Showcase Gallery

About this showcase:

Carolyn Barker makes jewellery with a story, wearable art with a connection to time, place and the environment. Her pieces are pure sophistication with an edge of eco. Deftly using scrubbed silver, gold, ‘shakudo’ (copper and gold), ‘shibuichi‘(copper and silver) and other precious metals and stone, Carolyn channels inspiration from her surroundings, emphasising Australian and reclaimed materials. Japanese and European metalsmithing techniques are combined to create elegant treasures in an eye-catching palette of greys rarely seen in western jewellery. Though much of her metalsmithing is bespoke, her collections highlight her personal practice. The pieces she makes for fun most often reflect her environment. They are personal mementos, souvenirs, curios of places and objects that captured her attention–moments to be shared. As far as possible Carolyn works with Australian and/or recycled materials, using metals re-refined rather than newly mined, and Australian stone.

Relevant education & experience:
Eight years of practice. Self trained with guidance from amazing metalsmiths: John Foley, Matt Dwyer (Fio Contemporary), Rita Williams (Sunstate Jewellers) and Jim Kelso.