Tidal Detritus
Fossicking has a long association with jewellery in its many forms, from tribal traditions to the most 'precious' of modern designs. Everything from shells and bone, to gold, diamonds and sapphires have been sought to signify wealth, status and commitment for centuries.
A fossicker at heart, Regina Middleton finds herself propelled to meander, observe and collect; entranced in an overwhelming sense of delight when the glint of colour is caught amongst the sand. Driven by a heartfelt reflection on environmental decay and the overwhelming amount of rubbish choking our oceans has Regina seek unwanted materials from along her local coast line on Victoria's Surf Coast.
Through an intuitive pull towards adornment, Regina has reclaimed and repurposed her collected materials to create wearable and non-wearable objects. Imbued with an unexpected preciousness they explore our perceptions of 'treasure' and highlight a humble plea to undo the ongoing destruction of our planet.
A fossicker at heart, Regina Middleton finds herself propelled to meander, observe and collect; entranced in an overwhelming sense of delight when the glint of colour is caught amongst the sand. Driven by a heartfelt reflection on environmental decay and the overwhelming amount of rubbish choking our oceans has Regina seek unwanted materials from along her local coast line on Victoria's Surf Coast.
Through an intuitive pull towards adornment, Regina has reclaimed and repurposed her collected materials to create wearable and non-wearable objects. Imbued with an unexpected preciousness they explore our perceptions of 'treasure' and highlight a humble plea to undo the ongoing destruction of our planet.
a. Regina Middleton, At the heart of it, 2017, mixed, from 2mm to 15cm , Plastic, sterling silver, 9ct yellow gold, porcelain beads, freshwater pearls. Photo: Timothy Marriage
b. Regina Middleton, Barwon Treasure #1, 2017, mixed, from 2mm to 15cm , Plastic, sterling silver. Photo: Timothy Marriage
c. Regina Middleton, Mini Mountain, 2017, mixed, from 2mm to 15cm , Plastic, sterling silver. Photo: Timothy Marriage
d. Regina Middleton, Barwon Treasure #3, 2017, mixed, from 2mm to 15cm Plastic, sterling silver. Photo: Timothy Marriage
b. Regina Middleton, Barwon Treasure #1, 2017, mixed, from 2mm to 15cm , Plastic, sterling silver. Photo: Timothy Marriage
c. Regina Middleton, Mini Mountain, 2017, mixed, from 2mm to 15cm , Plastic, sterling silver. Photo: Timothy Marriage
d. Regina Middleton, Barwon Treasure #3, 2017, mixed, from 2mm to 15cm Plastic, sterling silver. Photo: Timothy Marriage
About the Artist
Regina Middleton is a seeker of once-loved materials, an admirer of abandoned objects and a creator of Jewellery born again by conscience. Based in Torquay, Regina is constantly in search of new materials to adorn the body with. Enamored by nature and the intriguing world found along the sea floor. You will often find her collecting weather-formed objects off the beach or letting her eye wander for hidden beauty as she meanders down the street. Regina completed a Bachelor of Arts in Jewellery Design at Curtin University in Perth (2007), and furthered her studies at Monash University in Melbourne, completing an Honours Degree in Fine Art (2008).
Regina Middleton is a seeker of once-loved materials, an admirer of abandoned objects and a creator of Jewellery born again by conscience. Based in Torquay, Regina is constantly in search of new materials to adorn the body with. Enamored by nature and the intriguing world found along the sea floor. You will often find her collecting weather-formed objects off the beach or letting her eye wander for hidden beauty as she meanders down the street. Regina completed a Bachelor of Arts in Jewellery Design at Curtin University in Perth (2007), and furthered her studies at Monash University in Melbourne, completing an Honours Degree in Fine Art (2008).