Q&A with Robin Wells

Did you always have a passion for art?

I’ve always been motivated to create something with my hands since I was very young.

My parents, while not being particularly artistic, had a creative approach to life and a strong appreciation of art. We lived on a farm adjacent to bushland, and I often made objects and sculptures using the bits and pieces I found while my dad was tinkering on the farm.

I also had an incredibly passionate art teacher in years 11 and 12 and decided I wanted to be an art teacher. Soon after I began my Visual Arts degree at Curtin, I discovered the metalsmithing studio and discovered that was where my passion lay.

Why do you love the most about creating contemporary jewellery?

Contemporary jewellery is truly a unique art form. I love to create art you can wear and adorn your body. Whereas, jewellery is steeped in tradition, and I enjoy exploring new ways of creating using age-old traditional techniques.

My work is very detailed with lots of layering, embossing, and contrasting metal colours, always imbued with native plant forms and structures within the design.

Why did you decide to create Christmas ornaments?

My work has always taken inspiration from nature, particularly our iconic Australian flowers and their shapes, textures, and adaptive qualities to an often harsh landscape.

I noticed a gap in the market for beautiful decorations that were entirely designed and made in Australia. Nowadays, people have a greater appreciation for our native Australian plants with many deciding to plant native gardens.

I received a great response for my initial designs, so I’ve kept developing the collection and usually introduce a new design each year!

What message do you hope to share through your work?

I hope a deeper appreciation for our wildflowers and biodiversity is conveyed to people when they wear or display my pieces. Many of the decorations are also posted overseas, hopefully spreading the love of our fantastic flora!

I endeavour to make jewellery that reminds the wearer of the importance of connecting with nature and the fragility of our biodiversity. Also, I hope the jewellery allows the wearer to stand out as an individual and express themselves.

I hope people also have satisfaction in knowing they have purchased from a local artist and in turn are supporting local businesses.

Finally, what advice would you have for aspiring artists?

1. Don’t compare yourself

Firstly, before you launch into your professional career, ask yourself, “why are you compelled to create?”

Don’t compare yourself to other artists, it’s important to develop your unique style. If you want to create a viable creative practice, you need to define who your true fans are.

2. Be professional

Be professional, create a website, and always look for marketing and collaborative opportunities to reach new audiences. You’re never too old to learn new skills!

Set deadlines for exhibitions or product launches so you’re always working towards something.

Finally, keep a comprehensive database of people who have purchased your work, or potential customers. If social media was to end tomorrow, you’d still have a way of reaching out to people.

2. Invest in a photographer

Really good photography of your work is vital. You can have the most amazing work, but if the photos are terrible, you will struggle to get selected for opportunities.

Keep your images organised and well documented, with high-res and low-res available. You always need to be ready to provide what a magazine or gallery requires when needed.