An exhibition by jeweller Justine Austen October 13 - November 14, 2009 Justine Austen, a Melbourne born and trained jeweller has returned to her home town after several years living interstate, bringing her Monster Zoo exhibition with her. She has imaginatively crafted her version of a Wunderkammer, consisting of strange and curious creatures. Humorously bizarre and eccentric in nature, all 36 monsters have been meticulously handcrafted from sterling silver and a diverse range of materials including paua shell, gemstones, bone, glass, mother of pearl and coral. Justine Austen completed a B.A in Gold and Silversmithing (Honours) at Monash University in 1998. In 2004 she attained a fellowship from the Gemmological Association of Australia. Monster Zoo was first exhibited at KickArts, QLD, early 2009. Austen has participated in numerous group exhibitions in QLD, NSW and VIC since 1997. She has been represented by Pieces of Eight Gallery since 2008. This is her first solo exhibition at Pieces of Eight Gallery.