Aluma bracelet range by Karin Beaumont of Oceanides
Oceanides - Art of the Ocean is the work of Marine Biologist and Contemporary Jeweller Karin Beaumont. After growing up in South Australia, Karin moved to Tasmania to pursue an Honours degree in Antarctic studies, followed by a PhD in Zoology to fulfil her child hood dream of living and working in Antarctica. She spent two summers in Antarctica researching the role of microscopic plankton in climate change and was inspired by the amazing array of microscopic patterns and forms in the ocean and ice. Karin's first piece of metal sculpture was created at the diesel mechanics workshop at Davis Station, Antarctica in 1998. This planted the seed that would see Karin combine her scientific knowledge with her creativity.
(Above photo) Microscopic photo of algae that was a part of the inspiration for Karin's Aluma range, (top photo). Thank you to Professor Gustaaf Hallegraeff of the University of Tasmania for this image.
Since gaining a Diploma in Art, Craft, Design (Jewellery) in 2006, Karin's jewellery has been exhibited nationally and internationally in France, USA, Singapore and Argentina. In 2007 Karin was awarded the Australian Government's Young and Emerging Artists Mentorship (Tasmania), and in 2008 was awarded a product developement grant to work with esteemed Australian designer Robert Foster (F!nk & Co.). Most recently Karin's work has been published in 'Art & Science NOW!' (S.Wilson, Thames & Hudson, 2010).
Scenic shot of Antarctica by Andrew Davidson.
"As an artist I aim to stir the imagination, individual consciousness, and the broader social conscience. My work exposes contrasts and contradictions within society and the environment by combining aspects of science, art and language that awaken curiosity and invite interpretation. I use soft cotton wool to depict hard ice, and hard titanium to represent fluid objects. I play with the concept of space using the absence of metal to give strength to my works. I also play with our perception of scale and the juxtoposition of forms: bringing an ice-berg down to a size that can fit on your finger, enlarging microscopic plankton into wearable art. By placing these elements outside of their natural realm I draw attention to the beauty, contrasts and extremes in nature. "
Karin Beaumont
More pieces from the Aluma bracelet range in different colours
To date Karin has undertaken seven voyages to the Antarctic continent
and continues to travel there approximately every two years, gaining
inspiration for new works and fuelling her passion for combining art and
science in contemporary design.
If you would like to see more of Karin's work, or to contact Karin please visit her website for more information.
Oceanides - Art of the Ocean
Comments
Post has no comments.