Output details
34 - Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory
Birmingham City University
Flocking Marvelous at 20th Legnica International Jewellery Competition
This collection of related neckpieces challenges the traditional notion of the necklace and extends the researcher’s unique visual style while addressing issues of wearablity and the relationship of the object to the body.The neckpieces are three-dimensionally sculptural in form and no traditional Jewellery findings are evident. A unique sliding toggle mechanism for opening and closing the necklace was designed to enable free-moving hanging elements.
The pieces were hand fabricated using cast resin components, rubber, flock fibre, high density foam, sublimated ink, electro-forming and silver plating.This enquiry particularly explored further the researcher’s interest in flocking.This provides bright colours and a sensuous surface texture that enhances the overall form of the work.To develop the application of the technique to art jewellery the researcher worked closely with the company, Qualplast, that supplies flocking services to a broad range of manufacturers, including the automotive industry.
‘Flocking Marvellous’ was selected for the international exhibition‘20th Legnica International Jewellery Competition’ (May/June 2011). Hosted by The Gallery of Art in Legnica it showcases the most innovative and significant contemporary jewellery work. Established in 1979 it is the oldest, biggest and most important jewellery art event in Poland and one of the leading initiatives of this kind in Europe. 453 pieces were submitted by 253 artists from 33 countries.The international jury, including Herman Hermsen (Netherlands) and Karol Weisslecher (Slovakia), selected 44 artists. From December 2011 to June 2012 the exhibition then toured Poland (Leszno, Gdańsk, Cracow), Germany (Munich) and the Czech Republic (Jablonec nad Nisou).
Subsequently the collection toured Germany and Italy (September 2012 to August 2013) with the work of 21 other leading jewellery artist from 11 countries selected by jury for the exhibition:
‘Sex, Drugs & Rock 'n' Roll…Vices or Lifestyle?’, Robertson being the only UK participant.
