subject: Jewelry Design - Inspiration in Oz [print this page] Jewelry Design - Inspiration in Oz Jewelry Design - Inspiration in Oz
As a jewellery designer and lover of all things creative, I am always searching for the next original piece.
Western Australia where we live for part of each year is inspirational. Its natural beauty is a constant source of wonder and still remains a well kept secret from most, other than those who live there and that's not many! WA is the largest state in Australia and has the smallest population of 2.3 million in a total population of 22.8million. It covers an area of approx 2.5million sq kms. No wonder you can go for days without seeing anyone!
And that's what I love, the sheer sense of space that is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse nature on the planet. How can you not be inspired by the huge clear azure skies, deserted coastlines, exotic flora and fauna, unbelievable rock formations and huge forests? An abundance of food and wine and people who tell it like it is.
Alongside the beauty, is a raw harshness, nothing comes without a price and nature wreaks havoc when she feels like it. This summer has tested the strength of the strongest and the most resolute, with ferocious floods and cyclones in Queensland, WA, NSW and Victoria and devastating bush fires in Perth and southwest WA. But Aussie spirit has prevailed and communities have banded together to help each other and rebuild meet strength with strength!
In everything you see in WA there is strength', there is no 'whimsy'. The most exquisite flower has strength in its makeup a waxy touch or a wiry stem. Huge gum trees that have fallen in storms lie in the bush for years, stubbornly refusing to decay, and re emerging as strange forms.
The harsh climate is one of extremes high temperatures during long hot dry windy summers and winter storms means everything has to fight to survive. Life is tough and beautiful at the same time. It is this rawness and reality that inspires the design of my jewellery the textures of bark and dried earth, the markings of insects & birds, the rugged coastline, the vivid colours of nature, and magical hidden rock pools. The list is endless. Jewellery should have an identity that comes from within. It is a signature of the designer/maker, and common thread that runs through the pieces. This is sometimes easily defined and at other times merely a feeling'. I hope that Manika' jewellery will continue to have that rawness and distinctiveness with influences drawn from this and other magnificent landscapes.
