Sentiments in silver

Images of India translate into this talented jewellery artist’s designs, based on her unique experiences of the country

She is an artist who appreciates the environment, and uses relevant imagery and material to create contemporary pieces of jewellery. Meet Marian Hosking renowned artist, dedicated academic and proud Australian. For Marian, making jewellery is a vehicle for her sentiments and memories, where the use of identical or similar elements becomes a metaphor. Her forte is rendering nature unto metal, mainly silver. Working primarily with the Australian environment, Marian claims that a part of her practice is diaristic in nature, drawing influences from her travels around the globe. Marian talks to Indian Link, describing the joys of exploring the fabrics, textiles and architecture of Northern India.

“Travelling and teaching in India has been a very stimulating visual and cultural experience. The diverse and rich culture especially the architecture and craft practices, have had a lasting impact on me,” she reveals.

“I was moved by the patterns, colours and textures of decorative art in India,” says Marian, elaborating on her experiences in India. “I travelled to India in 2004 to teach at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad. I went back to Delhi in 2007 to be part of an exhibition that originated out of RMIT. On that trip, I travelled to tourist destinations like Agra, Udaipur and Jaipur. And I went back again recently to attend the Abhushan Jewellery Summit run by the World Craft Council. In each trip I was amazed at the diversity of people and the rich architecture of the buildings that I visited. I returned and made some small vessels as a mark of respect, and in response to the things that I experienced in India,” she added.

“My approach to jewellerymaking is very Australian; however when I travel around the world, some of my experiences seep into my work. After my trip to India I started using gems in my designs, and also beads that I bought back with me. I am happy to see that India has recently seen an upsurge in the making of contemporary jewellery designs that draw on the country’s tradition and heritage,” says Marian, airing her opinion on the making of Indian jewellery.

Marian has been a jeweller and craft educator for over forty years. She recalls the hippy popularity for Indian clothes and accessories in the 1970s, when traditional Indian clothes were imported in vast quantities and were colourful and not very expensive. “In the past decade I have noticed an increase in the number of Australian designers and craftspeople who are travelling to India and either working very closely with artisans or buying homewares and fashion from companies established in India that specialise in quality goods utilising traditional craft techniques and materials. Obviously Indian artisans and craftspeople have skills and a decorative tradition which is greatly admired in Australia,” says Marian. She has also travelled, taught, studied and exhibited her work in Europe, the United States, Korea, Japan, China and India. Marian has won several awards and her work was exhibited at the Living Treasures: Masters of Australian Craft in 2007. She also won the National Contemporary Jewellery Award in the Precious Metal category in Griffith, NSW and was honoured by the Australian Council Fellowship in 2009/2010. Marian has held numerous exhibitions of her work around the world, and her creations are available in Gallery Funaki in Melbourne and the Galerie Ra in Amsterdam.

Marian was also among the four artists chosen to be a part of an upcoming artists in residence programme in Canberra titled ‘Talking Waters’. The programme will promote and showcase

Canberra’s distinct natural and cultural landscape leading up to the state’s centenary in 2013.

Besides creating jewellery and heading the Department of Fine Arts in Monash University, Marian likes to spend time bushwalking and swimming. Art is hidden in Nature and she likes to spend a lot of time exploring the great outdoors. “It is easy for me as an artist, as there is so much out there in Nature that can inspire me. There is always something that will motivate me to continue making more jewellery,” she said in conclusion.

Working primarily with the Australian environment, Marian claims that a part of her practice is diaristic in nature, drawing influences from her travels around the globe.

I am happy to see that India has recently seen an upsurge in the making of contemporary jewellery designs that draw on the country’s tradition and heritage