flowers of the sea

flowers of the sea, 2022 by Julie Blyfield investigates the shapes, forms and textures of red sea weeds found along the southern coast of Australia. Seaweeds and other marine algae are integral to the health of the planet, producing large quanitites of the oxygen we breath and play an important part in marine and land ecology. Red seaweed specimens are found in a range of different shapes and forms, much like the plant diversity found on the earth's surface. Like the rest of the natural world, red sea weed is under threat due to human-induced climate change. These often over-looked ocean species are the focal point for flowers of the sea.  In this ambitious work, Blyfield has created 15 objects that draw on the traditions of natural history illustration and the documnetation of marine specimens. Through thorough investigation of red seaweed specimens found in the collection of the State Herbarium of South Australia- the artist has created objects in bi-metal copper fused with sterling silver that reference the delicate fronds, blades and stems of this extensive collection. The application torch heating and plunging the objects into boiling water has allowed the artist to produce a vivid pallet of reds and coppers in the 15 objects, much like the range of colours found in red seaweeds. Each object has been sealed with archival wax to protect the surface while also providing a low sheen to the metal, creating an almost 'wet' look.  flowers of the sea, draws attention this this important marine species and showcases the artist's decades long interest in the representation of Australian plant specimens in metalwork.

A leading Australian craftsperson, Adelaide-based jeweller and metalworker Julie Blyfield (b.1957) is renowned for her use of the traditional techniques of chasing and repoussé to produce delicate works of jewellery, objects and vessels that reference local Australian plant specimens. Often drawing on collected plant specimens found in public collections, her practice involves deep research and documentation of collected specimens. Blyfield has practiced for over thiry years and in that time has worked closely with various natural history and decorative arts collections in South Australia and internationally.

In 2007, Blyfield was the feature artist for the South Australian Living Artists' (SALA) Festival with a monograph written by Stephanie Raddock and Dick Richards. In this publication, Richard's explored the connection between Blyfield's practice and the traditions of colonial South Australian metalwork and jewellers. He describes how her Margaret's pressings brooch, 2007 (20172A47A) was made using techniques similar to those used by the colonial gold- and silversmith, Julius Hogarth (1821-1879). In this work, by Blyfield, Australian flora has been interpreted with attention paid to the unique textures and detail of collection specimens, pressed by archaeologist Margaret Nobbs (1925–2014; her late partner Chris Nobbs’s aunt).

An avid gardener herself, Blyfield's practice is environmentally conscious as is her life which is deeply entrenched in the natural world.