Sylvia Nevistic
How did your journey as a jeweller begin?
Growing up in a regional town in New South Wales I had a love of nature and when I finished school I decided to study an ecological degree in Sydney. It wasn’t until I moved to Melbourne after my studies, that I decided to do a short course as a way of meeting new people, the course was an introduction to Jewellery and I enjoyed it so much that I changed tact and enrolled into full-time studies to immerse myself further in the craft. This was back in 1996 and following the course, I got a job at a jewellery casting company for a couple of years and also worked for a few jewellers to improve my skills before I ventured out on my own.
How would you describe your practice?
There are a few arms to my practice which enables me to work full time in a creative business. Primarily I make custom pieces of jewellery for private clients, this involves making one of a kind work such as engagement or wedding rings, but also can be gifts such as earrings, brooches, neckpieces or something sculptural. I also enjoy researching and creating thematic work for exhibition, largely objects and containers made from porcelain that house the jewellery pieces I create. This is an ongoing project involving investigations into symbiotic relationships found in nature, and also to some degree, a metaphor for connecting the body to a sense of place, to home.
Lastly, I teach jewellery making classes and workshops. I have been teaching jewellery and object making for over half of my professional practice and have taught in a variety of settings, from University to Adult Education, to private one-on-one sessions. I also provide mentorship for emerging artists which I find very fulfilling.
Artist Statement:
“When I go on walks in nature, or visit a museum or art gallery, I seek out details in the environment that draw my focus in closer to the subject; I am not concerned with the ‘big brush strokes’ so to speak, I am more interested in the tiny details. These details find their way into my work. I am generally not looking to depict literal interpretations of what I discover, but rather, imbue my pieces with an abstracted visual of what I see.”
What are you working on right now?
Currently, I am working on a couple of bespoke ring orders and also a small jewellery collection for an exhibition in Ballarat as part of the Heritage Weekend in May. I have been slowly getting my website updated which will showcase what my practice offers, including some new workshops.
What is your connection to Ballarat?
I moved to Ballarat from Melbourne in 2004 and lived here for nearly ten years. During that time I ran my practice part-time while working at The Courier newspaper. I then took up a position as an Associate at the Jam Factory Centre for Contemporary Craft in Adelaide and was there for the last 7 years until moving back to Ballarat late last year to be closer to my family and friends who all live in Victoria.
How would you describe the creative community in Ballarat?
I have great memories of being part of the Ballarat creative community years ago. Since moving back I am slowly getting to know new artists and craft practitioners and am excited to see the community growing. There is a change in the air, regional centres such as Ballarat are in an interesting state of flux at the moment, many more opportunities are becoming available for regional artists and craft practitioners. With this growth, I do hope that practitioners are not pushed out of affordable studio spaces and working environments, I believe the creative dollar can contribute a great deal to a town such as Ballarat.
Can you give us three words that sum up your inspiration?
Decorative Arts, Nature and Poetry (sorry that’s four words)
Website: www.sylvianevistic.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sylvianevistic
