Form, Fold, Forge

Lindy McSwan, Ashen Landscape, 2014, mild steel, enamel
Photographer: Andrew Barcham

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No Vacancy Gallery: Project Space

Tenancy 32, The Atrium
Federation Square
Melbourne 3000

1-6 September
Tue-Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm

Opening Thu 3 Sep, 6-9pm

Form, Fold, Forge offers an insight into the practice of four emerging object based artists. The group have a shared passion for silversmithing and exploring ideas surrounding the vessel. 
As the title suggests, the work presented in Form, Fold, Forge demonstrates diverse approaches to technique, material, finish and function. Traditional and non-traditional silversmithing techniques have been thoroughly researched and refined; this combined with highly individual conceptual frameworks present a survey of current studio practice where a distinct personal aesthetic is evident in each artist’s work.

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Artists Cara Johnson, Sarah Johnston, Lindy McSwan, Michael Wong

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Michael Wong, Lift, 2014, brass

Sarah Johnston, Tanel, 2014, copper, burnt wood, rubber

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About the Artists

Cara Johnson is based in southwest Victoria on a bush property that's still close enough to the ocean to be able to smell salt. Narrative of place and connection to land are continuing themes in Cara's work. Walking, drawing and documentation make up a significant part of her working methodology.
In 2014 Cara installed her large scale work 'Walking Distance' on the facade of the Northcity4 building.
Early 2015 Cara had a solo show 'Tracks' at Boom Gallery.
Cara is currently in her final year of a Bachelor of Fine Art, RMIT specialising in Gold and Silversmithing.
carajohnson.com.au


Sarah Johnston is studying a Bachelor of Fine Art, Gold and Silversmithing at RMIT University. In 2014/2015 Sarah has been on exchange at Estonian Academy of Arts, Estonia and Hoschule Trier University in Germany. She completed her Advanced Diploma in Jewellery, at NMIT in 2012 and was a finalist in the Contemporary Australian Silver and Metalwork Awards, and selected for Graduate Metal, 15th Jewellers and Metalsmiths Group of Australia (JMGA). 


Lindy McSwan completed a Bachelor of Fine Art Honours, specialising in Gold and Silversmithing at RMIT in 2014 and an Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology, Jewellery at NMIT in 2006. Her practice spans jewellery, vessels, sculptural objects, and works in paper. Lindy has exhibited her work nationally and internationally. In 2012, her work selected for Fresh! when she received the Sofitel on Collins Award resulting in her first solo exhibition at the Sofitel in 2014. On completing Honours in 2014, Lindy received the Diana Morgan Post Graduate and Honours Gold and Silversmithing Prize, with her work acquired for The W.E. McMillan Collection, RMIT University.
lindymcswan.com


Michael Wong’s work considers the experiential effect it has on the user and viewer.  Misleading, unexpected or surprising elements are key to his practice.  Through a use of novel mechanisms, Wong constructs pieces best seen in person and in motion.  Independent of scale and medium, his pieces are linked through their focus on movement and weight, be it physical or optical.   
Michael Wong graduated from RMIT in 2014 with an Honours degree in Fine Art.  He is a current recipient of the Maggie Fairweather Artist in Residence Scholarship.
michaelwongsilversmith.com