Pinch Pin by Susan McGinness

I am excited to share that work 'Pinch Pin' has been selected for the Contemporary Wearables Biennial Jewellery Award and Exhibition 2017 at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery. 

'Contemporary Wearables Biennial Jewellery Award and Exhibition recognises and promotes innovation in design and use of materials in the creation of contemporary jewellery and adornment. Inaugurated in 1989, the award continues to attract entries from prominent and emerging artists in Australia and New Zealand.'  

I have included my entry below along with my artist statement and description to give you some further insight into my jewellery practice. 

Through the medium of jewellery I am able to develop pieces that prompt an interpretation from the viewer.  This enables the perception of each piece to further develop as the wearer  influences the jewellery as the piece is worn. 

My design is informed by the concept of the Rorschach inkblot test, which is well known for its association with perception and memory. The process of creating these tests has influenced my designs through the tactile nature of paint materials that have been pressed together.  This process produces details that have a random make-up and appear to be organically grown from nature. The patterns that are created through this process have a clear symmetry that manifest themselves in a fossil-like snapshot of organic matter. These characteristics invite the wearer to engage with the piece on their own terms. Jewellery has provided an ideal medium to explore the manner in which wearable objects operate on both an aesthetic and relational levels.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The Pinch pin explores the influence of the organically produced pattern via a three dimensional design. The initial pattern was created using flat steel plates and a thin layer of white paint. This contrast of material gave the organic pattern depth and shape that influenced the three dimensional design.  Each side of the pin pinches the garment as it is worn. This enables the wearer to incorporate the piece into their own style. The neutrality of the black finish puts the emphasis on the shape and form of the pin.  Whilst the design process creates random and fragile organic patterns, their manufacture into functional and durable jewellery pieces has been possible through the use of computer-aided technologies.