Bonded: Georgie Harrison Debuts A New Collection
Pieces of Eight Gallery is thrilled to welcome a new collection from Melbourne artist Georgie Harrison. To celebrate the arrival of Bonded, we sat down with Georgie to learn more about the inspirations behind her striking new rings and pendants, exploring human connection through bold forms, thoughtful techniques, and materials designed to evolve with their wearers.
PO8: Georgie, what inspired this collection, and how does the idea of being “bonded” translate into the forms and materials you’ve chosen?
GH: The collection was initially inspired by a problem. I’d been trying to actualise a stone setting idea for some time and the solution led the way to some new ideas. My intention was to create a collection of rings to celebrate our human bonds, most notably that of romantic love, so the shapes are mostly an interpretation of a solitaire engagement ring and one of a ‘Toi et Moi’ ring. The final shapes were influenced heavily by the stone cuts I chose and the setting technique I developed but I wanted to create something exaggerated and modern.
The necklaces came after and were designed as a duplicate of the rings, to mirror each other. The pieces are intended to be gifted to someone to celebrate a bond and it was important to me that the rings have a pairing band that perfectly charts the contour of the ring to further emphasise closeness and perfect harmony between two. The pieces were initially created in fine silver, which is pure and soft, as I am enamoured by the idea of the metal collecting marks as it travels through life with us. The size and weight of the pieces act as an aide-memoir to the sentiments they carry.
PO8: Can you share a little about your design and making process for this collection? Were there any new techniques or challenges you explored?
GH: The setting technique I developed was the main challenge and has become a signature of my work. I had to approach the stone setting from a different angle to create the aesthetic I imagined. Perfect geometry and precision is required to make the stones appear as if they are sunken into the metal, like they’re captured in time, and the parts are then bonded together in a manner that makes them one. As with most of my work, the texture from the 3D printing process remains on the final pieces to give them a wonderfully soft glow.
PO8: The name Bonded suggests relationships and connection. What emotions or meanings do you hope wearers take away from these pieces?
GH: The pieces are intended to celebrate our interpersonal bonds and our journeys together. Each ring will begin its story as a perfect geometric object that will accumulate marks and imperfections as we pass through moments in our lives. Each mark is a symbol of the passage of time.
With their sculptural geometry, weight, and presence, Georgie Harrison's new collection of rings and pendants are reminders that relationships are ever-evolving. As the silver gathers marks over time, each piece becomes a living record of life’s journey. A perfect union of material, memory, and meaning.
Available now at our Russell Place Gallery, and coming soon to online, we invite you to explore more of Georgie’s work here.
