Stephen Robb Designs

Best Happy Holidays

2011-12-28T17:25:00.001-08:00

Hellow to everyone who loggs on and reads my occasional posts.

I wish you all a great holiday and a wonderful new year when it arrives.

I'm already looking forward to a great new year filled with creativeity, travel and beautiful objects.

Best wishses, and I'll blogg to you all again next year.

Till next time, over and out.

Waste Jewellery Disposal Unit

2011-11-14T18:40:00.001-08:00

I created this brush brooch and jewellery box in reaction to all the thoughtless, mass-produced jewellery in the world.

Any such unwanted jewellery can be placed into the Waste Jewellery receptacle in preparation for its revivification or recycling.

The brush brooch can be used to sweep any fragments of broken jewellery into the receptacle, ensuring maximised sustainability and outcome of the process.

a Waste Jewellery Disposal Unit is a must have for all environmentally conscious lovers of jewellery everywhere.

Spin the Set

2011-11-14T18:33:00.000-08:00

These vessels and related trays are directly inspired by spinning tops in both form and function.
The traditional spinning top design of the Dredel was the starting point for this project. This top is used to play gambling games at Hanukkah, this aspect of play led me to make a set of pieces which could be used to enjoyably prolong a coffee meeting between friends after the conversation has dried up, simply by those gathered playing with the table ware.

All pieces are Chrome plated copper.

2011-11-07T20:47:00.000-08:00

New Work Coming Soon

2011-10-27T01:28:00.000-07:00

Here is Aa sneak preview of some new work which is hot off the press which I will be telling you about over the coming weeks.

For a friend

2011-10-07T01:59:00.000-07:00

A very good Friend of mine has taken the Huge step of marring her man.

He had given her a pair of silver and topaz earrings during their courtship which she had decided to wear on the big day. She decided she needed something to relate with them and very kindly asked me to make her a pendant using the same materials to complete a set.

Thank you Ann, for asking me to make a piece of jewellery for such a landmark day in your life, it was an honour and I hope it is a pleasant reminder of the joy you shared with all you friends and family that remarkable day.

From Sacred Sustenance

2011-10-05T01:31:00.001-07:00

One of my most recent pieces, is this brooch which has its origins in the pomegranate fruit.

Whilst doing a project on survival I decided that both physical and spiritual sustenance were needed for survival. I chose the pomegranate for its links with Buddha. The legend has it that whilst fasting and meditating during his quest for enlightenment Buddha would eat only one seed from the pomegranate tree under which he sat.

This brooch is a charm of sorts. A physical reminder for the wearer that one's survival is dependant a balanced diet of physical food and spiritual and mental good health.

Gold in a Pan

2011-08-03T03:29:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of my FIRST gold purchase. It was a special and exciting moment for me, as now I feel like I really can say that I am a Gold and Silversmith.

Weighing in at 2 grams of 24 carat gold there isn't quite enough form me to make a ring from it yet (which my aunt has placed an order for). I feel this project would be a fitting tribute to these special yellow grains of metal because it would require that I use so many of my Goldsmithing skills.

Up for Auction

2011-07-24T01:11:00.000-07:00

Here it is Ladies and gentlemen, my latest work. This sterling silver ring - topped with a stylishly crown set cubic zirconia - is my donation to the RMIT Gold and Silversmithing Fund-raiser Auction.

To see this piece and many more besides, head to Trades Hall at 5:30pm on the 11th of August to view the complete range which will be up for Auction.

Gold and Silversmithing Fund Raiser Auction

2011-07-23T01:38:00.000-07:00

Its Auction time again! Well, not quite...but the RMIT Gold and Silversmithing Auction 2011 is coming up on the 11th of August at the Bella Union Bar - Trades Hall. Viewing of the fantastic jewellery donated by students and professional Melbourne contemporary jewellers starts at 5:30pm. Or if you can't wait till then follow the link below to get sneak peak of the jewels which will be up for sale.

http://rmit-g-and-s-auction2011.blogspot.com/

This is a great opportunity to start or continue your jewellery collection.

Wholeness

2011-06-16T06:31:00.000-07:00

This Jewellery piece is an exploration into symbiotic relationships. The relationship between the parts of the piece to each other and the relationship of the brooch to the wearer and the wholeness which springs into being when all the interdependent parts come together.

Without the metal appendages which slide into the housing of the shell structure of the brooch back, the piece is incomplete. Likewise, without the brooch back the patinated metal components (these could be called the brooches perhaps?) are unwearable. The coming together of the pieces brings the Object/s into a state of wholeness which is both physical and visual.

If we follow this line of thinking, the brooch isn't a brooch until it is worn. Before a person pins it to their coat, it is just an object with potential. When worn, this potential is realised, the object becomes jewellery; a Brooch.

Transforming Trees

2011-06-13T02:20:00.000-07:00

These images are from Pakistan and were taken after the recent wide-spread flooding (but not by me). What your looking at are trees which millions spiders climbed into in their bid for survival. Because the flood waters have taken so long to recede the spiders have cocooned the trees in their webs.

2011-05-03T16:24:00.000-07:00

Public Displays of Attention

An exhibition of contemporary jewellery by Claire McArdle

10-21 May, Opening 10th May 5.30-7.30pm
First Site Gallery, 360 Swanston Street, Melbourne

Shoe no longer walking

2011-04-29T06:43:00.000-07:00

The power of abandoned objects.

This image immediately had me asking questions. Who owned the shoe? Why would they leave just one shoe behind? What is such a dainty slipper doing in a grungy part of town?

After speaking with the artist - a good friend of mine - it turns out that this shoe has had a bit of a Cinderella experience. The photo was taken on new years day, in Milan. Evidently some time during the previous nights celebrations it was lost to the Italian streets.

This information raises new questions even as it offers up possible answers.

Photo by Inari Kiuru

http://www.inarikiuru.blogspot.com/

Baby Elephant Hike

2011-03-29T06:12:00.000-07:00

Pendant - Sterling Silver, neoprene; oxidised.

Brooch - Sterling silver, stainless steel; engraved, oxidised.

Casting Caverns

2011-03-01T22:36:00.000-08:00

Check out a stage by stage review of the making of this piece at: powertoolplaytime.blogspot.com

sterling silver, leather, cast, fabricated, painted, varnished oxidised.

2011-02-27T21:50:00.000-08:00

Before its put together a piece always looks so wonderful. Neat, accurate, delicate and ephemeral.

The components which make up a jewel are often more interesting than the finished piece. the relationship of each part to the next and to the idea of the whole, finished piece as it will be in the future are intriguing. The components - all neatly laid out - make visible the intentionality in the thought process which will define the end product.

More thoughts on this latter perhaps.

Lend Me your Ears! Official Announcement

2011-02-24T04:32:00.000-08:00

You are welcome to view a new two part exhibition at MAILBOX 141

lend me your ears is curated by Dianne Beevers

& features new work by 38 contemporary jewellers

opening Thursday 3 March 5.30pm

open for viewing from Tuesday 1 March

MAILBOX 141

Entrance, 141 - 143 Flinders Lane Melbourne

between Russell Street and Oliver Lane

Mon/Fri 8am-6pm Sat 10-5pm

contact
martinacopley@bigpond.com 0408 110 109
shanleymcburney@hotmail.com 0408 345 491
MAIL 362 Richardson Street Middle Park 3206

blogspot www.mailbox-141.artabase.net

Lend Me your Ears!

2011-02-22T01:50:00.001-08:00

Above: detail of earring by Stephen Robb

Lend Me Your Ears is an exhibition of earrings at Mail Box 141 on Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD, by the Melbourne based research jewellery group Part-B. The show is in conjunction with the L'oréal Fashion Week.

Look for more details in the L'oréal Fashion week's program and on the Part-B website:

http://part-b.crimsoncactus.net/part%20b.html

Carving Wax like you've never seen before

2011-01-17T23:58:00.000-08:00

Check this out for some amazing wax carving action!

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=k7OjRYQAm64

Friendship Tree

2011-01-13T21:36:00.000-08:00

I have just found out about this studio store and I think its great. Its so good to see that there are still people out there making soft toys for kids by hand.

The Friendship Tree studio store is in Northcote, Victoria.

Just copy the URL below to your browser and head to their website for more information on where to find them and to check out pictures of the great range of children's toys, dolls houses and felt art and more.

http://www.thefriendshiptree.com.au/pages/catalogue/wee-folk-amp-dolls.php

Hanging out with you

2011-01-01T16:09:00.000-08:00

Earrings, sterling silver.

February Lovers

2010-12-23T01:50:00.000-08:00

Earrings, sterling silver.

Buda Silver Exhibition

2010-12-04T16:41:00.000-08:00

Some exciting news! The pieces below have been selected to be shown at the 11th Annual Silver Exhibition at Buda Historic House & Garden, Castlemaine. So to see the pieces in real-space, take a day trip on the train and enjoy the show.

For more information head to:

http://www.budacastlemaine.org/welcome.html

Part-B Burgled!

2010-11-17T05:01:00.000-08:00

Find out the full story at: http://part-b.crimsoncactus.net/blog/

A Romance with Freidrich

2010-11-12T04:07:00.001-08:00

This dyad of rings are A Romance with Friedrich. Developed from three paintings by the romantic artist Casper David Friedrich, abstracted and interpreted as hand objects. They eco the dusky tones and melancholic wonder of this past artist's moody portrayal of the wilderness.

The shadows cast by these rings are as much a part of the rings as the materials used to create them, as light is an important part of the subject matter in Friedrich's paintings.

Dove & Elm Under Moonlight

Acrylic, Nickel Silver, Sterling Silver, Moonstone

Alter Under Moonlight

Cubic Zirconia, Gilding Metal, Nickel Silver, Sterling Silver.

Eame's Vessel On Display

2010-11-12T04:01:00.001-08:00

The Finished Eame's Vessel as Displayed at First Site Gallery 2010.

Also In this Image: two rings by Ally McNaughton.

RMIT 2010 Fisrt & Second Year ExhibitionArtists

2010-11-12T03:46:00.000-08:00

These Photos Show that entirety of the RMIT 2010 Fisrt & Second Year Exhibition, Held at Melbourne's First Site Gallery.

Jewellery of Place

2010-11-10T16:07:00.000-08:00

This series of tree rings relates specifically to a lookout in the township of Olinda.

This ring describes the route the traveler can take to get to the lookout. The brass wires represent the Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd and Ridge Rd, the main road up the mountain from Montrose and Lilydale, on one side and Chalet Rd which leads from the Town ship to the lookout itself.

Brass, sterling silver.

This ring depicts the view of Lilydale and the Donnabuang ranges as seen from the lookout.

Copper, sterling silver.

The brass wire on the inside of this wring describes the course of one of the many walking tracks which winds its way through the Rj Hamer Arboretum.

Brass, copper, sterling silver.

Eame's Vessel

2010-10-23T02:35:00.001-07:00

Plywood chairs by Charles and Ray Eames.

This vessel was inspired by a stack of plywood school chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames.

Above you can see the vessel's components before assembly.

Brass, Gilding Metal.

Beatle Wings

2010-04-17T00:48:00.000-07:00

Romanesco Jewellery for Men

2010-03-21T03:41:00.000-07:00

Here it is, Ladies and Gentlemen, the range of men's jewellery is finally out of the workshop and out in public.

I give you - Romanesco, Jewellery for Men.

Cufflinks

Rings

Earrings for the Mrs...

Range available in 9ct Gold and Sterling Silver.

Austin Healey Owners Club Comission

2010-01-19T20:25:00.000-08:00

These two photos show one of two identical hand made lapel pins which were commissioned by the Box Hill Austin Healey Owners Club.
They are made from (925) Sterling Silver.
The pins will be awarded to longstanding members who have performed outstanding service and their contributions to the club.

Studio Ingot Outstanding Student Award.

2009-11-14T18:45:00.000-08:00

A big Tnak You to all my teachers and Sarah Ross from Studio Ingot, for selecting me for the Studio Ingot Outstanding Student Award. I am thrilled and very grateful to have my work acknowledged in such a generous and amazing way.

Thank You all once again.

Peep Show

2009-11-06T21:14:00.000-08:00

Stephen Robb and his colleagues from Box Hill Institute have joined together to create a new Jewellery and Metal Smithing co-operative; The Body Corporate.

Come see their inaugural post graduation exhibition; Peep Show, at Melbourne's
Self Preservation.

Dates: 23rd Nov to 29th Nov
24th Nov; Opening Night 6 - 8pm

Venue: Self Preservation, 70 Bourke St, Melbourne
Web: selfpreservation.com.au

Self Preservation is open during normal trading hours.

So Come, take a Peep and enjoy the Show.

The Box Hill Institute Graduate Exhibition

2009-11-01T21:08:00.000-08:00

I will be graduating my Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Jewellery) in a week! Naturally my class and I will be exhibiting at the graduate exhibition, organized by Box Hill Institute.

The Exhibition will be held at Box Hill Town Hall (lower), situated on 1022 Whitehorse Rd Box Hill, Melbourne, Victoria, 3128.

Dates: 12 - 16 Nov

Opening Hours: Thursday 12 Nov; 12 - 6pm

Friday 13 - Sunday 15; 12 - 4pm

Monday 16; 12 - 6pm

Come along and see the diverse range of contemporary jewellery and metal smithing on display, not to mention some brilliant custom made display cases.

Materialise....The Body Corporate

2009-11-01T21:03:00.000-08:00

Stratum Textile Art Group and The Body Corporate have come together to present;

Materialise....The Body Corporate
An exhibition of Textile Art and Contemporary Jewellery and Metal Smithing.

Held at Whitehorse Art Space; situated in the Box Hill Town Hall, the exhibition is a meeting of two art forms. With distinct ideals of materiality, the exhibition offers an enriching contrast, as the hard metal and stones of the jewellery converse with the softness and array colour presented by the textile artworks.

Walk amongst the cases and view the journey of each artist's work as you wend your way down the parth of art and design.

Dates: 12th Nov - 28thNov

Open: Tuesday & Friday 10pm - 3pm

Wednesday & Thursday 9 am- 5pm

Week Ends 12pm - 4pm

Venue: Whitehorse Art Space, Box Hill Town Hall
1022 Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill
www.boxhilltownhall.com.au

Sneak Preview

2009-10-18T22:48:00.001-07:00

At the end of this year I will be launching my first range of jewellery - for Men.

The picture shown here is of a prototype I made for the range.

Come along down to The Graduate Exhibition at Box Hill Town Hall to see the exciting new range on display.

Dates: 12 - 16 Nov
Exhibition Opening Hours: Thursday 12 Nov; 12 - 6pm

Friday 13 - Sunday 15; 12 - 4pm

Monday 16; 12 - 6pm

Stay posted for updates about the release of this range and where it will be stocked.

DIA Student Design Competition

2009-10-18T22:31:00.001-07:00

Upper Cut Hill Brooch

Back View

These are the brooches I made from the designs I drew up the the DIA Student Sustai

nable Design Awards.

This Brooch and its partner are a visual comment on the logging industry in Victoria and around the world. My aim was to portray the utter devastation wrought by clear felling methods and the complete lack of sustainable thinking by logging industry executives.

Upper Cut brooch

In an attempt to be as sustainable as possible in the actual production of the brooches, i chose materials that are either found locally, recycled or are able to be easily recycled or refined. the Brooch depicted on the far left is made from copper (easily refined) and recycled news paper. The Brooch on the right is made from copper and locally found eucalyptus timber.

These Two Pieces relate to a pair of posters which were the actual submission to the DIA Student Design Awards. Here they are below. Click to see a larger image.

Graphic Design by: Puneet Jodhka.

My first Commission

2009-10-18T22:13:00.001-07:00

Sterling Silver piercing free Earring 2009.

This earring is the piece i made for my first ever commission.

Tis earring is made entirely form (925) sterling silver and doesn't require a piercing to be worn, instead it wraps around your ear and is very comfortable.

the client, Angela Costello a fashion designer who had created a fabulous formal dress themed around Cat Woman. The designer wanted earrings to go with the dress, the model however didn't have pierced ears. So i presented Angela with a design that i had come up with during the first year of my Diploma - the piercing free earring. Angela liked the design a lot as did the model.

I took my inspiration for the piece from the formal dress itself and also the photos of Cat Women I found during research into supper heroes. With such a rich inspiration I decided to indulge my slightly more extravagant ideas and made the bold, simple and elegant earring pictured above.

The original design 2008.

Here I am!

2009-10-18T21:17:00.000-07:00

Hi folks I finally caught up with the 21st century!

Stay Tuned to this page to see all the stuff that i've been working on over the past two years, as well as my future endeavors.