When considering the question of process for metalsmiths one immediately considers the physical techniques involved in producing a piece of jewellery or an object. But without the creative process – the psychological, emotional, and cognitive processes necessary to develop an idea – there would be no physical outcome. Buderim artist and metalsmith Christine Oreilly creates jewellery and small objects, wearable and non-wearable, experiencing intimately the developing nature of those around her.
Born in 1958, raised in a rural surrounding, with both parents working on the farm; Christine has experienced an element of nature and the ‘organic life’ which has influenced her pieces dramatically. Christine has trodden down many a path venturing for success. Initially a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Queensland held her interest for seven years before beginning an art based career. Christine discovered metalsmithing following her enrolment in a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Queensland College of Art. Christine had intended to pursue painting and drawing as her chosen fields of artistic expression however, “when I walked into the Jewellery and Small Objects department on the first day I was totally taken by my feeling of ease and comfort in the environment and the process of working with metal, that I chose to pursue this”.
The inspiration for her works is based on observations of her natural surroundings combined with a keen interest in the process of change. “My family and the environment around me are my base inspirations”. Through watching nature evolve each season, and each member of her family grow and change over time, Christine observes ample sources to establish the dynamics behind her processes and thus, the motivation for her work.
Christine has developed her standing within the artistic world, expressing her talent through many exhibitions. Her first involvement in a major exhibition took the form of a Travelling Scholarship in 2008 – “my first involvement in a major exhibition allowed me to push the boundaries of my work and address a given concept”. In 2009, Christine developed her first solo exhibition, Portal, through which she was able to delve into her artistic thoughts and express that she was and what her work resembled, the way she wanted it. The body of work produced for Portal included wearable and non-wearable item of jewellery in silver, copper, and a touch of gold. While also working with Aluminium, Christine carries out her exploratory works in copper and Aluminium prior to converting to silver. The rationale for the exhibition expressed her inner most thoughts regarding her conceptual basis for producing her pieces – “the boundary between interior and exterior is neither the inside nor the outside, but partakes of both, and it is that from which something begins. The interior is a site for transformations arising from the intimacies and intricacies of inclusion and exclusion. It is the point of transition”. “The works in Portal were a response to continued explorations into the process of personal change, the boundary between what we internalize and what we externalize, and the sense of ongoing development necessary to evolve - a concept I have been addressing for some time now. It explores the interior as a site for transformations arising from the intimacies and intricacies of inclusion and exclusion, a space of closeness and intimacy which speaks of the self, and the exterior as a surface reflecting evidence of engagement with the interior. Both outside and inside are volatile conditions which emanate from the boundary, and our awareness of the boundary between our interior and exterior self is contingent upon the attention we bring to it and our ability to alter its shape and position.”
“The conceptual basis of the works is realized in attention to the processes of surface manipulation in the form of folding, etching, and repeated layers of imprinting, explorations into colour and oxidization utilizing the application of heat, and producing the final overall body of works in series.”
Self-curated, Point, is her latest exhibition, opening on the fourth of November, 2011. Point, will examine the motivation for the practice of metalsmithing by several regional metalsmiths, displaying their works in the Noosa Regional Gallery. “It is a vehicle to promote connectedness and support on a regional basis, bringing together metalsmiths with varying educational, professional, and artistic backgrounds, to present a body of work reflecting concepts intrinsic to themselves as individuals, which define their practice, yet speak as one, as a regional body of metalsmiths”.
Christine stated, in 2009, “doing a solo exhibition has been one of my goals post University; very challenging and a little nerve racking to say the least!” Professional influences include Marian Hosking and Nicky Hepburn, two contemporary Australian metalsmiths.
It is evident that she is well on her way to succeeding in her goal of integration within her community and becoming an artist who expresses her niche the way she wants it. “I owe my persistence and tenacity to my first teacher in art, Peter Livingstone, who, when I was faced with my own self-doubt said ‘you didn’t think this was going to be easy did you?’ It is my motivation to work through my frustrations and to continue to seek and learn”.
- Sarah Oreilly
- Christines works are on display in the Noosa Regional Gallery, Queensland, annually -
Portal Cuff No. 1. 2009. Sterling Silver, oxidized. Photographer Ben Stone.
Portal Cuff No. 2. 2009. Sterling Silver, oxidized. Photographer Ben Stone.
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