Open Studio #2... Sue Garrard
Eco jeweller Sue Garrard occupies Studio #2 at JamFactory at Seppeltsfield. Photo: Daniel Marks.
Sue Garrard has been making sustainable jewellery for over ten years with a focus on recycled and reclaimed materials. We take a look around her studio at Seppeltsfield, discussing her practice and her love for the beautiful Barossa Valley.
Your jewellery practice focuses on the use of recycled and reclaimed materials, how did you get started in eco jewellery?
I had the very good fortune to be raised in a rural setting and whilst it wasn’t remote, there was limited access to ready-made goods. As a result we grew, ate and made most of what we needed on our property. Added to that, my parents were part of that post-war generation who valued frugality so I grew up with a ‘make do and mend’ mindset. So really, I have always been a maker. For a number of years I ran a creative business making and selling beaded jewellery. Using metal was a natural progression and as a largely self-taught jewellery maker using reclaimed and recycled materials made a lot of sense to me. The materials were readily available, inexpensive and allowed me the freedom to make many mistakes - and learn from them!
Earrings using reclaimed lead-free pewter, brass, recycled sterling silver and freshwater pearls. Image courtesy of the artist.
Using a textured hammer to create patterns. Photo: Daniel Marks.
You occupy Studio #2 at JamFactory Seppeltsfield, can you tell us a bit about your space?
My studio is housed in a section of an old stable that was built in 1850 – one of the first stone buildings on the Seppelt’s family property. It is a glorious old building and once housed 17 big Percheron horses! I have oodles of room for my benches and storage as well as an area to melt and cast metal. I teach workshops in the studio too. The other artists in the building often gather at my workshop table for a cuppa and to share what is happening in their own studios. Along with all this working space I have a retail space where I can display and sell my work. It is a pretty unique set up really.
How do you stay inspired?
Sometimes the objects I find to reclaim inspire me but really inspiration is everywhere. I am very often inspired by ethnographic jewellery; my travels and my residencies often provide me with inspiration that lingers well after the trip is over. The reality of using recycled and reclaimed materials of humble origins means that there is minimal intrinsic value in the materials so all the value of a piece is created by what I do with them – the form and attractiveness of the finished piece is ultimately where the value lies. This notion keeps me feeling inspired to continually try new ways of working with the materials I find. Also the endless joy of op shopping for the objects I cut up is very inspiring – who doesn’t want to have “op- shopping” as part of their job description?!
What do you love about living and working in the Barossa?
This is a remarkable food region – that is a major plus! We are spoilt for choice when it comes to fresh produce. There are so many small producers here in all manner of areas – both food and wine and craft and art. I also love that I can drive 10 minutes in any direction from my house and be surrounded by nature. Equally good is that with the new highway I can be in the water at Largs in just 55 minutes!
Seppeltsfield is an iconic destination in the Barossa and having a studio at JamFactory means that I have had the opportunity to meet with visitors from all over the country (all over the world before covid). I love this public engagement and being able to talk to people about my work, eco-awareness and often also hear about their own creative ventures. It means I can bang on about issues that are important to me through the lens of jewellery making without getting all soap-boxy.
Also, lets face it, you just can’t beat a country op shop and ours here in the Barossa are outstanding!
A unique experience in the Barossa, JamFactory at Seppeltsfield focuses on South Australian designed and made products. View artisans in action and buy direct from the makers within our six independent studios*.
JamFactory at Seppeltsfield is open 11AM - 5PM daily.
*Studios are run by independent artists and JamFactory cannot guarantee studios will be occupied at all times. Please call JamFactory at Seppeltsfield (08) 8562 8149 for the daily schedule.
A snapshot of Sue’s workbench in Studio 2. Photo: Dragan Radocaj