Biography
Janet Marnell- Brown is an award-winning object/jewellery designer and maker, who has worked as a studio jewellery artist for more than seventeen years.
She was President of the Jewellers & Metalsmiths Group of Victoria (JMGV) for 4 years and taught at The Council of Adult Education (CAE) for 3 years in their jewellery department.
In 2008, Marnell-Brown was awarded Best in Show for design, concept and materials application for her works “Ode To Dianna” in “I Do’ exhibited at Craft Vic.
In 2015 she co-judged the biennial Victorian Craft Award in honour of a former student Lynne Kosky.
Until November 2016, she held a position as a resident artist at Gasworks Arts Park at The Watchman’s Cabin for 5.5 years.
Her qualifications include a Dip Art in Graphic Design, an Ass Dip in Jewellery Engineering and a B.A. in Fine Arts/Gold & Silversmithing.
As well as producing small ranges of unique jewellery, she teaches privately and takes commissions. Her work has been exhibited widely, in Melbourne, Sydney and Queensland. In each of her pieces, she attempts to make the “non-precious” precious by virtue of the act of creation.
Artist Statement
I am not overly concerned about the value of precious metals and stones. For me, the value is brought about by the creative process. By the making. By the application of a skill as old as time itself.
I embrace the idea that the hand tools I use to make my creations, are not far removed from those used by metalsmiths for centuries.
Fortunate to have travelled extensively during my career, I have been exposed to many unique skills and practices along the way, that are evident in my work practices.
Having scoured mystical markets, and curious, out of the way shops in exotic places like Istanbul in Turkey, Pondicherry, Ooty and Jaipur in India, and Monreale in Sicily, including fashion capitals like Paris, Venice,Florence, Stockholm and London, I have added to my eclectic collection of treasures to be used on projects in the future.
My aim is to create objects that will become the time capsules and heirlooms of tomorrow.
Get in Touch
First step, make that appointment. Then we can discuss a unique idea for yourself or a loved one. Next, I'd love to talk you through the processes most suitable to achieve the result you are after to actualise your special treasure.
Some of the creative processes are stand alone, or can be combined, such as hand fabricating, casting, stone setting, surface texture and patination. Particular attention is given to the types of noble metal chosen. Other unusual metals available to choose from are mokume gane, titanium, steel and gilding metal.
Hidden treasures: nothing gives me greater pleasure than rejuvenating or totally reimagining your inherited jewels. The ones often relegated to the back corner of a jewellery box, never to see the light of day again.