Hi Courtney! Tell me a bit about your background.
I'm Courtney Hogan, an Aquarian and I’m a jeweller working in Naarm using silver, gold, brass and a variety of stones. I love the power of storytelling with different techniques, styles and materials. My work is a combination of jewellery and masks created using line heavy drawings and intricate wirework. I draw my inspiration from stories (old and new), emotions and synchronicities in daily life.
RMIT BA (Honours) Fashion collaboration with Belinda Sorrentino 2018
How would you describe your own personal style?
I love wirework with the positive and negative spaces you can create. Using wirework makes it easier to replicate drawings on paper to objects in space. I do lots of drawing with thick lines, no matter how much I try to steer away from them I always come back there. I guess personal styles evolve and the materials can change, but you always carry your own essence.
Caged, model: Indigo Walton-Guerin, photographer - Mae Hartrick
Ladder Stud, Earrings
What were some obstacles you faced when making a collection?
I made my first collection this year! One part that I found difficult was pricing, especially when trying to work out a wholesale price for stockists. Just to make sure everything balances out in the end. The creating process was actually really enjoyable, the shapes and ideas had been in my mind for a while so they came together quite naturally. I’m looking forward to when the inspiration comes for another collection as I really love seeing what I make come to life when someone else wears it, so the photoshoot shot by Mae Hartrick and modelled by Ani Priyo was a magical day.
BTS Renewal Shoot, Model - Ani Priyo, MUA - Mae Hartrick
How would you describe your collection?
My first and only collection (so far) Renewal was created thinking about the collective changes we are going through at the moment. It was made from reflecting about the forced adaptation, change and growth we are all facing. It’s something none of us expected and has impacted everyone, I wanted this collection to connect to mindfulness.
For example, the Make Space ring holds an open space in it, as a reminder to cultivate room to grow, movement, peace and to welcome the unknown. Jewellery as a whole is something we carry on and with us, it’s given as an act of love, easily lost (for some), found by others, held close as heirlooms or a status symbol.
This collection was made to set reminders to hold space for ourselves, the strength we have and an opportunity to see the world with a different lens.
Make Space, Rings
What goes into creating sustainable jewellery?
Everything I make is made by just me, so no fast fashion is involved. I recycle where I can, use compostable mailers and eco friendly packaging. It’s important to me to try to make pieces to the best of my ability too, and to repair where I can if something is to break. Sustainability is also about longevity, so I don’t make pieces to match trends but rather jewellery to cherish.
Escapism, Model: Courtney Hogan, Photographer: Mae Hartrick