Robyn Clarke Artist

Artist Statement

My jewellery practice uses various metal-smithing techniques and materials to create jewellery and objects with pleasing textural surfaces on which to anchor colour and light, to inspire curiosity, touch and memories of places. My process often begins with a sheet of metal that is manipulated and alchemised, adding layers, texture and colour to reimagine a feeling from my internal catalogue of places, either visited or imagined. I like to amplify the natural beauty of metals with the application use of texture, and using gemstones, vitreous enamel or powder coating to creating harmonious, tactile and wearable pieces. I am drawn to creating work with prescribed repetition of formal shapes as much as I am to their antidote, creating incidental sculptural forms using metalworking techniques which leave space for variable outcomes. I like the challenge of finding the comfortable meeting point between the different styles.  

Robyn Clarke Curriculum Vitae

Education

• Advanced Diploma of Jewellery and Object Design, Melbourne Polytechnic, 2017
• Intermediate Short Course in Jewellery, Melbourne Polytechnic, 2015
• Introduction Short Course in Jewellery, Melbourne Polytechnic, 2015
• Enamelling Short Course with Debbie Sheezel, 2017

Experience

• 2017 Committee to plan, conduct and supervise an exhibition Including making a body of work, assisting with treasury role and ad-hoc duties to ensure smooth running of show
• Assisted in the running of an Auction fundraising night including Treasury role, making and donating work to auction, assisting with signing in guests and attending to auctioneer’s refreshments
• 5 years of providing financial services to the Jewellery Industry (OAMPS Insurance Brokers, Marsh Insurance Brokers
• 20 years General Insurance experience in Australia and UK

Awards

• Awarded “Most Creative Use of Casting” Award, by APECS,  As part of the Melbourne Polytechnic Graduate Exhibition 2017

Exhibition

• “Do You Copy” Temp Contemp 2018 with interactive exhibit called  “My Signature Squiggle”