Rachel Grose - RG Silver
How did your creative journey begin?
I spent a lot of my childhood in sheds, watching my father, his brothers and my Grandfather restore cars from wrecks, build their houses and basically fix and recondition whatever they needed at the time. My mother was a teacher and her family were more academic. They loved history, reading and researching.
I was 16 when my mother booked us both in for a six week course of evening classes with silversmith Stephen Walsh. She took me along for company, thinking I would enjoy the hands on aspect of making. My first creation was a silver ring that Stephen helped me set a little moonstone onto. I loved that ring, I loved the stone, I loved the processes and I loved the tools. I finished the six week course and it was simple: I had found what I wanted to spend my life doing. I attended more of Stephens classes over the next two years getting together a small folio of work. At the end of Yr 12 I applied to do a three year degree at Monash University Caulfield in “Gold and Silversmithing” and was delighted to be accepted. I have been creating jewellery every since.
How would you describe your practice?
Slow Crafting. I am a one woman show. Designing and crafting with care and precision, using only high quality gemstones and precious metals. I use traditional techniques with hand tools to create one of a kind or very limited edition jewellery. Each stone is handpicked for its unique beauty and quality. I am currently working in The Lost Ones Gallery – Makers Studio in Camp Street Ballarat with three other artists. I have a little nook which suits me just fine. Here I have the time and space to create, develop and refine my techniques – a never ending pursuit. There are many layers to my practice including stocking outlets, photography, running my website as well as teaching workshops and classes.
What are you working on right now?
I am currently working on a new collection of pieces that will be incorporating cultured and freshwater pearls. I have some beautiful beads collected in Fiji and China that I am slicing in half and shaping at the Ballarat Lapidary Club. The designs are inspired by the Art Deco and Art Nouveau movements with flowing lines and geometric structures. The pearls will feature in the designs and take shape in the form of rings, pendants, cuffs and earrings. I am also working on a new workshop for Lost Wax Casting that I will be offering in the later months of this year.
What is your connection to Ballarat?
I was born at the Creswick Hospital and grew up in Smeaton. We moved to Mt Rowan when I was 6 and my parents still live there. After attending Loreto College I moved away for 15 years, studying, travelling and working in many places. Around 7 years ago I moved back to my beloved hometown and purchased myself a little Miners Cottage to fix up and make my own. I still have wonderful connections here, family, old friends and new and it has been a joy to once again be based here.
How would you describe the creative community in Ballarat?
My experience with the creative community has been nothing but positive. Since moving back I have been involved in group exhibitions, attended upskilling sessions and been offered a studio space in the centre of town. I have met a huge array of skilled artisans who live in this area and been lucky enough to collaborate and share studios with some of them. The creative community here is growing and building and it is very exciting to be a part of it.
Can you give us three words to sum up your inspiration?
Family, nature and craft.
Website: RG Silver | Instagram: @rachelgrosejewellery | Facebook: Rachel Grose Jewellery
Photos provided by Rachel Grose.
