09 April 2014

Who Made This - Melissa Baldock

Why did you become a jeweller?
It started with a love of stones, and a love of making things, so it made sense to learn to set stones in jewellery. What I find amusing is that I do not set many stones any more, I am more interested in the metals and their capabilities.















How would you describe your men’s jewellery range at Lord Coconut and what was its inspiration?
Most of my work is inspired by nature, and my range at Lord Coconut is a reflection of this.





















How would you describe what is on your jewellery bench?
A massive mess! I am terribly messy when I am creating and never put my tools back where they belong… lucky I have a huge space to spread out in!


When not making jewellery what do you love to do?
Spend time with my beautiful family.


Favourite restaurant
With 3 small children… dining out is not a fun option! But if I manage to escape for an evening I certainly don’t mind a meal at Smolt in Salamanca, Hobart.


Favourite movie
I love many movies, I just can't think of a single one to add here.




Favourite travel destination
Thailand, because the locals are such beautiful people.


Favourite band
Afro Celt Sound System


Favourite book
The Old Man And The Sea – Ernest Hemingway


Favourite art work
Devil Whale – Jen Lobo


Favourite building
(other than my own home) would probably have to be the Sedlec Ossuary





See her full range of jewellery HERE

03 April 2014

Who Made This - Ginkoh Jewellery



















Why did you become a jeweller?
I've always done art! When I returned to Australia after living and travelling through Europe and China I decided to do a course in metal smithing in 2007.  I've been developing and exploring jewellery making since.


How would you describe your men’s jewellery range at Lord Coconut and what was its inspiration?
Ginkoh Jewellery pieces are often one of a kind, created though utilising a variety of metals and techniques. Enjoying different materials, recycling and our Australian culture.






 











How would you describe what is on your jewellery bench?
My bench AKA "Precious", custom made by my Dad, has a continuous movement of unresolved useful and inspiring pieces that I pick up or create along the way, each intern becomes something unique

When not making jewellery what do you love to do?
Watching movies, going to the beach and Figure drawing. I do love to travel so I've always got that in mind. Get tattooed.
 
Favourite restaurant
I think a bbq at a mate house is my kind of thing.

Favourite movie
I could chose many but......Spy Game

Favourite travel destination
For now Italy

Favourite band
I like a lot of differnet music though Pearl Jam is always going to stay with me

Favourite book
Lonely Planet Guide....anywhere.

Favourite art work
So much to love but ....illustrations by Arthur Rackham.

Favourite building
Ponte Vecchio


See her full range of jewellery HERE

25 March 2014

Who Made This - Dat Van


 

Why did you become a jeweller?
I was a cook and restaurateur for 15 years after some indecisive years studying graphic design and photography in the early 90's. I had missed being creative and was contemplating going back to studying but this time i wanted something that is more hands on. Making jewellery was a very new concept in my mind and the whole idea of creating something small and precious was very exciting to me.


How would you describe your men’s jewellery range at Lord Coconut and what was its inspiration?
My range at Lord Coconut is a varied one ranging from a "Giraffe" brooch to "Sakura" lapel pins and the "Pirate" ring wedding band. My aesthetic is generally pared back, simple with clean lines with a lot of influences from the Japanese culture but sometimes I like to have a little fun with my designs so hence the giraffe brooch.

 


How would you describe what is on your jewellery bench?
My jewellery bench tend to have various works going on at the same time such as wax carving and fine metal works.

When not making jewellery what do you love to do?
You will normally find me at Kinokuniya Books, MCA or the National Gallery of NSW.

Favourite restaurant
To this day Tetsuya remains the most memorable dining experience!

Favourite movie
Too many to mention but A Single Man for its beautiful styling and soundtrack.

Favourite travel destination
I will sound cliche but Japan and New York any day.

Favourite band
I do not have a favourite band but I do love world music.

Favourite book
Kafka On The Shore by Haruki Murakami. I'm an enormous fan of this man.

Favourite art work
Bill Henson Untitled #125

Favourite building
Prada Building in Tokyo by Herzog and de Meuron.

See his full range of jewellery HERE

20 March 2014

Dear Father exhibition

 http://www.lordcoconut.com/exhibition/dearfather14/

Exhibition Opening: Tuesday 18th March 5.30 to 7.30pm

Exhibition continues in-store until 19th April

Summer is over and the coconuts are coming home to roost - in Melbourne, at least. And the man we all look up to, Lord Coconut, is again raising the bar, making filial love visible with the "Dear Father" exhibition.
Inspired by Lord Coconut’s first private gallery Down Under in 1887 which was filled with treasures, brought over by boat, from his adventures in Africa, Asia and various Pacific Islands, the “Dear Father” exhibition is an Internet era interpretation of his collecting ways and the love for his father.

At the modern day Lord Coconut's Emporium of Wonder, artists are exhibiting a piece of jewellery or small scale sculpture, inspired by a blank postcard (circa 1910) Lord Coconut collected from different countries during his travels.

The jewellers and artisans were then required to write a short message similar to what Lord Coconut may have written to his old man. The combination of the postcards, the messages and the subsequent inspired gifts, form the basis of this exhibition.

And while the "Dear Father' Exhibition is a modern homage to Lord Coconut’s globetrotting and artefact collecting ways, it also allows us mere mortals to bring homage to all the special men - and fathers - in our lives.

Exhibition pieces and their details:

http://www.lordcoconut.com/shop/napoli-amethyst-cufflinks/ 

Ali Alexander

Cufflinks from Moschio Angioino, Napoli, Italy
$800
Sterling Silver and Amethyst

Dear Father,

I hope this reached you well. I am sending you the post card showing the Castle Nuovo, because we did not venture there. The talk here is all of the cholera and even though the authorities deny it every body is talking about it and our party has stayed away from area's like the ports where the castle is. That is also why our stay here was as short...in fact we stayed only long enough for the "Argentierre" terence contea to attach the amethysts to these cufflinks that had been given to me by aliA earlier. I trust you will appreciate the skulls and bones representing life in death. It has been too long and I hope to be returning soon.

Your faithful son.



http://www.lordcoconut.com/shop/malta-ring/ 

Anastasia Grace Birbas

Ring from Musta Church, Malto
$110
Oxidised Sterling Silver

Dear Father,

I miss you dearly.


http://www.lordcoconut.com/shop/trier-ring/ 

Beth Croce

Ring from Constantin-Saule und Moselbrucke, Trier, Germany
$400
Sterling Silver

Dear Father,

This ring was found at the site of the ancient Roman amphitheatre in Trier.... once given to a gladiator who fought there, it's said to have been fashioned from a sterling silver nail cast from the Shoe of Pegasus. Yes the famed winged horse of Zeus.

To me the pattern recalls the tall columnar cells of tissues as viewed with Galileo's wonderful compound microscope.

In any case I thought it a beautiful token that you might enjoy.

Yours Sincerely


http://www.lordcoconut.com/shop/gibraltar-monkey/ 

Patricia Denis

Monkey Head from Rock of Linea, Gibraltar
$198
Coconut Shell, Glass, Acrylic/Enamel Paint

Dear Father

I had a close encounter with the natives today. One of them stole my lunch! I don't begrudge him that because I have a soft spot for these furry fellows. It wouldn't be Gibraltar without them.

With Love


http://www.lordcoconut.com/shop/cabo-verde-tie-bar/ 

Helen Heap

Tie Pin from Rue de Coqueiros, S. Vicente, Cabo Verde
$150
Sterling Silver, Copper and Fine Silver

Dear Father,

Paradise found! Little silver tie-pin for you. Neck-ties all the rage now, you know! Get your man to give it a polish every now and then, won't you? Damn hot here on St Vicente. Good rum. Need it. Off to cooler climes next.

Love to you all, especially Aunt Cissy.



http://www.lordcoconut.com/shop/tanger-signet-ring 

Jessica Helen

Gents signet ring from Porte de la Mendoubia, Tanger, Morocco
$650
Sterling Silver and 9ct Yellow Gold

Dear Father,

Sending you the warmest of wishes from Morocco. The most ornate part of Africa I have travelled thus far.

With Love

http://www.lordcoconut.com/shop/sailsbury-necklace/ 

Janty Fry

Pendant from Victoria & Albert Inn, Netherhampton, Sailisbury, Wilts, England
$120 (SOLD)
Porcelain and Pewter

Dear Father,

Your family made me most welcome and send greetings. Small gift for Mother.

Fond Regards



http://www.lordcoconut.com/shop/yokohama-cufflinks/ 

Kim Jonsson

Sakura cufflinks from Monument of Iiko, Yokohama, Japan
$440
Sterling Silver, 18ct Gold and Shibuichi (silver and copper alloy)

Dear Father,

I find myself in the bustling international trading port of Yokohama. It is spring and the sight of cherry blossoms in bloom is exquisite. There is an almost reverential attitude towards this flower they call 'sakura'. It symbolises the impermanence of life and elicits a sense of sweet melancholy. This awareness of the transient nature of all things serves to heighten ones appreciation of their beauty. I had half expected to see the legendary warrior class, the samurai, strolling the streets, but alas they are no more as it is now forbidden to carry swords in public. I was fortunate to see one of these magnificent swords which was decorated with the sakura motif. Surprisingly the Japanese well to do favour western attire and I came across these sakura cufflinks and instantly new I must have them for my dear father.

Your loving son


http://www.lordcoconut.com/shop/ceylon-neo-edwardian-cufflinks-ii/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Julie Kiefel

Neo-Edwardian Cufflinks (two pairs) from Temple Elephant, Ceylon
$594 pair
Found & Refitted Ornate Vintage Elements/Layers


Dear Father,

A quick note from the steps of the Holy Tooth Temple - Kandy, Ceylon. We've disembarked here from my rail tour of the Eastern parts of the Empire. It's simply quite marvellous how many animals feature in this balmy Ceylonese vista!

Bullock teams heave to & fro the station. Snake charmers conjure cobras from their baskets in the market place. Temple Elephants stand chained to stop them trample fields of unplucked tea. They do rock so, with stares blank ahead, but their majestic tusks ensure they'll hold a prestigious place in the upcoming procession...

A separate package to you has been dispatched. Contents should please Mother's love of kempt French cuffs.

Fondest regards, your son


http://www.lordcoconut.com/shop/rouken-glen-ring/ 

Emily Schilg

Ring from The Park Rouken Glen, Scotland
$220
Sterling Silver

Dear Father,

Today I find myself at The Park Rouken Glen, an exemplary model of fine Scottish countryside. The Crum family have owned the lands since 1852, and during his occupancy, created the most beautiful walled garden. I send you this ring momento that illustrates a birds eye representation of these statuesque gardens.

Your Loving Son

http://www.lordcoconut.com/shop/ronda-belt-buckle/

Felicity Smith

Belt Buckle from Puente Nuevo y Molinos, Ronda, Spain
$190 (SOLD)
Beef Bone, Leather and Brass

Dear Father,

In Ronda cavalry were trained for battle by fighting bulls. They now face the bulls on foot for sport in front of large crowds. Whether this is brave or foolhardy is not for me to say.

Warmest Regards



Kath O'Neill

Spoon from Buffalo Park, Banff, Canadian Rockies, Canada
$395
Sterling Silver

Dear Father,

Here is all fishing, hunting and hot springs bathing. Star filled evenings; dining and sleeping in Swiss chalet luxury. A great many Europeans here - pity the poor, wretched Cree, Blackfoot and Kootenay Indians all but wiped out by the smallpox. Here is a small spoon used by clay-pipe smoking gentlemen for teh good measure of their tobacco - I suppose Mother will take it for making the tea. Much love, hope all are well.

P.S. Buffalo are very impressive beasts - their coats fetch high prices.


http://www.lordcoconut.com/shop/fishing-lures/ 

Jo Anderson

Fishing Lures from Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, England
$115
Multi-media

Dear Father,

I am well now, I had fallen of my horse in the forest near Alnwick Castle, as I came too, there was a man, looking at me, he talked to my whilst he was seeing if I had any broken bones, is name is Alan Percy, he is a duke, can you believe that. As it is I broke my left leg. He rode away to get help, he came back and took me to his Castle. Father, his wife got the Doctor and he was very kind. I have out done my stay here. I am well now. I have become very good friends with this man named Alan, while we sat around while my broken leg healed, we made these fishing flys, we would sit in the afternoons and sip Brandy and talk the hours away. I'm sending these fishing flys to you father, as a gift, I have missed you and our family. How is mother, I know she worries.

Your loving son.