The Journal of Australian Ceramics Vol 50 no 1 April 2011

Worksho p
When makers engage productively with the materiality of clay, interesting results emerge. The fear of
breakage was investigated as an intrinsic design feature of Re:model, 2003, a ceramic necklace created
by jeweller Manon van Kouswijk (Gallery Funaki, Melbourne). The necklace, made as a single piece of
connected spheres, is then snapped at several points between the spherical sections, yielding a kind of
flexibility that enables the piece to be worn like a string of ceramic pearls. Van Kouswijk's engagement
with materiality demonstrates, in a literal and poetic sense, the concept of 'facture'. This processbased
work reveals something of what Lazsl6 Moholy-Nagy (Bauhaus) described, "the way in which
something has been produced shows itself in the finished product. The way it reveals itself is what we
call facture.'"
These works by Venables and van Kouswijk reveal the extensive potential for poetry in process in the
creation of wearable ceramic objects - two examples of artists making interesting work in this area.
Anything is possible if you are prepared to experiment and take some risks!
1 Glenn Adamson, Think.ing Through Craft; pg 59; Berg. UK 2007
References
Young, Anastasia. The Workbench Guide to Jewelry Techniques
Thames and Hudson UK 2010; ISBN 9780500515143
Untract, Oppi, Jewelry Concepts and Technology; Doubleday &(0. Inc. UK 1987
ISBN 0709196164
Fundamentals for the Design of Brooch Findings:
Brooch findings consist of a pivoted pin stem and a catch.
• Metal for pin stem must be able to retain spring - stainless steel (dental wire), nickel si lver, or white
gold.
• Thickness of the pin is relative to the weight/size of the brooch .
• Locate a single pin in the top third of the brooch (above the centre of gravity) or, alternatively,
• a double pin may locate either side of the centre of gravity.
• The catch opening should face downwards when worn to prevent it from opening and should be just
large enough for the pin to fit through. The length of the pin should extend beyond the outer edge
of the catch but not protrude beyond the edge of the brooch.
• For added security, a roller catch or a safety chain should be used.
Necklaces/Bracelets Findings
• There are a variety of methods - t-bars, s-hooks, bolt rings and sprung catches, magnetic or screw
clasps (the last two have great potential for ceramic purposes!).
• Sterling silver and gold are ideal for making many catches but maybe too soft for some mechanisms,
as they fatigue after repeated use. Stainless steel and white gold have greater tensile strength.
• Certain styles of catches suit specific pieces so consider the weight and usage of a piece; e.g. a
bracelet may have to be opened with one hand.
• Generally, small catches are used on thin chains, however findings may also be designed as an accent.
70 THE JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIAN CERAMICS APRIL 2011