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We are a brand born of a love for the beauty of restraint in design, the inherent grace of feminine strength, and the necessity to treat our environment and each other with love and respect.
We are a brand born of a love for the beauty of restraint in design, the inherent grace of feminine strength, and the necessity to treat our environment and each other with love and respect.
October 02, 2020 3 min read
A keen bushwalker and passionate Top-Ender with an early interest in chemistry and geology â Eric is a celebrated Darwin-based jeweller who came to silversmithing via a very circuitous route, having worked as a research chemist in universities and industry before coming to Darwin in 1980.
âI loved chemistryâ says Eric from his Darwin studio, âbut was also fascinated by geology, so I joined a local lapidary club to learn basic stone-cutting skills. I was instantly hooked.â
However, Eric was not interested in cutting stones into âstandard shapesâ as most lapidaries do, instead he was drawn to working in much more creative ways, which created some problems. âI wanted to do things differently, but then my finished stones didnât suit any of the standard gem settings! Â I needed to make my own settings, so I taught myself silversmithingâ says Eric, reflecting on his unique resume.
Skilled in both stone cutting and the creation of bespoke precious metal settings, Eric is able to create completely unique jewellery pieces, much to the delight of his many admirers.
What challenges you?
âI am largely self-taught and Iâve invested many hundreds of hours in perfecting my skills and techniques. Â My background gives me the confidence to experiment - definitely a challenge, but also a blessing. Â I do things differently to other gem cutters and silversmiths and making things that no one else has thought of is extremely rewarding.â
What does âAustralianaâ mean to you?
âFor me, this means anything inspired by the Australian natural environment â our landscapes, materials, shapes and textures. My love of bushwalking developed into an appreciation of the natural world more broadly, and I like to express that in the jewellery I create.â
What technique or skill are you most proud of?
âMost silversmiths donât cut stones, and most lapidaries donât do silversmithing. I do both, and itâs combining both skills that enables me to make truly unique jewellery pieces that no one else has dreamt of, which is pretty satisfying.â
How has your art changed over time?
âIâm tending to use more exotic materials â such as catâs eyes (which are related to pearls) and Carpentaria Palm wood. I also create unique pieces inspired by iconic Australian scenery.â
What material do you love and why?
âCarpentaria Palm wood is very satisfying. The palm trees are common in Darwin gardens (and Top End rainforests) but extremely few people realise how interesting the wood is and no one else uses it.  Andrea (from Stylish Australiana) came across my display at a recent Darwin craft fair and was completely blown away by my Carpentaria Palm earrings.  Itâs the surprise factor that makes it fun.â
What memorable comments have you had about your creations?
âHow on Earth does he make these things?â - overheard at an exhibition.
What is your dream project?
âIâm actually pretty satisfied doing what Iâm doing now. I dream about new designs â then make them!â
What is your favourite thing about where you live?
âWhenever I leave Darwin, I remember how lucky I am to live somewhere that has the amenities of a capital city but is surrounded by the most extraordinary natural environment. We have a national park 18 minutes from the CBD, and global treasures like Kakadu just a hop, skip and a jump from Darwin, which is pretty special.â
What tool / item couldnât you do without?
âGood eyes and steady handsâ đ
What piece of advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
âKeep doing what youâre doing, never fear.â
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You can view Eric's gorgeous Carpentaria palm wood earrings here, or contact Eric about custom orders here.
March 18, 2021 4 min read
December 01, 2020 3 min read
Katinka Kernutt is a photographer, graphic designer and jewellery maker from Victoria, who uses her own photography in her beautiful range of jewellery.
Stylish Australiana chats to Katinka about travel, the joy of finding a suburb pair of earrings, and the challenges of marketing.
November 07, 2020 3 min read
Angela Robertson-Buchanan is an award winning photographer, conservationist, environmentalist and wildlife carer who specialises in flora, fauna and macrophotography, in particular our gloriously coloured native birds.
Stylish Australiana chats with Angela about her love of Aussie parrots, the immense patience required to capture her alluring images, and her dream project. Click through to read Angela's full Artist Profile .
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