An Exhibition by Nina Oikawa October 30 - November 24, 2007 'My work investigates jewellery making possibilities and the relationships of resin casting. Ephemera is entrapped in resin and this influences the scale and complexity of the jewellery form. Cutting, carving and polishing of the cast primary resin objects reveal the spatial dynamic within to be explored by the viewer. Some of my ‘jewels’ have a kitsch identity and are obvious imitations of gems but there is an imbued elegance and curiosity when presented as wearable jewellery pieces. Many of my 'fossil jewels' are treated in the same way as treating real precious gems and the metal construction proves this intention by using orthodox stone wire setting techniques. An understanding of technical jewellery manufacturing facilitates play, which can lead to exaggerated or unpredictable structures.' – Nina Oikawa, Oct 2007 Nina Oikawa was born in Tokyo in 1981 and moved to Melbourne in 1997. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Art (Metal and Jewellery) with Honours from Monash University and a Masters of Fine Art in Gold and Silver Smithing at RMIT University in 2005. Currently she is enrolled in a Doctorate of Fine Art in Gold and Silver Smithing at RMIT. Oikawa has exhibitited both locally and internationally since 2003. Highlights include her selection for the prestigous Talente exhibition in Munich, Germany in 2007, and in 2006 her inclusion in the Gallerie Marzee Graduate Exhibition, Netherlands. This is Oikawa's third solo exhibition since 2006. Sweet Dominance - an essay by Robert Baines