So I have been witholding photos of my work from the Jewelry course, mainly because I seem to be talentless.

Ring at top, 'spring' waiting to become chain, and chain links ready to be soldered

But I am pushing on and despite ruining 1 hr worth of labour Wednesday night in 1 minute by over annealing my 'spring' which will eventually become a chain bracelet, I soldiered on and repeated the task.

We were also introduced to the buffing machine which gives an amazing look to the metal but terrifying. "You can lose a finger, or be scalped if you get your hair stuck". Oh goodie. I am in then!

Strange little rock

Mystery semi precious

I have not had a chance to make anything as yet, but I am having a wonderful time revisiting purchases made years ago.

I am uncovering untapped wee potentials.

The name of these strange little rocks evades me.

Perhaps a necklace with small freshwater pearl will suit......


I adore the way each looks like a hail stone. Only the type that does not quite cause as much damage.