Bio
Amálie Comrie
Architect, artist, contemporary jewellery designer-maker.
Statement:
My work is unique, handcrafted, and artisanal, characterized by a deep appreciation for imperfections and the natural aging process. Mostly self-taught, I embrace experimentation as an integral part of my creative journey. This allows for accidental discoveries and an experimental approach to the making process. Silver serves as the primary medium, often complemented by found objects, patination techniques, oxidation, and the application of accent colours with enamel on select surfaces.
Nature and the passage of time heavily influence my work. I explore the relationship between architectural and natural forms within the context of time. As my pieces age, patination and oxidation continue, creating an inherent fragility that reflects the passing of time. This fragility blurs the boundaries between jewellery and sculpture, transforming each piece into a small sculptural object that tells its own unique story.
Bio:
I obtained my architectural qualification in South Africa in 1994, and since graduating, I've pursued a continuous career in architecture. During my initial stay in the United Kingdom, my introduction to jewellery-making began with a course in Oxford in 2001, followed by an eight-week short course at Central Saint Martin's College in London the following year. After returning to South Africa, I undertook a six-month full-time course at the Goldsmith Academy in Pretoria. Recently, I relocated to the United Kingdom and I am currently based in Surrey.
1994 Bachelor of Architecture, University of Pretoria, South Africa
2002 Short course – Central Saint Martin’s College, London
2003 Goldsmith Academy, Pretoria, South Africa
Group Exhibitions:
2012 Open Studio exhibition, Cape Town, South Africa
2013 Design Indaba exhibition, Cape Town, South Africa
2013 Haas Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa
2015 Sasol New Signature Finalist exhibition,
Pretoria Art Museum, South Africa
2015 Tina Skukan Gallery, Pretoria, South Africa
2016 Pretoria Arts Association, South Africa
2020 Aartvark Gallery, Kalk Bay, South Africa
