Replica Replica
Anita Crowther & Maria Natoli, untitled, 2017, fine silver, sterling silver, CRT television glass, vintage plastic knitting needles, confectionery wrapper, 30mm x 30mm. Photo: Maria Natoli
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Map reference number: 50
Klepner’s Antique
324 Little Collins St, Melbourne 26 August – 2 September
Mon–Thu 10am–5pm, Fri 10am–6pm, Sat 11am–3pm Artist/s: Maria Natoli & Anita Crowther
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Replica Replica is a collaboration between Melbourne jewellers Maria Natoli and Anita Crowther. Focusing on concepts of replication, imitation and inherent material value, they have produced a collection of pieces that reimagine Georgian paste jewellery with a subversive modern twist. Imitation gems and materials have historically been developed to cater for the demand of unattainable luxuries. This often involved highly skilled artisans employing unique and elaborate techniques to create objects that have now become arguably just as precious as the original Maria and Anita merge techniques and interests from their individual practices – such as re-purposing materials and stone cutting – to showcase their shared appreciation of hand fabricated jewellery. By hand-faceting the glass from a discarded CRT television screen and re-fashioning mid-century plastic, the artists imitate the imitation jewellery of the past.
a.-b. Anita Crowther & Maria Natoli, untitled, 2017, fine silver, sterling silver, CRT television glass, vintage plastic knitting needles, confectionery wrapper, 30mm x 30mm. Photo: Maria Natoli
About the Artist
Maria Natoli is interested in the balance between the sentimental purpose and decorative function of jewellery, and where these two intentions overlap. Her contemporary pieces are informed by her fascination with, and exploration of retro and vintage objects, working predominantly with sterling silver and recycled plastics. Maria undertook her studies at NMIT where upon graduation she received the e.g.etal award. Since then she has continued her studies with Kellett Master Jewellers. Her work has been exhibited at the Contemporary Australian Silver and Metalwork Award in Bendigo as well as group exhibitions at Kin Gallery in Canberra and e.g.etal in Melbourne.
Anita Crowther is a stone cutter and jewellery maker. She is motivated primarily by the process of stone cutting which yields the ability to discover and reveal the secret, intricate patterns within minerals. Through her unique sensitivity to colour, her practice translates properties of unusual stones into thoughtful compositions that she hand-crafts into harmonious pieces of jewellery. Anita approaches her jewellery pieces with a visual sensibility inherited from her background in painting. She completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Monash University and an Advanced Diploma at NMIT. She has exhibited in Australia and Germany.
Maria Natoli is interested in the balance between the sentimental purpose and decorative function of jewellery, and where these two intentions overlap. Her contemporary pieces are informed by her fascination with, and exploration of retro and vintage objects, working predominantly with sterling silver and recycled plastics. Maria undertook her studies at NMIT where upon graduation she received the e.g.etal award. Since then she has continued her studies with Kellett Master Jewellers. Her work has been exhibited at the Contemporary Australian Silver and Metalwork Award in Bendigo as well as group exhibitions at Kin Gallery in Canberra and e.g.etal in Melbourne.
Anita Crowther is a stone cutter and jewellery maker. She is motivated primarily by the process of stone cutting which yields the ability to discover and reveal the secret, intricate patterns within minerals. Through her unique sensitivity to colour, her practice translates properties of unusual stones into thoughtful compositions that she hand-crafts into harmonious pieces of jewellery. Anita approaches her jewellery pieces with a visual sensibility inherited from her background in painting. She completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Monash University and an Advanced Diploma at NMIT. She has exhibited in Australia and Germany.
