Clare Poppi is an artist from Brisbane who achieved first class honours in her Fine Art degree and decided to share her skills with a large group of inspiring artists in Cloncurry last week.
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The two-day course taught the participants the basics of silversmithing where they learned techniques like saw-piercing, forming, texturing, soldering, annealing, riveting and polishing before using their new found skills to develop their own creative masterpiece.
The budding silversmiths constructed a series of items including rings, earrings, pendants and other items.
Ms Poppi said her primary practice is in jewellery and metalsmithing.
“My focus is on sustainable design and wearable art,” Ms Poppi said.
The Growing Jewellery Project is a major aspect of Ms Poppi’s ethical practice and involves her sending out growing jewellery to participants who look after the pieces for a time and document their experiences on her blog.
The jewellery is intended to form a connection between the grower and nature, and when worn, the jewellery is a visible statement of environmental awareness.
Ms Poppi said her preferred medium for making jewelry is recycled metals, biodegradable components and live grass.
However, this spontaneous approach is always tempered with a strict adherence to sustainable and ethical work practices, including environmentally conscious studio techniques.
The artists would not of been able to explore their creativity without The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) which supports local art and culture.
It is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Cloncurry Shire Council.
