Focus on Julie Holmes-Reid of Meraki Designs
Cultivating beauty from ingredients destined for the tip is central to Meraki Designs, the practice of designer-maker, Julie Holmes-Reid.
Julie’s practice is unconstrained; the usual and expected ingredients are completely absent in her jewellery and objects.
She recycles. Costume jewellery and any material or element that has promise is taken apart and give new life. Chains, plastic, faux pearls, glass beads.
“There’s mountains of material out there and so much beauty”.
High fashion and runway jewellery inspire her; the aesthetics of Schiaparelli, Lanvin, Christian Lacroix, Gucci, Gaultier and Valentino. Yet, her own treasure trove and stockpile is at the other end of town. Op shops.
Unlikely materials uncovered then recycled into gorgeous adornments. “If there is a way to make something out of something discarded or a different material, I will”. Just once, though.
She struggles with the idea of mass production. “We’re drowning in stuff. I just don’t need to be reproducing anything”. A chain was given to her; it sat on her bench for ages. Then chunky crème plastic beads were found and voila!
“Anywhere I can add a tassel I will. I love the movement and softness”. The red tassel piece harks back to her graduate collection. “I wanted to use fibre and was very influenced by ceremonial jewellery from New Guinea – the plumes, headgear and chest plates”
A piece might be the union of elements from three or four discarded pieces pulled apart and reassembled. And if it requires reconstruction multiple times, so be it, until the lines and comfort are perfect.
The brass disc on this neckpiece was kept for years waiting for special adornments. The long blue beads came from – well, you know where. “I wanted it to flow like a waterfall”.
Presently, Julie’s teaching; passing on her breadth of knowledge. Lucky students, I reckon.
Photos by Bill Shaylor @bgshaylor Rae Fallon @raefallon and the artist.