Tales of Adventure: From JamFactory

Craft Australia talks to second year Glass Associate Danielle Rickaby, about life at Jam!
http://www.craftaustralia.org.au/library/adventure.php?id=from_the_jamfactory

New Product: JamFactory Glass Studio gets kinky

 
JamFactory's Glass Studio has been hard at work developing new designs for its studio product range. JamFactory Blog chats to Deb Jones from the Glass Studio about their new product and the inspiration behind these new designs!

What was the inspiration for the new Kink Oil Bottle?
Last year we made a farewell gift for former Metal Design Studio Creative Director Sue Lorraine and we were so happy with it we thought other people should be able to get it as a present too!

Who designed the unique shape of the bottle?
 Like everything we do down here its a combination of people, designs and comments and everyone who came before us.We like the way the shape suits the action. It just wants to pour.


 














The OK Training vase provides the opportunity for associates to employ a variety of techniques, tell us more about this.
The OK Training Vase is an item designed for exactly that….Good Training. In just one vase our blowers get to pick up colour, put colour onto a gather, blow into a mold, trim the lip, put two handles onto the form and mark the glass with hot brands. We have created a quirky design with a lot of action for you to use as a vase or jug.  Every one’s a winner!

What is the concept behind the ice range?
The Ice Range is designed to showcase an amazing phenomenon of hot glass.  When the glass is half formed and still molten it is plunged into cold water.  The chill is recorded on the surface of the glass capturing this amazing natural pattern.  The forms are simple, showcasing the Ice pattern.

Sarah Green Artist in Residence

Tell us about yourself, how did you become a jeweller? I started learning to make jewellery when I was around the age of 15 through a night course with WEA.  After finding the course inspirational I did some work experience with a family friend: Adelaide jeweller John Karran, then fell into a visual arts and contemporary craft certificate at O'Halloran Hill Tafe after finishing school.  After studying for one year I moved to Sydney to study Jewellery and Object Design at the Enmore Design Centre Tafe and learnt more by working part time for Adina Jozsef.  I started my own business late last year and finished studying in December.  

How would you describe your work- material and processes? Are there any specific themes that run through your practice? I think all practitioners find it hard to describe their work in words, at the moment I'm still defining my aesthetic.  I work mostly in silver, with the inclusion of other materials like gold (when I can!), glass, wood, silk thread and the odd found object or material.  My favourite process is carving: wood or wax, but also believe in old school manufacturing processes like sawing, filing, sanding, polishing.  At the moment the main themes I'm exploring through my work are beauty, science and knowledge of the world around us. 

Where do you go, look, research for inspiration? Inspiration tends to strike me when I'm in periods of change, or when one part of my brain is occupied with something else like everyday tasks.  I also find listening to music, reading magazines and books, looking around at trees and things on the ground when walking places and my brother's talent writing songs inspirational. 
 
You recently finished your course at Enmore TAFE, NSW what did you find most rewarding of your experiences studying there? The whole process of studying at the Design Centre Enmore was rewarding, tough at times, but everything that happened in the course has lead me to where I am now.  The teachers, who are successful practitioners in their own right from around the world, pushed me to find the designer within and develop my making skills further.  I especially found the comprehensive and workshop set up and friendships formed with classmates rewarding.   


What are your main objectives while working at JamFactory? While at the JamFactory i'm making a production range of silver jewellery to sell to the public, but that's mostly an excuse for me to hang around the Jam Factory getting to know the place and the people.  The first contemporary jewellery exhibition I went to was at the Jam Factory so I think it's fitting that I come back here to start my career!

Metal on the Map at JMGA

JamFactory's Metal Design Studio will exhibit as part of the JMGA  (Jewellers and Metalsmith Group of Australia) Conference held from 9-11 April in Perth. Metal on the Map featuring Erin Keys, Leonie Westbrook, Hannah Carlyle, Sorcha Flett, Peta Kruger, Jessamy Pollack, Vanessa Williams and Creative Director Christian Hall will exhibit at Shopfront, Central Institute of Technology.

Haystack Director Stuart Kestenbaum visits JamFactory

Stuart Kestenbaum, Director of Haystack Mountain School of Crafts visited JamFactory, providing information on the international craft school located in Maine. The school provides workshops in a variety of craft media including clay, glass, metal and woodworking. Associates had a chance to meet and talk with Stuart who collected artists publications to gain a better understanding of the craftspeople in South Australia.
The visit was assisted by Arts SA through their Independent makers and presenters professional development category.

JamFactory Launches our Exciting New Retail Space

JamFactory's stunning new retail space designed by Khai Liew was officially launched to a large crowd of VIP's, artists and industry guests at a gala cocktail event on Tuesday Night. Guests viewed for the first time the fantastic new design launched by Minister John Hill.  The retail shop is now open to the public and provides an iconic space for the presentation of artists' work.

 

Brian Parkes appointed New Managing Director of JamFactory

In announcing the appointment Jane Yulie Chair of JamFactory board noted:

Many of you will already know, or know of Brian, as he has a significant national and international reputation as a curator, writer, mentor and advocate in the contemporary craft and design sector with extensive networks among practitioners and institutions in the field.

For the last 10 years Brian has been the Associate Director of Object, Sydney’s renowned craft and design organization and gallery space, where he led many major exhibition projects including “Freestyle: new Australian design for living” and “Menagerie: contemporary indigenous sculpture”.  Prior to his role at Object he managed retail and merchandising operations at the National Gallery of Australia and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Stephen leaves a fabulous legacy of achievement and success and I am confident that with Brian’s background and experience, that journey will continue, and JamFactory will be able to play a significant role in the State supporting the Premier’s newly announced design focus for SA, as well as continuing to grow its leadership position in craft and design locally, throughout Australia and internationally.