The Journal of Australian Ceramics Vol 50 no 1 April 2011
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Focus: <strong>Ceramics</strong> + Body<br />
Prue Venables<br />
Prue Venables, Neck Piece, 2010<br />
porcelain, hand-thrown, cast. pierced<br />
silk thread, 1360"(, finding created by<br />
internal enclosed ball. h.Scm, w.l Oem<br />
d.1Ocm; h.6cm, w.7cm, d.7cm<br />
Photo; Terence Bogue<br />
1, Why did you decide to make work to wear?<br />
PV: A long-term interest in contemporary jewellery, its construction, inventiveness, materials exploration,<br />
the wearing <strong>of</strong> ... etc, all have contributed to this decision. <strong>The</strong> invitation to make a rosary was one <strong>of</strong><br />
the triggers for me to finish a piece after many years <strong>of</strong> experimentation and learning about the use <strong>of</strong><br />
metal in jewellery construction . <strong>The</strong> issues regarding the association with the body have given me lots <strong>of</strong><br />
challenging things to think about and explore.<br />
2. What is the relationship between your ceramic work and what you make as jewellery?<br />
PV: <strong>The</strong> use <strong>of</strong> the skills and techniques developed for my ceramic work, particularly my focus on<br />
problem solving and the exploration <strong>of</strong> all sorts <strong>of</strong> things. I enjoy the making <strong>of</strong> small-scale and intricate<br />
objects so there is a strong relationship between the two areas <strong>of</strong> my work.<br />
3. What t ips might you <strong>of</strong>fer in the making <strong>of</strong> ceramic jewellery?<br />
PV: Make sure that everything is finished immaculately. Look at many things and explore widely. Don't<br />
just settle for the obvious. Work at solving the issue <strong>of</strong> findings carefully. Don't just glue on other<br />
people's solutions. When gluing on findings make sure that you have made a proper place for them so<br />
they are <strong>no</strong>t just stuck on the surface. Go to the jewellery supply stores and look at as many findings<br />
etc. as possible. <strong>The</strong>se places are like treasure troves and are lots <strong>of</strong> fun as well as a mine <strong>of</strong> ideas.<br />
Understand what the findings do and the requirements <strong>of</strong> the jewellery that you are making. Be aware<br />
<strong>of</strong> the weight in particular. Ceramic materials can sometimes need extra support because <strong>of</strong> their<br />
weight.<br />
4. Do you have a favourite piece <strong>of</strong> jewellery? If so, what is it and why?<br />
PV: A translucent green chrysophrase ring by Marion Hosking that I wear every day. It was a gift from<br />
my sister and chosen in the company <strong>of</strong> some good friends. It is a beautiful, serene and elegant object.<br />
It brings me much pleasure and joy.<br />
S2 THE IOURNAL OF AUSTRALIAN CERAMICS APRIL <strong>2011</strong>
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