By NYE
Peaks and troughs in nature, light’s dancing shadowplay and the fluidity of water were the sources of inspiration for Australian jewellery designer Nye De Marchi’s recent collection, ‘Badlands’.
Based in Melbourne, De Marchi works with recycled silver and a range of semi-precious stones to create treasures that tenderly connect with the body. With a background in visual arts, De Marchi’s art-making practice involves a combination of silversmithing and lost wax casting for her one-of-a-kind pieces. De Marchi’s jewellery is all handmade to order, so no two pieces are the same. This imbues each piece with a sense of individuality – the intricate touches made by the designer vary depending on the material and context she’s working in.
Sustainability is also an important factor for De Marchi. By sourcing materials locally, making her pieces to order and recycling unused metals by melting them down, De Marchi is able to reduce waste significantly in her process. The recycling aspect of her process enables her materials to be re-contextualised, bringing a sense of mystery and narrative to each jewel.
‘Badlands’ is De Marchi’s latest collection and embodies the wearer’s connection to the natural landscape. She was drawn to the Yosemite National Park in particular; its rolling hills, cavernous mountain facades, deep crevices, flowing water and uneven terrain, which have all been interpreted in her designs.
In particular, Photographer Ansel Adams’ depictions of Yosemite and New Mexico resonated with the designer, acting as inspiration for her shapes, textures, and the manipulation of materials. The collection draws off the energy of the landscapes portrayed in Adam’s series ‘Performances’ to create a diverse mixture of sculptural pieces.
De Marchi’s artfully crafted pieces are both conceptual and timeless, destined to be a treasure found in jewellery boxes across the globe.
Credits: By Nye
Photography: Jesper Hede
