Thursday, September 22, 2011

emerging from winter

We're well and truley emerging from winter here at Breathing Colours. We've put away our scarves and boots and are embracing frocks and sandals...hello toes! 

This also means we needed some new spring earrings to help us celebrate feeling so bright and refreshed. Lucky for us our beautiful resident jeweller Olenka has launched a new range of earrings.




Aren't the gorgeous?
Come in store to check them out; retailing from $39...the perfect thing to brighten up any out fit.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Featured Artist: Szilvia Gyorgy

Szilvia Gyorgy never stops surprising us here at Breathing Colours. Her continual innovative use of materials, along with her amazing techincal skills, create some extremely unique and beautiful works. We hope you enjoy our interview with Szilvia; good luck not being jealous of her stunning ceramics studio and it's surroungings!



 
What attracted you/got you started on your artistic path?

It seemed easier to communicate through expressing myself visually rather than verbally.


What inspires you?

Almost everything around me, both beautiful and ugly things.


How would you describe your aesthetic, as it varies from your jewellery to ceramics?

That is a good question. Firstly I try to reflect on things I experienced or observed, then I think about what materials would be ideal for it and how it could fit a function. They are both explorations through materials. Ceramics is more of an adventure about the interaction between people and how they use space around them, jewellery is more about people in their very immediate personal space. The aesthetic follows. 





What inspires your choice of materials when making jewellery?

I have been taken away by the qualities of metal like silver, stainless steel, brass, however we are surrounded by so many natural (gum nuts) and man made materials (all plastics have some interesting qualities) and most have something to offer.


Tell us a bit about your studio space...

I make my ceramics at Newington Armory, I have 2 kilns, a wheel and a huge space that is shared with artists of all disciplines, it is great that there is always a chance that one meets someone special.

My jewellery studio can almost be anywhere. I have been very conscious in keeping the tool box small. I have a beautiful big table at home, but I tend to take my basic tools anywhere I go. They were in danger in a London airport recently thanks to some really strict rules about weight restrictions in check-in luggage.


If you could peek inside the studio of any artist, designer or craftsmen (alive or dead) who would it be?

 Picasso's would be nice to look at.


What is next for Szilvia Gyorgy and her work?

I am experimenting with colours these days with both ceramics and jewellery. Lots of ideas floating around and the studios are full with pieces half finished, I am very curious to see what will leave the studio at the end.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Featured Artist: Heather Keiko

Jeweller Heather Keiko makes visually strong pieces, from the softest of materials. Playing with form, repetition and of course felt, Heather's jewellery promotes a sense of fun, independance and style - they are real statement pieces. She has kindly taken the time to answer some questions about her inspirations, work and what's next for Heather Keiko... Enjoy!


What attracted you/got you started on your artistic path?

Travelling! In 2006 my husband and I left for Europe we travelled extensively and it was getting off the beaten track in places like Egypt, Jordan and Turkey that really started getting the design juices started and inspired me to create. 

What inspires you?
The environment around me, both the natural and built forms.

What is your favourite colour pallete at the moment?

At the moment I am really drawn to muted tones like light blues, greens and pinks.

How would you describe your aesthetic?

Bold, organic and sculptural.

Tell us a bit about your studio space...

At the moment my studio space co-exists with my one year old son Akira. If I am lucky I manage to carve out a small clearing on the family table and set to work.

If you could peek inside the studio of any artist, designer or craftsmen (alive or dead) who would it be?
Carlo Scarpa the Italian architect, as well as glass and furniture designer.

What piece of jewellery do you cherish the most?

 My most cherished piece of jewellery would have to be a vintage gold filligree cuff passed down to me from my grandmother.

What is next for Keiko?

Lots of experimentation! We are currently looking at incorporating some semi-precious stones into our designs.




Tuesday, September 6, 2011

We are now calling for expressions of interest for Breathing Colours 2011 Christmas exhibition.


The theme for this year is ‘Tiered’.
A tier is one of a series of rows or ranks rising one behind or above another, a layer, level or stratum. ‘Tiered’ 
refers to something that is arranged in tiers, rows or layers, often used in combination.

This exhibition will be open to the public from 23rd November -24th December2011
Please note: we will be leaving the exhibition on display (to be seen through the window) over our Christmas break until we reopen towards the end of January 2012.

Artists who are selected for the exhibition are required to provide up to three series, each of which should contain three to five individual works (between 3-15 works in total).
Depending on the amount of work submitted, some pieces may not be displayed immediately. However, all works sold at exhibition will be removed from display at the time of purchase, allowing for sold pieces will be replaced with new ones. If a customer is interested in the work of a particular artist, we may also be able to show them more examples that are held in reserve.

Artists who are selected will be required to pay an entry fee of $75, this will cover promotional costs, installation and opening night etc. Breathing Colours takes a 33% commission on all sales.
Paintings and 2D artworks must be within the dimensions 50cm x 50cm (frame included, if framed).
Sculptures, jewellery and object art should not exceed 40cm in any one direction.


Submissions are due by the 1st of October, 2011.




Submissions:
Your expressions of interest should include:
1.)    Images of proposed or similar works (please include appropriate captioning for images, including size of piece and materials)
2.)    Curriculum Vitae
3.)    Artist’s statement relevant to proposed work
Expressions of interested will be accepted via post, email or in person to:       
Email: jess@breathingcolours.com
Post:    Attention: Jessica Page
Breathing Colours
446 Darling Street,
Balmain NSW 2041
Key Dates:
Submissions due 1st October 2011
Selected artists informed 8th October
Selected artists work required in the gallery 12th November

For enquiries please contact:
 jess@breathingcolours.com or (02) 9555 8543



Thursday, September 1, 2011

Current Exhibition: Let Them Eat Cake by Carrie McDowell


Carrie McDowell explores the idea of excess, using Marie Antoinette as a perfect source of inspiration. Indulging in the use of colour, texture and materials, Carrie recreates jewellery reminiscent of the ostentatious and ornate pieces commonly worn throughout 17th and 18th Centuries.

The exhibition is running from the 30th of August to the 10th of September, so be sure to drop by and indulge yourself.