JMGA Conference: Inherited Futures - Technologies to Trap Ideas
RMIT University
13-15 February 2004

Conference Paper Presentation
Beneath the Chrysanthemum Petal: The Assimilation of Laser Technology and Hand Crafts

Abstract
James Thrilling writes, ‘played out on the global stage, the history of ornament is a many-faceted drama of creation and renewal, remembering and forgetting.’ My work encompasses these notions, and in a sense looks at polarities of methods (handcraft versus machine technology) to signal a revolution in surface technique design.

The chrysanthemum is one of many recognisable floral art forms articulated on decorative art surfaces in East Asia. The surface ornamentation of these regional artefacts creates a language distinguished by the material, maker, and motif. The elaborate detail and expression inherent in these media, is a lost ritual of the past. The floral motifs used in East Asian arts reveal a system representative of meanings associated with non-pictorial idea or nuances. My jewellery is an amalgamation of these ideas. The embodiment of imagery, style, and form in my work is a collaboration of the visual style and representation of floral motifs, whilst using modern technologies for new translation in creative production.

Technology has assimilated itself into my creative output. The photocopier, scanner, computer, and laser engraver are employed as part of my jewellery practice. The images used in my jewellery design are derived directly from the ornamentation of lacquer ware dating as far as five thousand years back. They are photocopied, scanned, and manipulated using a graphics program. Applying graphic design/manipulation allows the visual to be interpreted in a contemporary context, yet the essences of these images are still maintained through the style of the pictorial language. The surface takes on a laser rendered style which is achievable through a computer laser engraver. I combine these components with silver smithing techniques to draw on work which reflects historically on a culture of lacquer in pursuit of contemporary jewellery wear. The laser engraver has become the most distinctive tool, crucial in my field of jewellery practice.