Silversmiths fashioning show of style at gallery

Alex de Vos
Local silversmiths will showcase a range of “important fashion accessories” at Geelong Gallery this weekend as part of the 2010 L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival.
Talented jeweller Lorraine Archibald said she was thrilled to be part of the prestigious annual event.
The Geelong leg features the display, Geelong silversmiths – now and then, comprising exhibitions by local artists Edward Fischer (1828-1911), Natalie Cirillo and Lorraine Archibald.
“It’s a great opportunity to bring the festival out to regional centres and showcase the work of (Geelong’s 19th Century artists) with current silversmiths,” Ms Archibald said.
She believed the work of silversmiths had changed “dramatically” over the years despite practicing the same technique.
“Both were displayed in similar cases and in the same way but when you look at Edward’s work you see history and when you look at our work you instantly see contemporary designs,” she observed.
“Although the technique is pretty much the same, there are differences in styles.”
Ms Archibald, who was trained in America, has been working with silver for 15 years.
She said she loved the material’s unpredictable nature and the way it responded to different tools.
“You just don’t know what it’s going to do – it’s so unpredictable,” she said,
“I have an idea in my head that I’m trying to work toward but the material dictates what will happen – it’s very challenging.”
Ms Archibald will also open her studio to the public on Sunday as part of the 14th annual event.
Victorian Industry and Trade Minister Jacinta Allen visited the region earlier this week to launch the event at Geelong Gallery.
She praised the work of today’s local artists for carrying on the legacy of Geelong’s silversmithing pioneers.
“The L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival is all about good design and style, so it’s entirely appropriate that the festival includes an exhibition that celebrates innovation and creativity here in Geelong,” Ms Allen said.
“Good design is a cornerstone of innovation and something that has shaped Geelong throughout its history.”