michelle kelly
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Mycology - the study of fungi, is the inspiration for my artworks. I am drawn to the multiple intricacies which make up this amazing fifth kingdom. The forms, colours and layered structures within this range of species fascinates me. Through my work I aim to capture the beauty and structure of fungi and to create awareness in my viewers concerning the work of these amazing living organisms.

The fifth kingdom plays an important role on this planet. Some species are decomposers, recycling and breaking down nutrients from other plant forms. Without this process the nitrogen in dead organic matter would remain trapped, thus reducing plant growth. Other important factors fungi play is in the use of bio control, by controlling pest diseases on our crops, antibiotics, food source and preparation including yeasts required for breads and the fermentation of beer and wine.

My work consists of using traditional metalsmithing techniques while experimenting with different metals, surface treatments, patination applications and kinetic movement. Subtle or obvious there is always some degree of movement in my work, giving each piece a unique visual experience as the forms continuously change.

Exploring size, form, colour and movement gives my practice many layers just like the growth of fungi. This has led me to create small and large scale forms using multiples, including jewellery, wall pieces and installations, while incorporating a variety of different materials.

I aspire to capture the essence of the fungi which is a hidden treasure doing thankless tasks to help make this planet work.

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EDUCATION AND TRAINING
2004                  Postgraduate Diploma, Jewellery Production, Curtin University, WA
2002                  Certificate IV Sculpture, Bunbury Tafe, WA       
1988-1990        BA (Visual Arts), Jewellery, Metal & 3D Design, Curtin University, WA

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2013                 Rockford Wines - Commission for lights, Barossa, SA
2013                 Fungi Perfecti, Workshop/seminars with Mycologist Paul Stamets, Olympia, Washington State, USA
2011                 Robert Foster Design Workshop, JamFactory, Adelaide, SA
2010                 Lecturer at University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA
2008-2009      Studio Production Co-ordinator, Metal Design Studio, JamFactory, Adelaide, SA
2007                 Silversmithing Workshop with Oliver Smith, ANU, Canberra, ACT
2006-2007      Design Associate, Metal Design Studio, JamFactory, Adelaide, SA

SOLO
2018           Fungi Forest, Rockford Winery, Barossa Valley, SA
2017           Collections Project, Museum of Economic Botany, Adelaide, SA
2015            Fungicidal, Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide, SA
2012            Fungology, Urban Cow, Adelaide, SA
2011            Hidden Treasures, Craft ACT, Canberra, ACT       
2010           Cookeina Collection, Studio Ingot, Melbourne, VIC       
                    Fifth Kingdom, Crucible Gallery, Artisan, Brisbane, QLD
2009           Morphology of Fungi, Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide, SA
                    Fifth Kingdom, Metalab, Sydney, NSW
2008           Fifth Kingdom, Atrium, JamFactory, Adelaide, SA
2007           Artist of the Month, Soda and Rhyme, North Adelaide, SA

SELECTED GROUP
2018         Botanica Immortalus, JamFactory, Adelaide, SA
                  The Advertiser Contemporary Art Prize, Keith Murdoch House, Adelaide, SA
                 Waterhouse Prize, SA Museum, Adelaide, SA
                 Zu Design's 21st Birthday, Zu Design, Adelaide, SA   
2015         Artisans in the Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, NSW
                 Brighton Jetty Sculpture Classic, Adelaide, SA
2014         SALA, Terrace Floors and Furnishings, Adelaide SA
                 About Zu design, Zu Design, Adelaide SA
2013         New Collections Showcase, Studio 20/17, Sydney NSW
                 Miniature, Pembroke SHS, Kensington Park, Adelaide SA
2012         The Grass is Greener, Zu Design, Adelaide SA
                 Wear a piece of Adelaide, Adelaide College of the Arts, Adelaide SA
2011         Room for Growth, Prospect Gallery, Prospect, SA
                 Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor, Artisan, Brisbane, QLD (Touring Show)
                 Contemporary Wearables, Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery QLD
                 Contemporary Australian Silver & Metalwork Exhibition, Buda Historic Home and Garden, Castlemaine, VIC &  ArtsCentre,  
                 Melbourne VIC
                 Underfoot. Overhead, Object Gallery, Sydney, NSW
2010        Summer Mode, Art Images, Adelaide, SA
                 Cherish, Artisan, Brisbane, QLD
                 Teawares, Gallery 1, JamFactory, Adelaide, SA
                 Return, Central Gallery, Tafe, Perth, WA
                 JMGA Members Exhibition, Perth Galleries, North Fremantle, WA
2009        Christmas Show ’09, Studio 20/17, Sydney, NSW
                 Explorations ’09, Gaffa, Sydney, NSW
                                    Guildford Lane Gallery, Melbourne, VIC
                 Whyalla Art Prize, Middleback Theatre, Whyalla, SA
2008        Waterhouse Prize, SA Museum, Adelaide, SA
                                 National Archives of Australia, Canberra, ACT
                 Design Now, Country Arts SA, Touring Exhibition of Rural SA
                 JMGA Conference, Adelaide Airport Display, SA
2007        Biennial, Gallery 1,JamFactory, Adelaide, SA
                 Sixfold, Gaffa Gallery, Sydney, NSW
                 Mettle,Studio Retail Gallery, JamFactory, Adelaide, SA
                Contemporary Wearables, Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery  Qld
                Catch On 2,COEX Convention and Exhibition Centre, Seoul, Korea
2006       Jambox, Studio Retail Gallery, JamFactory, SA
                Expeditions ’06, Metalab Studio and Gallery, Sydney, NSW
                Grasp, Horus and Delorus, Sydney, NSW
               
AWARDS AND GRANTS
2015        Brighton Jetty Sculpture Classic, Indoor Winner, Brighton, SA
2012        Arts SA Grant, Independent Makers and Presenters, Professional Development (Researh trip to Washington State, USA to 
                attend seminars held by mycologist Paul Stamets)
                Arts SA Grant, Independent Makers and Presenters, Project Grant (Research and Development of larger scale works)
2010       Arts SA Grant, Independent Makers and Presenters, Project Grant (To Produce a body of work for solo exhibition at Craft
                ACT)
2009       Arts SA Grant, Independent Makers and Presenters, Last Minute Presentation (To exhibit ‘Fifth Kingdom at Artisan)
2008       Arts SA Grant, Independent Makers and Presenters, Project Grant (To produce a new body of work for solo exhibtion at                         JamFactory)
                Waterhouse prize, Third prize, Sculpture Category, SA Museum






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