Zara Collins

Japan Jewellery Designers Award 2020

Chuffed to be selected as a finalist in the Japan Jewellery Designers Award 2020 - congratulations to all of the finalists and award winners! An exhibition will be held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum June 17-21. 639 selected and awarded works by 254 individual artists will be on display to the public.

Cancelled due to Covid-19

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum 17-21 June 2020
www.jjda.or.jp/en/compe/2020 
www.jjda.or.jp/compe2020/outfit/

JMGS-NSW Profile Exhibition 2019

JMGA-NSW, PROFILE ’19 Awards, in partnership with the Australian Design Centre is hosting the 6thJMGA-NSW Biennial Curated Award Exhibition for Jewellery, Objects and Metalsmithing. I am thrilled to be a finalist with a series of brooches I made while on residency at Bundanon Trust - congratulations to all of the finalists!

jmgansw.org.au
australiandesigncentre.com

Bundanon Trust Residency

Matina Bourmas and I were resident artists at Bundanon Trust in April/May 2019, sharing the newly established jewellery studio for a period of two weeks. We were both thrilled and humbled to have been selected for this incredible opportunity!

www.bundanon.com.au/

Jewels of Fire & Earth

I exhibited new ceramic jewellery during the NCECA Conference in the USA, March 2019. Jewels of Earth and Fire featured 16 international artists including Violaine Ulmer, Shu-Lin Wu, CJ Jilek and Katja Prins.

27-30 March 2019
Khazana 2225 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis MN 55405 USA

www.khazana.com/

Creative Spaces Residency

I have just finished up my artist residency with Wollongong City Council and the Cultural Services team - thank you so much for providing a studio space for the last six months in the heart of Wollongong. It was a real treat to meet the other resident artists and see what they are up to! So many pieces were completed during this time and I am very grateful for the opportunity to further develop my work and to partner with local businesses such as Next Gen Powder Coating in Helensburg. 

www.nexgenpowdercoatings.com.au/
www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/artculture/

Creative Spaces Residency

Keira & Kembla earring in progress during the residency in Lower Town Hall, Wollongong.

www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/artculture/

Ceramic Jewellery Workshop - Barcelona

I participated in a ceramic jewellery workshop with internationally renown jeweller Trinidad Contreras in June 2018. I have been inspired by her unique work for many years and was thrilled to finally meet her and learn new skills. 

Thank you to Trinidad Contreras for the use of her image. 

menudadeplata.blogspot.com.au

Goulburn Art Award 2018

Pleased to be a finalist in Goulburn Regional Art Gallery's 2018 Goulburn Art Award with new porcelain jewellery titled Off the Plan.
Exhibition runs 20 - 28 April 2018

goulburnregionalartgallery.com.au


Crackers Exhibition at Zu Design

Zu design's annual Christmas exhibition opening Friday 24th November 2017 at 6-8pm.

www.zudesign.com.au

There is no there there...

In this small group exhibition three Sydney-based artists come together to explore the ‘notion of place’. Artists Graeme Bannerman, Matina Bourmas and Zara Collins will create work which reflects personal interpretations of ‘place’ within their individual art practices. 

4 -21 October 2017 
Studio 20/17 Project Space 
53 Ridge Street, North Sydney 
studio2017.com.au/project-space-events

Contemporary Wearables Award & Exhibition 2017

Pleased to be selected as a finalist for the Contemporary Wearables Award & Exhibition 2017. Graeme Bannerman & I worked collaboratively on a series of ceramic neckpieces entitled Brancusis' Balls. Good luck to all of the finalists.

Exhibition open 16 September to 5 November 2017
Toowoomba Regional Gallery
531 Ruthven Street
Toowoomba City QLD 4350

www.tr.qld.gov.au/galleries

JMGANSW Profile Award Exhibition

Profile is a significant curated award exhibition of contemporary jewellery, objects and metalsmithing by members of JMGA-NSW. With awards on offer for both emerging and established artists, there will be a diverse and comprehensive cross- section of work from some of our state’s most talented contemporary jewellers.

jmgansw.org.au
gaugegallery.com.au/category/upcoming-exhibitions/


Hey Gurl

Curated by Kimberley Peel, Hey Gurl is a group exhibition of female artists' exploring female identity and gender politics. A zine will also be produced in conjunction with the exhibition. 

Exhibition opens 20 - 31 July 2017
Gaffa Gallery
281 Clarence Street
Sydney NSW  2000

www.gaffa.com.au
Hey Gurl Zine 

Pebble Pendants

Pebble pendants are the first 3D Printed pieces I have designed, printed in brass and sterling silver. I look forward to designing larger scale rings in a similar design and continuing to experiment with 3D printing technology. Available in the shop.

Polka-Not Exhibition

Polka-Not exhibition was presented at Goulburn Regional Art Gallery Retail Project Space. The small solo exhibition was a culmination of an artist-in-residency in Collector during Spring 2016. Presenting porcelain tableware and sliver & ceramic jewellery.

Open 17 February to 18 March 2017

goulburnregionalartgallery.com.au


Polka Not porcelain tableware

Polka-Not tableware was produced during an artist-in-residency in Collector during Spring 2016 where I experimented with porcelain for the first time. Limited edition available through Goulburn Regional Art Gallery Shop.

http://www.goulburnregionalartgallery.com.au/site/

Artist-in-residence Collector, NSW

I worked at Lynwood, a beautiful farm near Collector, NSW as part of a new artist-in-residency program managed by Goulburn Regional Art Gallery. I thoroughly enjoyed the peace and quiet and had a productive time experimenting with porcelain for the first time.

http://www.goulburnregionalartgallery.com.au/site/

Thread Exhibition

Group exhibition of Australian & New Zealand jewellers at Zu Design jewellery + objects.

www.zudesign.com.au

2016 North Queensland Biennial Ceramic Award

Graeme Bannerman & I collaborated on three ceramic neckpieces entitled Brancusi's Balls which were selected as a finalist in the 2016 North Queensland Biennial Ceramic Award. 

Exhibition dates 11 March - 1 May 2016
Pinnacles Gallery, Riverway Arts Centre, Townsville, QLD

Wabi Sabi Solo Exhibition

Stepping Stone Earrings earthenware, glaze combinations, silver

Wabi Sabi Solo Exhibition

Exploring the notion of Wabi-Sabi, the Japanese concept of beauty and the impermenance of life. Characteristics of the wabi-sabi aesthetic include irregularity, simplicity, modesty and an appreciation for the integrity of natural objects and processes. 

Experimenting with ceramics, glaze combinations, sterling silver and glass to create unique jewellery pieces that celebrate intuition and imperfection. 

Opens 5-15 August 2015

Stanley Street Gallery
52-54 Stanley Street 
Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Australia 
stanleystreetgallery.com.au


Belonging Exhibition

Belonging - embodied commentaries inspired by place exhibition curated by Madhulika Ghosh, opened
27 June - 11 July 2015 in the ANU School of Art - Foyer Gallery. Featuring over 140 artworks from contemporary, Australian ceramic artists.

www.australianceramicstriennale.com.au/2015

Profile 2015

To coincide with edgesbordersgaps, the Jewellers and Metalsmiths Group of Australia’s biennial conference, Profile 2015 was a curated award exhibition of JMGA-NSW members. Profile 2015 exhibition opening and Award Presentation night was held on 10 July 2015 at: Airspace 2 Projects, 10 Junction Street Marrickville, NSW. 

www.airspaceprojects.com/
www.edgesbordersgaps.com.au/


Contemporary Wearables 2015

I was thrilled to be a finalist in the Contemporary Wearables Award & Exhibition 2015, held at Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, QLD. Exhibition open 20 September - 1 November 2015. 

www.toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au/trag

Meroogal Women's Art Prize 2014

I am very pleased my Victorian Vinaigrette Neckpieces were selected in the Meroogal Women's Art Prize 2014. Female artists from across NSW have created works in response to Meroogal, Sydney Living Museums 19th-century house museum in Nowra. Selected artworks will be displayed in and around the house and grounds, throwing new light on the stories of the people who lived there and the house’s rich collection.

www.sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/events/meroogal-women

Gold Coast International Ceramic Award 2014

I was thrilled to be a finalist in the The Gold Coast International Ceramic Art Award. This biennial award for ceramic artists is in its 29th year and includes artists from around the world. 

Selected artists Gold Coast International Ceramic Art Award 2014:
Ros AULD, Julie BARTHOLOMEW, Xiaodong BIAN, Mollie BOSWORTH, Veronica CAY, Zara COLLINS, Greg DALY, John DERMER, Kate DORROUGH, Simone FRASER, Helen FULLER, Jenna GREEN, Niharika HUKKU, Susan JACOBSEN, Irianna KANELLOPOULOU, Sharon MUIR, Jenny ORCHARD, Yamei PENG, Simon REECE, Amanda SHELSHER & Vipoo SRIVILASA.

Selected artists will have their artworks displayed from 6 September - 26 October 2014.  
www.ceramicartaward.com
www.theartscentregc.com.au/

Exquisite Exhibition

Zu Design celebrates Christmas in style with a huge annual group exhibition of jewellery + objects. Artist and jewellers from around Australia showcase small collections of their latest work. 
Zu Design 103 Gays Arcade, Adelaide, SA.

Opens 21 November 2014 to Mid January 2015
www.zudesign.com.au


Exquisite Exhibition

Orphrey Vessels
cast earthenware, base metals, underglaze

Transformed Exhibition

An exhibition by Gaffa studio residents Transformed - from the known to the unknown on show from 17 April to 28 April 2014 at Gaffa Gallery in conjunction with City of Sydney. Come and see how the studio residents have responded to the themes of up-cycling, re-cycling and re-using materials and found objects. 

www.gaffa.com.au

Sculpture for Sight Fundraising Exhibition

Sculpture for Sight Exhibition was launched on 13 December 2013 with an exclusive fundraising garden party at St Marks in North Adelaide. The proceeds of the exhibition sales went to the Sight for All organisation for Sight Surgery Projects in Burma - a very worthy cause! 
Sculpture for Sight E-catalogue: http://elixrdesign.com.au/sculptureforsight/index.html
For more information on the Sight Surgery Projects: http://www.sightforall.org

White Heat at Wollongong Art Gallery

White Heat - contemporary australian ceramic jewellery

Chinese Contemporary

After travelling through hot and dusty northern India - the cool air of a Chinese autumn was heaven! Wonderful contemporary art scene, fantastic food and quiet moments in temples and parks throughout Shanghai.  

Indian inspiration

During 2010 Zara travelled to Northern India, soaking up the sights and sounds of New Delhi, the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Pushkar and 'the Venice of the east' Udaipur. A richly rewarding trip full of colour, history and tradition.

Lost in Translation Exhibition

After a two month stint travelling through India, China, Hong Kong & Macua - Zara presented a new collection of ceramic and silver jewellery entitled Lost in Translation inspired by her experiences and collected material. Gaffa Gallery's Curio Cabinet during October 2013.

www.gaffa.com.au


 

Wearable Art 2011

Curated by Denise Orchard, Director of Glass Plus Gallery, the Wearable Art exhibition is an annual event presenting contemporary jewellery from all over Australia. Artists exhibiting in 2011: Zara Collins, Tamara Dixon, Susan Frisch, Geraldine Gandolfo, Marilyn Hayes, Pip Keane, Anne Oberin, Mary Odorcic, Lisa Simmons and Emma Wood.

Exhibition 19 November to 3 December 2011.
glassplusgallery.com.au

The Box Project

Curated by Jasmine Mateus, The Box Project brings a unique premise to a contemporary jewellery exhibition. Mystery boxes containing an array of random recycled bits and pieces and everyday materials were sent to participating jewelers who were invited to create jewellery out of the contents. Contemporary jewelers participating in the exhibition include; Diane Appleby, Zoe Brand, Melissa Cameron, Zara Collins, Kristin D'Agostino, Sharon Fitness, Liana Kabel, Peta Kruger, Bridie Lander, Jasmine Matus, Carrie McDowell, Sunggee Min, Jessica Page, Alice Potter, Sonya Scott, Lauren Simeoni, Nadine Smith, Sondi, Melinda Young.

The exhibition opened at Gaffa Gallery, Sydney before travelling to See Hear Gallery in Wellington and Masterworks in Auckland, New Zealand.

For more information please visit the blog:

http://theboxproject.tumblr.com/

www.jasminematus.com

 

Shanghai Chic

In conjunction with the promotion of the new craft and design website Promote, Zara exhibited a small collection of jewellery designs at Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery Retail space during September and October 2008. The spring collection Shanghai Chic displayed a broad range of production work and exhibition pieces.

www.promotecraft.com.au/community

Baubles, Bangles & Beads

Curated by Richard Perram, Director of Bathurst Regional Gallery this beautiful exhibition focuses on the relationship between jeweller and collector. Featuring jewelers Helge Larsen & Darani Lewers, Yuri Kawanabe, Sherridan Kennedy, Zara Collins, Jason Moss and collectors Magaret Pomerance, Dr Gene Sherman and Penelope Seidler amoung others. For more information please visit:

www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/community

Magic of Angkor Watt

After travelling through north Thailand, Zara went overland to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Marveling at the ruins of Angkor Watt and surrounding sites. 

Thai Travels

Zara spent two months travelling through Thailand & Cambodia during 2007. She continues to be inspired by the people, tradition, aesthetic and cuisine of the region.

Le Boudoir Secret

A collaborative exhibition by Katrina Freene and Zara Collins which explored femininity and seduction through the production of contemporary jewellery and objects. Le Boudoir Secret was shown as part of the Jam Factory’s exhibition program during March 2007.
www.jamfactory.com.au

View PDF version of the exhibition catalogue

From Mao to Now

Curated by Catherine Croll, From Mao to Now includes work by more than 75 contemporary artists with links to China. Some are Australian artists who have recently spent time living and working there, while others are members of the Chinese diaspora now resident in Australia. Participants include noted Australian Chinese artist William Yang and award-winning painter George Gittoes. Another component of the exhibition is 65 Chinese sport and propaganda posters from the Mao era never before seen in Australia.

Beijing Takings

Continuing her work with recycled components and found objects Zara’s exhibition Beijing Takings was inspired by a residency in Beijing, China during 2004 through the Australia-China Council. Zara sourced recycled packaging materials and objects to inspire a new body of work. This solo exhibition of jewellery and glass was shown at Pyrmont Studios Gallery in November 2005.

www.dfat.gov.au/acc
www.pyrmontstudios.org.au

Australia-China Council Artist-in-residency

In late 2004 Zara visited Beijing, China for a month long artist-in-residency. She researched, documented and collected textile samples and recycled packaging materials for inspiration. Zara’s solo exhibition Beijing Takings was the culmination of this residency and featured original jewellery & glass designs at Pyrmont Studios Gallery.

www.dfat.gov.au/acc
www.pyrmontstudios.org.au


Finders Keepers

Designed and realised during a nine month residency at The Jam Factory, Metal Studio in Adelaide during 2003. Zara’s first solo exhibition of jewellery, Finders Keepers exhibited at Zu Design, displayed a unique approach to recycled materials in contemporary jewellery. Utilising materials as diverse as chopsticks, Chinese newspaper, soap packaging, silver and resin.

www.zudesign.com.au
www.jamfactory.com.au


 

Chop Suey Range

Chop Suey Range of earrings and bracelets are a cheeky appropriation of the humble chopstick. 2002

Chop Suey Stretch

Chop Suey Stretch Bracelet

Refashioned chopsticks, thread & paint

Takeaway at 4A

A collection of jewellery made from reclaimed and collected chopsticks: bamboo, plastic, metal and ceramic have been reinvented into contemporary bracelets, neckpieces and earrings.

http://www.4a.com.au/

Talente Exhibition & Award Germany

Zara's  contemporary jewellery Chop Suey Stretch Bracelets were chosen as a finalist in the prestigious Talente Award & Exhibition 2004 in Munich, Germany. 

Dreams of Spring

Exhibited at The Jam Factory‘s Purple Space during September 2004, Dreams of Spring sees Zara combining glass and silver into glamorous neckpieces which subtely reference Chinese & Japanese floral motifs.
www.jamfactory.com.au

Clinch

Clinch
hand cut and polished jade, ring set
2002

Body Language

While studying in the Glass Studio at Sydney College of the Arts, Sydney University, Zara experimented with the concept of body adornment and fetish during her first year studies. Black Corset & Black Bikini are full-sized glass pieces, which were fused and slumped. Bikini was exhibited in the 2002 Contemporary Wearables Exhibition & Award at Toowoomba Regional Gallery.

http://www.toowoombarc.qld.gov.au/contemporary-wearables-jewellery-award