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Overview
Prior to training as a jeweller at Unitec in Auckland in the late 1990s, Joanna Campbell (b. 1972) worked in the clothing industry as a production assistant and as a dress maker. Since establishing herself as an independent jeweller in 2001, Campbell's passion for fashion and textiles has continued to inform her jewellery practice. She is known for creating metal jewellerythat imitatesthe drape, texture and fragility of fabric.
In 2003 she presented her Haberdashery Collection, a series of work inspired by the tools of the sewer's trade, including the tape measure, sequins and bugel beads. The Haberdashery Collection is one of Campbell's most popular production ranges. The Tape Measure bangles and rings inparticular, have proved to be very popular amongst sewers - worn as a symbol of alligence. Of her different modes of working Campbell comments:
'I aim to strike a balance between exhibition and production work, as both offer different opportunities. Making jewellery involves a certain amount of physical labour, this has a grounding effect on my aesthetic aspirations. Exhibition work requires research and brings new ideas and depth to production work. I feel I could spend a lifetime making work, and still only express a small amount of the possible ideas that could materialise.' Joanna Campbell