TOWARDS THE LIGHT
Modern-day mood rings and lab-grown gemstones form the basis of an innovative new exhibition by Tasmanian jewellery maker Emma Bugg. Bugg has been crafting jewellery from concrete for the past decade but decided to step away from her staple ingredient in favour of some “exciting and playful” new materials for her Seeing in the Dark exhibition at Hobart’s Handmark Gallery.
“As we near the darkest day of the year, I’ve designed a collection of rings that incorporate materials that celebrate light in reference to Tasmania’s naturally occurring bioluminescent waters, auroras and high frequency rainbows,’’ the 39-year-old explains.
She says advances in technology meant she could experiment with a range of beautiful, high-quality materials while also ensuring her creations were more ethical and kinder to the environment.
“An incredible stone that features in the show is moissanite, a labgrown gem that has a hardness just under that of a diamond, but without the destruction diamond mining is associated with,’’ Bugg says.
Another highlight of the collection is what Bugg calls “mood rings for grown ups” a sophisticated version of the colour-changing rings she remembers having as a child.
“These mood rings contain thermotropic liquid crystals set inside a sterling silver or brass,’’ Bugg explains.
“The liquid crystals are able to show different colours at different temperatures and react to changes in temperature by twisting. The twisting changes their molecular structure, which alters the wavelengths of light or colour that are reflected or absorbed. When the temperature of the liquid crystals changes so will their colour.’’
She also used recycled silver and gold as part of her latest creations.
Bugg, from Mt Nelson, says her creative practice is driven by curiosity and she enjoys experimenting with new materials and techniques.
Bugg completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Tasmania before travelling extensively. Back in Hobart, she heard about a Diploma of Jewellery Design at TAFE and she says enrolling in that “amazing” course unleashed her creativity. She has been making jewellery ever since.
Eleven years ago, while completing her TAFE studies, Bugg boldly walked in to Handmark Gallery and asked if she could show her work and was delighted to be accepted.
She has exhibited regularly at various galleries since and is excited to be again exhibiting at Handmark this month.
Bugg, who has a three-year-old son, often works from her home studio. She also works from a new workshop/gallery called State of Flux in Salamanca (in the old Faerie Shop) alongside fellow jewellers Gabbee Stolp, Jane Hodgetts and Anna Weber. Visitors can see the process behind contemporary jewellery making, with ready-to-wear pieces and privately commissioned gems on offer.
Bugg is also preparing to exhibit at international contemporary jewellery biennale Radiant Pavilion in Melbourne in September.
Emma Bugg’s Seeing in the Dark exhibition is at Handmark Gallery in Hobart from now until June 28. The work will be shown in conjunction with an exhibition of new prints from Tasmanian collage artist Bethany van Rijswijk. handmark.com.au