Each individual jewellery design is handmade by artisan Jane Hodgetts in her studio in Hobart, Tasmania.
Jane has been making jewellery since 2004, though it is only since her return to her homeland of Tasmania in 2012 that she found the constant inspiration to create and make on a daily basis. Her earring collection grew so large that her jewellery business was 'accidentally' formed. With Bachelor Degrees in both Fine Arts and Teaching Jane has a hands on, yet intuitive, approach to creating work. She consistently uses her skills and insight as an artist, particularly the textures and mark making of a printmaker, to develop work that is far from the polished jewellery of the mainstream.
Jane aims for her work to show traces of process, irregular shapes, hammer marks, naturally patinaed brass and rubbed back painted surfaces. It is the acceptance of the imperfections in her work that she considers a subtle rebellion against the more polished mainstream, that she considers its strength and uniqueness. The asymmetry and imperfection challenge traditional practices of perfection, straight lines and high polish. Whilst still considering the formal language of art and design such as shape, form, line and texture it is the contrasts and contradictions that interest and influence Jane's work. The elegant and refined matched with the textured and worn.
"I want to consider the role of jewellery in relation to the act of collecting things (that can trigger memory and remind us of time passing) whilst challenging traditional concepts of what jewellery is."
Through subtle mark making via hammered surfaces, rubbed back paint and darkened patined metal Jane hopes to emphasise the idea of time passing, as if the jewellery has already had its own significant history. It may appear as if it has been dug up from the ground during an archaeological dig.
"It is important for me to remain authentic about my work practices and be true to who I am and what I want to make and wear. I will not follow trends or get pieces outsourced for mass production. I will always make with my hands and aim for my work to reflect a handmade aesthetic that comes from being true to the materials I use."
CV
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Teaching (Visual Arts), University of Melbourne, Victoria, 2002
Bachelor of Fine Arts, School of Art. University of Tasmania, Hobart, 1999
Access Arts- Further Education Art Studies Jewellery and 3-D Design, Centre of Adult Education, Melbourne, 2004
Jewellery Making- Continuation (stone setting), Adult Education, Hobart, 2015
PUBLICATIONS
2021 New Bracelets 400+ Contemporary Jewellery Designs, Estrada. N, Hoaki Books, Spain
AWARDS/GRANTS
2019 Jewellery Design Finalist: 2019 Design Tasmanian Award
2016 Top Ten Finalist: 2016 Design Tasmania Award
2016 Arts Tasmania Artist Investment ‘Developmental’ Grant (Financial assistance toward the making of new work)
2016 Tasmania Regional Arts Quick Response Grant (Financial assistance for Professional Development and research)
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2023 Difficult Terrain, Rosny School House Gallery, Hobart
2022 Bijouterie, A collection of jewellery & Objects, Artosaurus, Moonah
State of Flux Workshop: Revealing Process, Salamanca Arts Centre Lightbox, Hobart
2021 Connected Dialogues, Moonah Arts Centre, Hobart
State of Flux, Radiant Pavilion Jewellery Festival, The Boroughs, Melbourne
2020 Founding member of State of Flux Workshop, Salamanca Arts Centre, Hobart
Black and White, State of Flux Workshop
2019 Design Tasmania Award, Design Tasmania, Launceston
Artist in residence collaboration, Proof Space, Hobart
What’s in the drawer? Group Jewellery exhibition, Radiant Pavilion Festival, Small Space
Gallery, North Fitzroy, Melbourne
‘Relic’ at Contemporary Arts Tasmania Gallery store, North Hobart
Women’s Work, Kingborough Community Hub, Kingston
2017 Serendipity-Material Girl, Tasmanian Regional Arts Exhibition touring exhibition
2016 Design Tasmania Award, Design Tasmania, Launceston
Design Tasmania Award, 146 Art Space, Arts Tasmania, Hobart
The art of design at the maker with Belinda Winkler, Salamanca Arts Centre Lightbox, Hobart