FK chats to Damara of eclectic, life inspired jewellery label Core Jewellery. Who you will find debuting at the upcoming Brisbane Markets!

Can you tell us about your lovely label and where the name comes from?
My label is Core Jewellery and I make earrings, necklaces, brooches, rings and wrist ties using various materials. I love working with beautiful Australian timbers as well as clay and shrink plastic. I am always excited about trying new elements. Having previously worked as a graphic designer a lot of my work has a design influence to it. Core Jewellery, as the name suggests, draws its inspiration from what is essential and central to my life. Whether it be memories or nature, family or fashion, much of my work reflects what I have lived and loved.

What inspired you to start your own label?
My creativity can best be described as a Great Dane on a leash. Though I have a firm grip on the lead, it (my creativity) is basically in control. We may be taking a walk in one direction when something distracting pops up (squirrel) and I find myself being dragged down a different path. I fell in love with the little big bear wood cut outs I was making under my artwork label Little Muse, and decided to make myself a necklace from one. After a number of enquiries and suggestions I basically just jumped straight in, head first, and Core was born.

What do you love about working with jewellery? and what keeps you creatively motivated?
It is surprising how creative you can get. With a little imagination you can make a piece of art that someone can wear on their ears or around their neck. It is the challenges of creating something uncommon, maybe sometimes left of centre, which can adorn and be adored that keeps me creatively motivated. There is so much beauty in the world, and the feeling I get from creating beautiful things is truly magical. I suppose you could say it is the chase of that creative high.

What is your workspace like? and what is your creative process?
I have my own little studio out the back of our garage. I love it because I can escape to it. The floor is a no-fuss concrete, which is perfect for any spilled paint or glue. I have my desks shaped in a ‘U’ formation, and can swivel around at an instant from one project to another. There is space at the front for spraying and sanding, and I can look out to our backyard and the reserve beyond. There is a skinny little Jacaranda and a lemon tree just outside the glass doors, and usually my collie dog lying by the entrance. I keep an art journal and sketch down ideas. Often they fly into my head out of nowhere, and if I don’t catch them on paper, they fly away again just as quickly. Depending on the piece the next step will either be some computer work or straight into experimenting. Lots of experimenting… and tea.

What challenges have you faced starting your own label, and what are some things you love about it?
The greatest challenge I have faced is lack of time – time to create, time to organise, time to promote. My two year old daughter is still at home with me full-time, so jewellery making has to be scheduled around her. There are so many things I love about my new adventure into handmade jewellery: designing, marketing, learning new skills, smiles from customers. The greatest joy is without a doubt the constant discovery of new amazing makers you meet as part of the handmade community. It is a new way of life and another world that is extremely addictive.

What can we expect to see from Core jewellery at the upcoming Brisbane Markets?
You can expect to see… tribal, earthy inspired pieces as part of my debut collection ‘Tribal Lore’ which includes hand-painted and brass elements, illustrated cameos of foxes, deer, bears, badgers etc. as part of my ‘Enchantment’ collection, and my new clay work featuring yummy pastels and fun bright colours for spring/summer.

www.facebook.com/corejewellery