EImerge


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Bini Gallery

62 Smith St
Collingwood 3066

1-6 September
Tue-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-4pm

Opening Mon 31 Aug, 5.30-8pm

E|merge holds multiple meanings. For ten new NMIT graduates (Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology- Jewellery), it explores the emergence of individual jewellers, coupled with the merging of a group which is stronger than the sum of its parts. The individual nurtures the group and in return, the group brings strength to the individuals.

At an artistic level, E|merge explores the practice of combining materials to create objects which are greater than their components. Through the artists’ work, the boundaries of the elements are blurred and entirely new creations emerge. From intangible ideas, tangible pieces are made manifest by the maker’s hand.

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Artists Gemma Grace, Antonia Field, Rebecca Koster, Lisa Lubbock, Philip Monk, Shea Pinxt, Emily Schilg, Marcelle Thomas, Ann Welton & Robyn Wilson

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Rebecca Koster, Psykelia 0.1, 2014,  brass, magnets, acrylic paint – hand made chain with enclosed magnetic clasp, 1070 x 38mm

Marcelle Thomas, Tribal bangles, 2014, perspex and sterling silver

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About the Artists

Gemma Grace’s fascination with jewellery began as a child, inspired by the exotic artefacts found in National Geographic magazines, and the simple treasures found in her mother’s jewellery collection.
Gemma’s practice is informed by jewellery studies at NMIT and previous studies in anthropology, and explores the symbolic, decorative, protective, and deeply sentimental role of jewellery in everyday life and ritual. Gemma’s designs draw on patterns and textures inherent in the natural world – in geometry, living organisms and organic structures.
Current works explore the transformation of metal under pressure, merging discrete boundaries to reveal the fluidity and malleability of metal.
gemmagrace.co


Antonia Field's work references microscopic patterns, fluid lines and found objects. Organic material and industrial applications are combined with rough cut gem stones to provide accents of colour.
The ocean, with its fluidity and hidden depths, is a reference point throughout the jewellery.
An emerging Melbourne based jewellery designer and maker, Antonia began her journey at NMIT. This led to a project space tenancy at Northcity4, to further develop her jewellery designs and to embark upon her journey within the jewellery community.


Rebecca Koster’s interests in symbolism, and the magical qualities of protection in jewellery seen through ancient cultures, inform her designs. Believing that the religious function of jewellery is often lost in our culture, her work aims to convey a modern interpretation of ancient adornment.
Rebecca’s background in fashion design helps to conceptualise the form, function and movement of a design whilst on the body. Through researching the origins and meaning behind ancient adornment, she is able to present jewellery that is of an informed quality.
Whilst Rebecca’s techniques are largely traditional, they are executed in a way that modernises her work without losing the essence of ancient adornment. 


Lisa Lubbock: An enduring passion for art and design, and a lifetime of dabbling finally drew Lisa toward jewellery making, culminating in her studies at NMIT.
Lisa’s work, which encompasses jewellery, objects and vessels, explores the notion of what is precious, employs and combines materials in unexpected ways, and gives solid form to the ephemeral.
Lisa strives to create pieces which tell a story and are imbued with meaning for the wearer; an everlasting extension of the custodian rather than a transitory accessory.


Philip Monk’s work is strongly influenced by the geometric patterns, mathematical designs, and colours found in the organic forms of the natural world.
His pieces often feature three dimensional shapes and patterns, employing mainly historical techniques and utilizing both traditional and modern materials, to handcraft jewellery which is evocative of our environment.
The handmade nature of the jewellery and the considered simplicity of its forms and materials are intended to create a representative connection between the wearer and the world that inspired it.


Shea Pinxt’s work features pops of colour from rough and cut gemstones. Her designs draw from simple ideas inspired by Mother Nature.
Her passion for jewellery began when she was given a hand-me-down beading kit, and her fascination with rough and cut gemstones then led her to study a Diploma in Gemmology.
Her gem collecting obsession further sparked her eagerness to learn to create and make jewellery.
Shea’s current works are inspired by all things natural, bright, colourful, and shiny, whether organic, natural or artificial.


Emily Schilg has always been fascinated by the amazing patterns which present themselves in our world, and particularly how art interprets the patterns of mathematics, history and nature into its own visual language.
Emily draws inspiration from childhood memories, pop culture, science and references to mythology and legends.
Emily’s process is a calculated fusion of technical enquiry and metaphorical imagery, drawing experience from her training at Monash University where she completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts (Sculpture), and her jewellery studies at NMIT.


Marcelle Thomas’ work is inspired by the tradition of Kintsugi, holding true to the belief that ‘we are all slightly broken’, where new emerges from old and beauty is held within imperfection. Stones are purposely broken and reshaped, embracing the idea of change and renewal.
The notion of clarity and transparency is held within her pieces and made evident by the dominant use of bio-resin, an environmentally responsible material.
Seeing through the jewellery when worn allows the wearer to complete the connection, enabling them to celebrate one’s self and become part of the piece.


Ann Welton’s initial interest in jewellery making was triggered by a short course at NMIT, which led to four further years of study to gain an Advanced Diploma. Ann developed a passion for silversmithing, and the hammering room at NMIT became her version of heaven. Her vessels were inspired by the simple, varied and imperfect shapes of fungi. Her jewellery pieces also emphasise simplicity of form, though often focusing on repetition of geometric shapes.
Ann has continued her studies, embarking on a Bachelor of Fine Art (Gold and Silver Smithing) at RMIT University this year, and has returned to the hammering room.


Robyn Wilson’s interest in making jewellery started when she attended a workshop introducing a new product called Art Clay Silver, a clay which once fired becomes fine silver.
While working with traditional materials Robyn also likes to explore non-traditional materials including Monel, titanium and aluminium.
After completing the Advanced Diploma in Jewellery Manufacturing at NMIT she was awarded the DIA’s Victorian Graduate of the Year (Jewellery) in 2014.
Robyn’s goal is to design and produce unique jewellery and wearable art.
She hand fabricates as much of her jewellery as possible as this is where she finds the greatest enjoyment.
robynwilsonjeweller.com