Naarm [Melbourne] based artist and maker Clo Love needed a creative outlet that didn’t take up a lot of space. Realising they had a studio of raw materials and needed to make a birthday present, their jewellery line was launched.
“I would describe myself as a designer and maker, primarily in set design, installation art, and soft sculpture,” Clo explains. “I’ve always had fun with costume making and fashion, and only recently started working with jewellery, which I think is a beautiful intersection of art and fashion. I consider it wearable art.”
HOW IT BEGAN
Clo moved to Naarm [Melbourne] in February 2024, and it was in March of that year that their jewellery epiphany occurred.
“Prior to the move, I’d had a studio full of raw materials and had never made jewellery, but I was sick with a flu and coming up on a friend’s birthday, so I spent three bedridden days making a ridiculous necklace for her, and then I got a bit addicted,” they say.
“In a happy coincidence I came across a big pile of tangled steel chains at a resource recovery centre and used my soft material skills to create some knitted chain pieces, which, I’m happy to say, people now seem to know me for.
“My friend was so obsessed with her necklace that she showed it to a bunch of her friends and all of a sudden I had people asking for commissions! I was obsessed too, and have enjoyed literally making things up as I go.”
JUNK JEWELS AND GRANNY CHAINMAIL
Clo decided that their jewellery practice would be based around turning “salvaged materials into maximalist wearable art that is extravagant, outlandish, and a bit wacky. Something that someone will treasure.”
“I describe the brand’s aesthetic as ‘junk jewels’ and ‘granny chainmail’. I love working to a theme for each piece or collection, but I tend to find myself drawn to opulently arranged trash. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
Although Clo says they are not really good at branding and marketing – which is why their brand is eponymous – their intrinsic artistry has seen them build a strong following.
“My practices are so diverse that it makes it easier to be the face of my own brand as an indecisive artist. However, I refer to the jewellery I make as ‘junk jewels’, or ‘granny chainmail’ informally, mostly because 99% of the materials are salvaged, and knitting chain is weirdly both hardcore and very sweet at the same time.
Clo is inspired by a range of jewellery makers and other emerging brands: “Beefcake in Meanjin [Brisbane] is a chainmail jewellery brand that I adore, and definitely planted a seed. I wear their chains every day.
“Brands like Catholic Guilt, Stettin, and Cyber Youth are incredible examples of a strong aesthetic. Practically though, I am most inspired by what materials are around me.
“My entire artistic practice centres around salvaged materials. Often I will base what I’m doing around what is available, and not the other way around.
“I love custom work! I love making things that are meaningful for people. I had the opportunity to make a wedding necklace and bracelet set for a client, and there were tears.
“To be able to make something so intensely personal and push my creative knowledge to its limit is a blessing. Commissions are open!
“I want to keep making my jewellery for as long as it brings me joy!”
To commission work from Clo Love, go to @clart.biz and to follow their fun and fabulous art practice, go to @clo__love
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