Drawing inspiration from process driven design, such as the early works of Dutch designer Emmy Van Leersum, jeweller Phoebe Porter has made a series of pieces investigating the bracelet form using cut and folded titanium sheet metal.

The title “Unfold” has a dual meaning –alluding to both Porter’s technique of folding sheet metal to create jewellery pieces and her attempt to reveal the making process to the audience. 

Connections and joins in the pieces are clearly expressed, highlighting the methods of construction used in each design. Porter’s making process is revealed to the audience by this expression of construction within the pieces themselves as well as through the inclusion of video documentation in the exhibition alongside the finished works.

“The project seeks to develop the audiences’ understanding of jewellery making and ultimately aims to highlight the real value of material things in our time of mass consumption. It has grown out of my observations about the limited understanding many people have of how things are actually made, as a result of doing much, if not all of their work in a virtual manner.”

“I’m thrilled that a series of pieces from this project, as well as an earlier design, have been acquired for the Powerhouse Museum collection and will be featured in the upcoming blockbuster exhibition A Fine Possession: Jewellery in Australia, Powerhouse Museum, Sydney.”

Exhibition dates: 
19 October – 1 December 2012, Craft Victoria, Melbourne

This project was assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.