Five Minutes with... Jane Bowden

Jane Bowden Portrait, Photo: courtesy of the artist

Jane Bowden is a distinguished jeweller renowned for her exquisite technique and innovative designs. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for elegance, Bowden creates timeless pieces that blend classic beauty with contemporary flair. Her work has captivated the attention of collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike, making her a celebrated name in the world of high-end jewellery. Whether through intricately designed rings or striking necklaces, Jane Bowden’s pieces are not just accessories but cherished treasures.

We spend five minutes getting to know Jane and learn about how her career has progressed over the last 30 years.

What initially attracted you to jewellery, and what was the process of turning your passion for jewellery and design into a career?

I was born into a creative family. My mother is an Art teacher, and my father was a Mathematics teacher who still makes furniture and is very handy, he’s a real problem solver. So, the making side of my practice is inherited, it’s in my genes and goes back to shoe makers, blacksmiths, and textile crafters.

When I was 11, I remember going on a holiday to Sydney where I bought a silver ring with my own pocket money. I always say this was when I knew I wanted to be a jeweller, but I feel like I always knew. During High School I did work experience with Pat Hagan and really got to physically try making jewellery for the first time. I loved working with metal instantly. Then, in the mid-1980’s, there was an exhibition of Contemporary jewellery at the Art Gallery of SA – Cross Currents - and that’s where I discovered the makers that fascinated me and I knew I wanted to be a part of that community. It meant going to the SACAE (South Australia College of Advanced Education – Underdale, now Uni SA) and studying in the Jewellery department. I’m so glad I had this opportunity; and that I was taught by so many great makers including Frank Bauer.

When I finished University, I had part time jobs to support my income, but it was my father who encouraged me to concentrate on making a career in contemporary jewellery. He told me to give it a try and that I was young enough to change my mind if it didn’t work out. I have never looked back and am super lucky to have been self employed for many years.

Jane Bowden, *Studies in beads neckpiece/bangle,* 2024, 15/0 Miyuki glass beads, sewing cotton, 78 x 78 x 7 mm (dimensions of bottom loop), 400 mm approx. (total length if worn as neckpiece), Photo: Connor Patterson

Jane Bowden at Zu design, Photo: Michael Haines

How has your practice and passion for contemporary jewellery making and techniques evolved over your career?

I am passionate about every aspect of my practice, the client interaction, the ideas, the making, as well as supporting and representing other makers through Zu design.

I am a process driven maker, and my work is often inspired by trying to perfect these processes. Sometimes it’s the search for a texture or a way to realise an idea. Problem solving is a big part of making and often I am almost drawing my ideas with the materials as I construct. When I allow the pieces to evolve through the making process, I can see other possibilities which inform my work, sometimes changing the idea or creating new pieces.

My skills have developed over my more than 30 years of making and when I look back over this huge body of work, I can see how far my techniques have grown. I enjoy practicing and perfecting techniques and challenging my skills. A large part of my work are processes that I can keep doing away from my bench. I spend as many hours at home weaving metal or using textile techniques such as crocheting to make pieces as I do on the bench.

Your practice balances commissions, exhibition work, and running a gallery. How do you manage these different aspects of your career, and how do they influence each other?

All the parts to my practice are intertwined. It is difficult to balance everything, but I don’t think I’d do it any other way. My clients understand that I can’t produce pieces quickly, sometimes they must wait until exhibition commitments are over. I do think the exhibition work informs the commissions and makes the pieces for clients more interesting. I only make pieces for clients that are my style/designs, which means I really enjoy the process. I’m not really sure how I fit running a gallery in as well. Along with the running the retail space comes book-keeping, organising group exhibitions and lots of admin. There is never nothing to do.

South Australia has a vibrant community of designers/makers. What do you find most exciting about the diversity of themes and techniques within the jewellery/metal community, and how do you believe Zu design contributes to this landscape?

The community of designers and makers in South Australia is so supportive. I love that we share knowledge and many in our community offer advice and encouragement. When I was starting out my peers encouraged me and so I try to do the same for the next group of makers coming through. I am passionate about educating clients about the value of the hand made and encouraging the makers to charge properly for their skills. Zu design offers and inclusive space for many makers to show their work.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting in the field of jewellery/metalworking?

Try to find your own style or a process that becomes your signature and try not to look at other jewellery for inspiration. Be inspired by everything outside your chosen field and make sure you have good mentors and peers that can guide you when you need and can help you to value your own work. Remember you can create your own opportunities by applying for grants and finding ways of exhibiting your pieces, locally and internationally.

It’s great that there are many groups that makers can join for business help and other opportunities. Focus on the parts of your practice that you are good at and outsource other parts that you aren’t comfortable with.