Protea Lattice

Notes

"In dialogue with the traditional genre of nature morte, my creative practice explores the tension between stillness and suspension, reimagining inanimate organic remnants as dynamic, wearable structures. Heavily inspired by the visual language of gathered and bound natural specimens, this collection bridges the gap between fixed observation and physical participation. Where a still life painting permanently freezes a bundle of floating twigs or fragile fragments in mid-air, art jewellery offers a transition: from image to object, and from stillness to movement.
The ring isolates the dense, intricate texture of indigenous Protea wood, anchoring its cellular lattice within a structural silver band. The neckpiece functions as a literal assembly of gathered fragments, linking coastal mother-of-pearl pieces cast in resin with continuous silver chains.

In isolation, these works remain quiet compositions, echoing the gravity-defying stillness of a painted canvas. However, the body of the wearer serves as the ultimate catalyst. Once worn, the pieces are mobilized; they respond to human gesture, catch the light, and animate the narratives of the landscapes from which they were gathered. The boundary between the static and the living dissolves as the human form extends the still life into active space".

Statement by Zoë Chowney, 2026

Inspired by: Sticks from Button Rock by Scott Fraser, 2018

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