Project Description
I made a series of brooches titles ‘Charred Koala- Hanging on’ in response to the 2019 bush fires. Ancient forest and animal habitat cannot be quickly replaced. The koala is frequently used as a symbol of Australia. It is widely recognisable and its image embodies much more than just a reference to an animal, it is firmly entwined with how Australia presents its identity. My aim was to get the brooches to travel to raise awareness. I made them from reused copper and designed them so the metals can be easily retrieved. I also ensured that they are able to travel in an envelope for efficiency.
My brooches were selected for inclusion in two different significant events:
-Jewellery and Nature exhibition 6 November to 31 December 2021 at Tincal Lab in Portugal. The exhibition featured works by 79 jewellers from 29 countries.
-Meanings & Messages a touring exhibition focussed on brooches, “as they form the ideal jewellery archetype for conveying meanings and messages. Brooches can be subversive and are often used by people in the public eye, by political figures or sovereignty to convey important messages. These messages may be hidden, subtle or occasionally more of an overt protest!”
The exhibition toured 6 venues in the United Kingdom
St Georges Arts Centre – Gravesham Borough Council – in partnership with LV21 – 30 April – 29 May 2022
Exeter University – Conference Pop Up exhibition – 1 – 3 July 2022
Vittoria Street Gallery – Birmingham School of Jewellery – 19 September – 28 October 2022
Mission Gallery in partnership with Swansea College of Art – 19 November – 21 December 2022
The Goldsmiths’ Centre – 9 January – 24 February 2023
New Brewery Arts – 14 April – 18 June 2023
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
The aesthetic of the brooches was not typical of my work, but the political nature was.
The charred koala proved effective at communicating their vulnerability. The exhibition curators reported back that the brooches were very popular and thought provoking, raising the plight of koalas.
Outcomes to Date
The brooches have toured to 7 International venues. For the 6 UK venues an accompanying educational program included a popular children’s’ educational program that featured my koala. Also a tactile version for handling was also included for vision impaired. These additional components extended the audience engagement with the plight of koalas. The images of my works have been widely shared on social media, and with the image the awareness of the vulnerability of the our native species.
Project Significance
In 2019 bushfires raged in eastern Australia continuing into 2020 leaving ancient forests, natural scrub, farmlands and townships were devastated in their wake. Thick smoke blanketed the east coast and travelled as far as New Zealand.
Ancient forest and animal habitat cannot be quickly replaced. Images of charred wildlife trying to escape drew attention to how few options there were once their natural habitat is gone.
The charred koala represents all of the animals (humans included) that are depending on Australians to protect their future.
The koala is frequently used as a symbol of Australia. It is widely recognisable and its image embodies much more than just a reference to an animal, it is firmly entwined with how Australia presents its identity.
In 2022 the koala was listed as endangered.
The specific goals I was addressing were 13 Climate Action (call to action), 15 Life on Land (raising awareness) and 12 Responsible Consumption and Production (reused metal, designed for easy material retrieval).
Related Link
External link to https://www.elizabethshawjewelleryobjects.com/charredkoala.html