Kellie Christie

2002-2006 Bachelor Degree of Fine Art Queensland College of Art, Griffith University

1999- 2000 Diploma in Graphic Design Southbank Institute of TAFE

2009 Cherish (m)art store, Artisan Gallery

2005 Chimaera – Fine Art Graduate and Honours Exhibition Queensland College of Art, Griffith University

2005 Parallels Crossing - Printmaking Graduate Exhibition Queensland College of Art, Griffith University

2005 12x12x12 Griffith University Printmakers Club Annual Exhibition Project Gallery, Queensland College of Art

2005 Annual Print Auction Griffith University Printmakers Club, Dell Gallery

2004 12x12x12 Griffith University Printmakers Club Annual Exhibition Project Gallery, Queensland College of Art

2004 Annual Print Auction Griffith University Printmakers Club, Dell Gallery

The main influences in my work are fashion, colour and the found object. I use plastic buttons to create one off jewellery designs. Using this common and often banal object I turn it into a decorative and beautiful object of adornment. I use bright colours in all of my pieces to both draw attention and create a statement for the wearer. My jewellery is designed to be unusual and something that you don’t see every day, therefore making each piece memorable.

The found object is a major influence throughout my work, evoking concepts of reusing and recycling the everyday object. I find beauty in items which are so often over looked and strive to share this with others. I also challenge the common ideals of ‘what is jewellery?’ As an artist I feel that is important to both share you view which others but also to challenge their preconceptions. Wearable art is something which crosses over into everyday life and can be worn and shared with others. Art works viewed on a wall are something which can only be shared with a select few however jewellery is something which is shared everywhere the wearer goes. I like the practicality of my work and when worn by others they are participating in my vision. It makes the wearer feel good and also dramatically changes the way that they are viewed and perceived. My work is pleasing to the eye and the wearer participates in my creative vision becoming a part of the art itself.

I draw on fashion as a reference to my work, especially jewellery and accessories. I believe that jewellery is a very important factor in fashion and a unique piece holds much more value and interest then something which has been mass produced and mass marketed. A handmade item is much more valuable and often shows the skill and craftsmanship involved in the production of that piece. It gives the wearer a sense of uniqueness, having chosen a piece which may be a one off design or one in a very small range of works. I feel that for jewellery to stand out and be noticed it needs to fall in this category.

Wearable art and jewellery is my main body of work because I love the tactile element. I enjoy creating multiple works which take form before my very eyes. As I have very limited time, having a family, I find that when I am making and creating, it is my thinking time. It is almost meditative and very relaxing. Art is purely my time to create, reflect and enjoy.