AUNTY BEVERLEY MELDRUM

BLAK DESIGN2024 EXHIBITION

3 Sept

ARTIST STATEMENT

AUNTY BEVERLEY MELDRUM

I am Beverley Meldrum a Wirangu/Kokatha women who has always lived by the sea. As a little kid we always had a shack by the sea in South East South Australia. The design for these pieces comes from Kelp itself, as Kelp has many differences within each piece. Often as I work with it, inspiration just pings from somewhere within. Kelp has a life of its own—in the end it has the final say.

I collect the kelp locally on the Mornington Peninsula. I think of it as a gift once finished its life in the sea, and then washed up on shore, I like to bring it back to life for everyone to see the beauty often hidden/overlooked. While participating in Blak Design Jewellery Program I also began working with precious metals, opening up a whole new practice of work.

I want my work to reflect the beach. It just takes me back to my childhood. The sea air, the salt, the texture of the water on your skin, all the healing properties. Just sitting in front of the waves, the force of the waves, it's meditative & grounding. It’s everything, it’s me. All thanks to Kelp.

@bevonline56