Alchemy. It's the metalurgic art of turning low ranking substances into gold.
Science of Luxury. That's the art of turning otherwise unrelated elements into jewellery, and it's the forte of Melbourne jeweller Craig Spark.
Speaking to us from his lair, or sorcerer's workshop as it were, Spark took some time out from dismembering doll parts to tell us about Science of Luxury and his new adventures with Science of Invention.
"Science of Luxury is about exploring what could be considered luxurious, like the human body, and turning the parts into jewellery. We spend a lot on our bodies and plenty of people spend money boosting and enhancing theirs - so I've cast a few of the parts," says Craig. Dismembered heads, arms, legs and torsos all dangle elegantly from bracelets, earrings and necklaces. Pieces are priced between $120 to $320. A necklace with one arm is $165.
I've recently noticed how many very stylish people wear his pieces, including young Melbourne designer Melanie Bower. The multiple arms sit just so in an indiscernible jumble. It takes a close, keen eye to make out the forms, and at that point you have a great conversation starter. And possibly some explaining to do.
The failed industrial age are fuel for his most recent range, the Science of Invention. Bodies embedded in bicycles, dogs heads spliced onto human bodies and a wheel-legged angel are cast in silver as if by a debauched inventor circa 1810. Spark trawls antique stores and op shops for old toys to dismember and cast for this range. And indeed like a mad scientist, many of these intricate elements are cast separately then riveted to create the final form.
While the opportunity to simply be creative is reward enough for many, Spark has forged an entire career from his passion. He trained at NMIT and RMIT, taking in the design engineering diploma and a fine arts degree in gold and silver-smithing. He contributes his skills to many big name jewellery producers while his own high-end and less peculiar pieces are stocked in high-end jeweller e.g. etal. At that store you can find his platinum and black diamond rings and intricate handmade chain necklaces.
To support the next generation of Craig Sparks, head to the
RMIT silver and goldsmithing jewllery auction on Tuesday 12th August at 7pm.
StockistsSomebuddy loves you,
193 Smith St Fitzroy, (03) 9415 7066
e.g. etal 185 Little
Collins Street, Melbourne, (03) 9663 4334