Michelle Gauntlett - Jeweller - Artist

Perth Artist Michelle Gauntlett creates unique organically shaped and patterned metal art in the form of jewellery, spoons, cups and sculptural shapes. She works mostly in fine silver, sterling silver and copper, hand working the flat metal into the desired form then finishing them with hand raised and rolled patterns and varying patinas. Michelle Gauntlett gets inspiration from the patterns in nature, and the diversity of people, their ideas, and the notion of a shared visual language creating a connection not otherwise possible.

Artist Statement

The alchemy of working in metal and the creative processes involved in making by hand are particularly important to me. I believe these hand wrought items to be like links connecting traditions with the maker and the wearer. In 2013 whilst working with Master Goldsmith Phillip Noakes at the Contemporary Metal Studio, my focus was on the techniques of hammering and raising forms in silver, copper and brass. These techniques are prominently used in my work and have been further developed over the years.

Education

• Western Australian Institute Technology  - Foundation Design 1981
• Carine TAFE - Diploma Visual Art - Drawing Textiles Jewellery 1985
• Edith Cowan University - BA Visual Art & Craft - Printmaking Textiles & Jewellery 1991
• ECU - Graduate Diploma of Education Art Specialist 2000
• Central Tafe - Jewellery (part-time) 2008-2012
• Contemporary Metal Studio - Hammering & Raising (Phillip Noakes) 2013
• Dardanup Art Trail Jenni Doherty Studio Gallery, Ferguson Valley 2012
• Art Extraordinaire Bunbury Catholic College September 2012
• Salon D'Elan Group Show 464 Smartspace November 2012
• Dardanup Art Trail Jenni Doherty Studio Gallery, Ferguson Valley 2013
• Art to Where 464 SmartSpace Northbridge, 2013