Artists

Vicki Mason

Artist Statement

For Vicki Mason, making jewellery fulfils a need she has to create objects that can be worn, that hold special meanings and can potentially provoke in the wearer and viewer a need for a response or interaction of some kind. A dialogue is opened up – jewellery then acts as a portable tool for the communication of ideas.

Mason’s work references her passion for plants to explore notions of place, belonging and the life cycle. Plants native to Australia, exotic plants, plant forms found in the fine/decorative arts and plants used in gardens are just some sources referenced and researched.

Botanical motifs have a long history within jewellery’s imagery so are a rich source for reinterpretation/investigation. She is interested in cross media/material discourses and utilising processes/techniques that seek to challenge traditional orthodoxies surrounding craft making.

Tree litterfall collection

: Vicki Mason

The trees looked at in this body of work follow recent encounters with trees Mason had while undertaking a residency in Barcelona in 2015. The trees selected reflect not only the functional role of trees, but also their significant economic, environmental and cultural roles. Trees offer us a sense of permanence, while at the same time reminding us of natural cycles of growth, fertility, decay and death. They tell us about our history and heritage, help mark the rhythm of the seasons, purify the air we breathe and help define our identity.

Bio

Vicki has been working in the field of contemporary jeweller for 22 years. Her love of plants and the stories they tell about our relationship with nature in this technologically advanced age seeks to draw our attention to the important role they play in our lives.

Vicki was born in New Zealand and obtained a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Otago in Classical Studies before going on to complete a Diploma in Craft Design at Otago Polytechnic School of Art in jewellery. After studying, she worked at Fluxus workshop/gallery with renowned Swiss goldsmith Kobi Bosshard. Vicki completed a Master of Philosophy degree (Research) in Gold and Silversmithing at the Australian National University in 2012. She runs a production practice, makes one-off works for exhibition, teaches and has been awarded many grants and awards. Her work is held in both public and private collections including the Powerhouse Museum Sydney, the Art Gallery of South Australia and Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts.