Public Curators Building

One of Australia’s most revered contemporary craft practitioners, Julie Blyfield, a jeweller and metalsmith for over thirty-five years, is renowned for her intricately crafted jewellery and sculptural objects that capture the essence of the Australian landscape. Often referencing specimens found in natural history collections, as well as those she collects herself in nature, Blyfield’s jewellery and objects take inspiration from the forms, textures and patterns of Australian botanicals, plants and marine life. Blyfield is highly skilled in the traditional metalsmithing technique of chasing and repousse, a technique central to the creation of her delicate and ornately patterned works, which are primarily constructed of sterling silver and bi-metal.

JamFactory ICON Julie Blyfield: Chasing a Passion presents a new collection of meticulously crafted works, inspired by Blyfield’s experience of visiting the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef in Far North Queensland. As designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, both of these natural environments are celebrated for their rich biodiversity, exceptional beauty and universal value to humanity. Influenced by her lived experiences of these sites, Blyfield also reflected on the coral specimens stored at the South Australian Museum to inform her making process.

Serving as a poetic metaphor for life and loss in a time of increasing environmental peril due to climate change, Blyfield’s masterful renderings immortalise threatened ancient forests and vulnerable species of delicate corals.

With the piercing eye of a jeweller, Blyfield brings sensitivity, curiosity and meticulous craftsmanship to the way in which she approaches her interpretations of the natural world. The intricate details and fine patterns encourage a deeper reflection on both the fragility and preciousness of our natural environments and our own lives
within them.

– Curated by Caitlin Eyre

JamFactory ICON, Julie Blyfield: Chasing a Passion is a JamFactory touring exhibition