SALTY . SAILOR . LOVER opening night

Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate the opening night of SALTY . SAILOR . LOVER. For those of you who couldn't make it, the show will continue over the festive season, so be sure to pop in! 

SALTY . SAILOR . LOVER by Lauren Webster > Opening Night

Metalab is excited to invite you to the opening night of 'SALTY . SAILOR . LOVER' - an exhibition of artworks by Lauren Webster and jewellery by Metalab.

As Metalab's current Artist in Residence, Lauren has been developing a new body of work, transforming our space with her quirky and painstakingly detailed pen illustrations and wire artworks. 

For this event, Metalab has created an exclusive collection of jewellery inspired by Lauren’s art. The team have drawn reference to the vibrant cocktail of pastel and neon colours, skulls and nautical themes explored in Lauren's work.

The fruits of this shared dialogue will be revealed and for sale on opening night - just in time to celebrate Christmas with us!

Please join us for opening night drinks on Thursday 29th November 2012 from 6pm - 8pm at Metalab - 10b Fitzroy Place, Surry Hills, 2010.

'SALTY . SAILOR . LOVER' continues at Metalab until January 31st 2013. 

Lauren Webster > Sketchbook

As Lauren Webster begins her residency here at Metalab, we are loving not only her finished illustrations, but are also enticed by the scribbles and scrawls we found in her sketchbook.

As the Metalab team begin to create an exclusive collection of jewellery inspired by Lauren's artwork, we think these sketches are the perfect starting point!

"SALTY . SAILOR . LOVER" by Lauren Webster

Metalab is eager to announce Sydney based artist and illustrator Lauren Webster as our Artist in Residence to take us through the silly season. 

Lauren will transform our space with her quirky hand drawn illustrations and wire artworks. Over the summer, Lauren will develop a new body of work – here at Metalab. Exhibited alongside her current work, these new pieces will map Lauren’s evolving creative process. Her work is bound to change and develop over this time so be sure to pop in and check it out!

Lauren’s work is defined by an illustrative style with a unique line that characterises her work. Her love for fashion shines throughout her painstakingly detailed pen illustrations, which bring to life sailor characters, their skulls, lovers and clothes. 

Lauren revels in creating subtle juxtapositions within her work. Be it the choice of a ‘girly’ pastel colour palette to adorn her army of skulls or the stark use of words such as THUG sitting atop bright pinks and pretty nude girls. Most recently, Lauren’s work is a vibrant cocktail of pastel and neon colours and continues her exploration into skulls, pin-up girls and nautical themes.

COLLABORATION WITH METALAB

To compliment Lauren’s art, Metalab will be working on an exclusive collection of jewellery designed especially for this event. The fruits of this shared dialogue will be revealed on Thursday the 29th of November from 6pm-8pm - just in time to celebrate Christmas with us!

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

> 7th November 2012 Lauren Webster begins her Artist in Residency and exhibition of Lauren’s artwork at Metalab.

> 29th November 2012 from 6pm - 8pm Launch of jewellery collaboration between Metalab and Lauren Webster.

This collaborative project will run until the end of January 2013. For more information visit the Metalab website or contact Marina on (02) 8534 1398 or email marina@metalab.com.au.

National Contemporary Jewellery Award Install

Here are a few images of the National Contemporary Jewellery Award exhibition on display at Metalab. Don't forget you have until the 27th of October to see this amazing show!

National Contemporary Jewellery Award > Opening Night!

A huge thank you to everyone who made it to our exhibition opening last night - what a gorgeous summer's evening to celebrate! Once again, congratulations to all of the finalists!

Don't forget, the National Contemporary Jewellery Award exhibition continues until the 27th October at Metalab. Featuring 28 unique pieces, the show is a celebration of the craft of Australian contemporary jewellery design.

We are also running a People's Choice Award - with a COTA gift voucher up for grabs, so be sure to pop in and check out this beautiful exhibition!

NCJA Feature Artist > Emily Snadden

Emily Snadden’s beautiful brooches have been inspired by the Salmon Gum trees in Tasmania and explore the naturally occurring folds, creases and wrinkles of its bark. These brooches have been made from 18ct yellow gold and sterling silver, and feature exquisite gemstones including tourmalines and a multi-faced smoky quartz. Limb Brooch with Smoky Quartz has been created through the technique of die forming, which involves using hand carved dies under a hydraulic press. Whilst showcasing a cutting edge manufacturing process, Limb Brooch with Smoky Quartz remains connected to Emily’s love of the unique Tasmanian landscape. Emily was awarded the prestigious Jewellers Association of Australia Jeweller of the Year Award in 2012. She has also been awarded a Merit award at the International Jewellery Design Excellence in Hong Kong in 2012, and third prize in the National Contemporary Jewellery Award in 2008.

The National Contemporary Jewellery Award 2012 will be held at Metalab from 4th - 27th October 2012. Opening night will be held on Thursday 4th October from 6pm - 8pm. 

Emily Snadden, Limb with Smoky Quartz #1, fine silver, sterling silver, stainless steel, 18ct yellow gold,

and smoky quartz. 

Emily Snadden, Limb Brooch with Tourmalines, hand carved Tasmanian Huon pine, sterling silver, 18ct yellow gold, stainless steel and tourmaline.