You might not think twice about wearing your favourite leather boots, but would you baulk at the idea of wearing a brooch made out of a taxidermy mouse? What about some earrings made of human hair? Be warned,
Julia de Ville’s designs are not for the squeamish – or the easily offended.
Inspired by the
memento mori and mourning jewellery popular in Victorian times, Julia de Ville creates jewellery made from bones, hair, and small animals cast in sterling silver or gold. If you’re wrinkling your nose right now, remember those leather boots. Or your leather belt. Or your leather bag. Need further proof? All of the animals used in de Ville’s work died of natural causes – which is more than you can say for the animal involved in your boots.
If you can get over the initial morbid shock, de Ville’s work impresses with an eerie beauty. Her work resonates with meaning – each piece seems to be a tribute to a life extinguished. From a delicately curled bird claw brooch to the matching mouse cadaver cuff-links with ruby eyes, de Ville’s work is a confronting reminder of death, and somehow, perversely, a celebration of life.
With eight exhibitions planned for this year, Julia de Ville’s work will be showcased from everywhere from Sydney to Shanghai. Check the gig guide for details.