Sonia Strong
Beach-comber, feather-finder, bone-collector, gem-fossicker, rock-pocketer … Sonia’s home and studio are full of strange and beautiful natural objects. When she needs to regenerate, Sonia escapes to Tasmania’s many wild and quiet places, often to fossick for the gemstones she later polishes and sets into jewellery.
Having previously worked in marine and terrestrial conservation, you’ll find references to various natural environments in her work. She is intrigued by shapes, patterns, detail and texture and how objects change as they’re exposed to the elements, drawing attention to the small and the precious. The processes she uses to create patterns and impressions in the metal typically destroys the particular leaf, feather or other natural object used, thereby capturing a unique moment in the process of decay. Acknowledging the previous life of the gemstones, natural objects and recycled precious metals used, Sonia likes to continue their story by retaining something of the process of creation in her work; the marks made by hammers, files and hands. She feels strongly that jewellery is made to be worn – both in the sense that as an outward expression of our personalities, it is not for storing away in jewellery boxes, and also that, like our own bodies, we should be proud of the way a piece weathers and becomes more beautiful over time. Like our own scars and wrinkles, tiny marks and scratches on your jewellery are something to embrace, personalising a piece to the wearer. Embrace the weathering! She especially loves making place-based pieces from items found in an environment of significance to the wearer.
In addition to her love affair with metal and rocks, she is happiest when immersed in cold wild wildernesses, creating something with her hands, planning adventures or in the company of giant dogs. Sonia also works part-time as a paramedic and barista, runs an Airbnb couples retreat and writes/illustrates children’s books.
Instagram: SoniaStrongArtist
Website: www.SoniaStrong.com.au<
E-mail: sonialstrong@gmail.com
Phone: 0439 487 208
