Gretal Ferguson: Artist Statement & Bio

Gretal Ferguson creates conceptual exhibition work using traditional craft skills in a sculptural setting, challenging the utilitarian traditions of her craft while honouring what came before. With the material process an integral part of her conceptual motivation, Ferguson embraces the arduous nature of silversmithing, using the hours of hammering to explore the work both aesthetically and conceptually, allowing it to unfold in a way it wouldn’t if the process was quick and less laborious.

After completing a music degree and travelling the world, Gretal gave into her ever-present passion for making and enrolled in Jewellery and Object Design at Design Centre, Enmore in Sydney. Not wanting to commit to a 2 year course she only payed for the first 6 months. 4 years later she emerged with an Advanced Diploma, 1 year residency and multiple graduate awards. Not yet sick of study Gretal decided to further her education by completing her Masters of Jewellery, Silversmithing, and Related Products at Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery in the UK. Upon her return to Australia Gretal was accepted into the Associate Program at JamFactory in Adelaide, working out of the Jewellery and Metal Studio where she had the time and space to develop work for several local and international exhibitions.  She has now established her own studio in Adelaide.

Her recent achievements are – Finalist of the MAKE Award, Australia; winner of the Robert Foster F!nk National Metal Prize, Australia; winner of the Helge Larsen Award, JMGA Profile ‘22 Jewellery, Object, and Metalsmithing Award; finalist in the 2022 International Silver Triennial Germany; honorable mention in the 2020 New Taipei City International Metal Craft Competition, Taiwan; finalist in the KOGEI Award, Japan. She has received a 2 month artist residency in 2022 at DIVA Museum's atelier in Antwerp Belgium, 

Gretal Ferguson: CV August, 2024 Download