Barndi Mara Exhibition

Last night I attended the opening of Barndi Mara Jewellery Exhibiton here in Geraldton which features a beautiful range of polymer and silver clay jewellery.

Rachel McKenzie originally initiated the project with a group of indigenous women in Mullewa, Western Australia.  The 4 women involved were Debra Maher, Susan Merry, Wendy Jakamarra, and Barbara Comeagain.

The artists reflected on Tallering Peak which is a significant landmark in the area and features heavily in their stories and memories.

They first created their paintings and then, with the guidance and assistance of Rachel, created polymer clay canes to mimic their art.  This was then turned into finished pieces of jewellery by Rachel, Janine Crudeli and myself.

The exhibition opened last night and was an outstanding success.  These pieces hold great significance and to see them all together was quite breathtaking.

Huge congratulations to the amazing Rachel and the wonderful ladies involved in the project...I was incredibly honoured to take a small part in this beautiful story.

The Story behind the project.

The amazing Rachel.

Debra Maher

Wendy Jakamarra

Susan Merry

These are the 4 paintings:  Wendy (top left) Susan (top right) Debra (bottom left) Barbara (bottom right). Unfortunately Barbara couldn't make the exhibition.

Barbara Comeagain

Debra Maher

Susan Merry

Wendy Jakamarra

A professional photo shoot was organised showcasing the finished pieces.  My little photos don't do them justice I'm afraid.

This is the incredibly talented Janine Crudeli who was asked to assist in creating finished pieces with the canes the ladies had created.

Some of the stunning pieces Rachel created incoporating silver clay and polymer clay.

These are 3 pieces I created using the beautiful canes.  They made exceptionally good tube beads!!
Jewellery:  Barbara Comeagain. Susan Merry, Wendy Jakamarra, Debbie Crothers, Photography Carlo Fernandes, Models: Marlikka Perdrisat, Clare Pickersgill, Alina Tarshina, Make Up: Ady Grader Orupe, Hair: Maria Caruso, Styling: Eddie Dos Santos

Amazing silver jewellery created by Rachel McKenzie incorporating her stunning silver clay designs and polymer clay canes (of course created by the ladies).  Jewellery:  Barbara Comeagain. Janine Crudeli, Debbie Crothers, Rachel McKenzie Photography Carlo Fernandes, Models: Marlikka Perdrisat, Clare Pickersgill, Alina Tarshina, Make Up: Ady Grader Orupe, Hair: Maria Caruso, Styling: Eddie Dos Santos

The necklace here was made by myself and earrings created by Janine Crudelli.  They matched beautifully.
Jewellery:  Barbara Comeagain. Earrings Janine Crudeli, Necklace Debbie Crothers, Photography Carlo Fernandes, Model Alina Tarshina, Make Up Ady Grader Orupe, Hair Maria Caruso, Styling Eddie Dos Santos

Note:  I received special permission to take these photographs.  Professional photos also feature in my blog and all their info is included underneath each picture.