Raw and Refined is an exhibition of new work exploring the dualities of raw and worked, natural and cultural, and material and meaning. The project explores refinement both as an artistic act, distilling ideas and forms to their essence, and as a material process in which raw elements are transformed to become workable.

For this series, Phoebe Porter contrasts unaltered natural specimens, including native gold and uncut gemstones, with her signature precision-made components refined by mining, alloying, cutting and finishing. Through careful construction methods, the natural materials are preserved in their original state, creating a striking conceptual and visual dialogue between the raw and highly refined elements.

This exhibition asks what makes jewellery truly precious. Beyond material rarity, the project considers the importance of artistic intent, skilled craftsmanship and personal meaning. The exhibition positions the handmade as an act of creative dissent: insisting on skill, deliberation and intentionality, and highlighting the cultural value of thoughtful design.

This project has been supported by the CAPO Robert Foster Memorial Award, the ACT Government City of Design Project Fund and Canberra Airport.