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The power of communication through art jewellery

This paper describes the results of an interdisciplinary practice between art jeweller O'Hana and the materials science research of Turner. A novel way of understanding scientific research through art practice is proposed via the creation of jewellery as a ‘messenger’ tool. Specifically, the research demonstrates how laser controlled oxide growth on titanium can be used as an artistic tool by producing precisely defined colours according to different parameter settings.

This deliberate collision of methodologies aims to create a more diverse range of problem solving formulae for both disciplines. Creative practice research benefits through the introduction of a more precise understanding of materials performance, specifically through the use of optical and measuring instrumentation. The contribution to materials science research occurs through embedding creative processes in its programme. Through the jewellery being worn and carrying elements of Turner’s research, the scientific community uniquely gains a direct route to wider audiences.

This research has been disseminated via jewellery pieces designed by O’Hana exhibited at:

• ‘Exploratory Laboratory’. Bridport Arts Centre, Dorset, UK. (18 September to 23 October 2010). http://www.bigpic.org.uk/downloads/ExLabHANDBOOK.pdf

• ‘Under the Cloud’. Velvet da Vinci, San Francisco, USA. (13 April - May 29 2011). Curated by Jo Bloxham. http://www.velvetdavinci.com/show.php?sid=129. Manchester Art Gallery, UK (19 November 2011 - Sunday 15 April 2012). http://issuu.com/manchesterartgallery/docs/cloud_final_pdf

• In addition, O’Hana has delivered invited lectures and conference papers alongside exhibiting such as Escola d’Art I Superior de Disseny de Valencia (2012), KLIMT02, Barcelona (2013).