Gallery features first ‘wearable art’ show

A new exhibition of wearable art opens at the Windjammer Gallery at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess this Friday.

The show, made up of five artists and jewellery makers, will feature jewellery that is inspired by the art showing at the gallery. 

Featured artists are Geralyn Counsell, Sheilagh Head, Rebecca Little, Cindy Mitchell and Lynn Morrell. 

Artist and Windjammer Gallery Manager Sheilah Head said: “We felt that craft and art are indivisible so a lot of the jewellery in the gallery has been inspired by the art — it’s a fun idea. 

“I got totally hooked on making jewellery about three years ago — the whole thing fascinates me. It is very similar to using a paintbrush — the same choice of colour and texture. 

“I hadn’t realised how close it came to painting. It is more immediate and also very portable. The fun thing is imagining who will wear it and how it will be worn. There are some very different pieces.”

Head’s own collection is made up mostly of semi-precious stones, sea beads and shells. 

She said: “My influence has always been Bermuda — especially the waters of Bermuda. I’ve produced a series on the reefs. I love the idea of the colours of the reef and the fish darting in and out.” 

Speaking on the other artists involved in the show, Head said: “Lynn is an enormously talented jeweller — a highly trained jeweller in her own right. She has been responsible for a lovely series of Bermuda flora and fauna. Rebecca’s is very different and very meticulous — I love to see her craftsmanship. 

Cindy often travels to Tucson — the Mecca for beaders — and she finds the most incredible stones, she has produced several pieces for the show. 

“Geralyn was a teacher at Saltus for years and in that time she was bursting with creativity. She came into the gallery and came up with so many incredible things. 

“It was lovely to see her blossom. She is interested in the fibre arts and the colours are so exquisite. She makes these beautiful crocheted silver cocoons.”

The exhibition opens to the public on Friday at 10am.