Contemporary designs
by Rebecca Gill
Ever
since Jane Bowden bought her first piece of jewellery on a family holiday –
a ring from Sydney’s The Rocks – she knew she wanted to be a jeweller. But
she never imagined that years later after graduating from UniSA with a
Bachelor of Design, her work would be displayed at the Sculpture, Objects
and Functional Art Expo (SOFA) in Chicago.
SOFA is an annual international showcase of contemporary crafts such as glass, furniture and jewellery. Bowden is one of four Australians whose work appeared in the Australian Contemporary exhibition in late October.
After high school, Bowden enrolled in the four-year Bachelor of Design at UniSA, majoring in metalsmithing and jewellery. The program gave her a solid foundation of technical skills and creative ideas, which define her designs today.
“UniSA fuelled our passion for jewellery. We also learnt very practical business skills, which you really need as a basis when you get out of university,” Bowden said.
After graduating in 1990, these skills were vital to setting up her first business with a friend.
She now owns Zu Design – jewellery + objects, in Gays Arcade – with
another UniSA graduate, Roman Kielczewski.
Bowden’s handmade designs often consist of intricately woven gold and
silver, a meticulous process similar to knitting. Characterised by a bold
asymmetrical aesthetic, her work is inspired by geometric shapes and
everyday items.
A flair for the industry has led Bowden to passing on her knowledge.
Last year she spent a week guest lecturing at Charles Sturt University, and she’s a sessional staff lecturer at UniSA’s art department.
Although Bowden’s work is in demand overseas (her work has been shown in London and Boston), SOFA provides a rare opportunity to present her designs to artists, collectors, and curators from around the world, at once.