REVIEW

   The Australian National Brooch Show 2019   

the 12th year of the CAS Inc. Brooch Show

5 May  to 9 August

at Fitzroy Library

  Review by Maryla Juchnowski  

The 2019 Australian National Brooch show continues to bring together the work of 73 artists from both Australia and overseas. The inventiveness of the participating artists is shown in the amazing array of materials they used, including: textiles, embroidery, acrylics, silver, beadweaving, pencils, buttons, ceramics, clay, collage, crochet cotton, wool.

Of the 325 works, some of the brooches that caught my eye include Pamela Camille’s brooches. Her Radiant Rose brooch looks like it has been crocheted in silver, and her bird brooches are very pleasing to the eye. Amanda Lawrence’s silver “Rain Dance” is also particularly pleasing.

Kate Howard’s unique brooches made from sliced pencils are most interesting and colourful.

Hannelore Daniels intricate beadweaving brooches include watch parts and vintage elements and are and full of colour. Andrea McKay’s polymer clay and glass brooches have wonderful shapes, particularly no Name 3 which looks like Murano glass.

Ali Symons Little Red Riding Hood made with crochet and cotton and screen printing is delightful. Caron Cavalier’s mixed media textile, beads and cotton “in Peril” series brooches depict Australian animals, and are wonderful.

The Australian National Brooch Show 2019 is currently on at Fitzroy Library till 9 August. It will then be moving to Eltham Library, Panther Place, Eltham, where it will be on from 13 August to 29 October.

If you missed the first “Try & Buy” at Fitzroy Library on 5 May, go to Eltham Library on Saturday 17 August, 12noon to 1:30pm.