What do you do?
I’m a gold and silversmith. I make wearable jewellery using porcelain and silver, and I incorporate various mechanical elements to make pieces more interactive.
When did you get into it?
It wasn’t until my degree at the ANU School of Art that I really got started, but it’s definitely a craft that I’ve always been interested in – when I was little I would collect anything that looked like gold and hoard it in a stash under my bed. It finally got discovered when we moved house.
Who or what influences you as an artist?
I’m influenced by everything around me, in all mediums. Nature is a huge inspiration – it’s amazing that it can create such beautiful shapes and perfect lines.
What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far?
Finishing my first commissioned piece – an engagement ring – and knowing that I had the skills to put my study into practice.
What are your plans for the future?
To work less at my day job and devote more time to making. In the near future I’d like to finish setting up my workshop.
What makes you laugh?
Almost everything. I’ve been known to giggle way too much.
What pisses you off? Arrogance - you’ve got to be able to laugh at yourself.
What’s your opinion of the local scene?
There’s a lot of amazing stuff here if you look for it – if people hung around rather than moving away it would get even better.
What are your upcoming projects?
I’m in a group exhibition next year that explores the art of making and why different people make the things they do. In the meantime I’m setting up my business and taking on more commissions.
Contact info: janika51@hotmail.com
