A quiet achievement in fine art

A reflection on beauty with subtle design was the inspiration behind a series of necklaces that have placed third in the prestigious Japanese 2011 Itami Craft Exhibition.

The necklaces, entitled A Quiet Conversation, were created by two Monash University alumni, Sarah Hudson and Pennie Elliott, who collaborated on the project in the University’s studios.  Sarah and Pennie both completed their Bachelor of Fine Art, majoring Metals and Jewellery, in 2010.

“Receiving the Itami Prize is an incredible honour for both of us. We realised when studying together that we each have our own individual methods, materials and designs that complement each other and we felt we could take our partnership further; the Itami Exhibition was the perfect outlet,” Pennie said.

“Our necklaces focus on the repeated process of creating over a period of time, combining hand coloured porcelain, silver and gold. They consist of hundreds of unique, irregular pieces that join together without interruption, in a state of harmony, balance and quietude,” Sarah said.

Their work was selected from among 400 entries from across the world to be one of the 84 works exhibited, and one of only nine to receive an award.

Since graduating both designers have remained active in their fields.

Sarah has been working to establish her own ceramics practice, while selling her work at selected galleries including the Queensland Art Gallery, Heide Museum of Modern Art and the Art Design & Architecture Faculty Gallery. A collection of her work will soon also be available at Potier Gallery, Melbourne with an exhibition to take place in 2012.

Pennie is due to complete her Diploma of Education this year. She plans to commence teaching next year and to continue to develop her own studio practice.

Each year the Itami exhibition alternates its theme between jewellery and sake. In 2010 Sarah’s bamboo-themed Sake Vessels also won the Itami Award.

“My sake vessels have been on display at the Art Design & Architecture Gallery. It’s been an amazing experience to have received the Itami Prize for two consecutive years,” Sarah said.