Nina Oikawa | Email

Where and what did you study and what year did you graduate?
I’m currently enrolled in a Doctorate of Fine Art (Gold & Silversmithing) at RMIT, due to finish in 2009. I’m also a second year student at the Gemological Institute of Australia.

Master of Fine Arts (Gold and Silversmithing), 2005, RMIT University.
Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours (Metal and Jewellery), 2004, Monash University.
Bachelor of Applied Art (Metal and Jewellery), 2003, Monash University.

Where did you head after graduating?
In 2006, I received the Gallery Marzee graduate prize in the Netherlands. Part of the the prize was then to participate in the Atelier Ravary workshop in Belgium. I was also selected to be in the Talente international exhibition in Munich 2007 and in art prizes and trade fairs in New York and The Netherlands. In the last three years I have also had three solo shows across Melbourne and Sydney.

When did you launch your own business?
I haven’t launched it officially but I have been producing work for several years.

How would you describe your business to someone who didn’t know you?
My work investigates jewellery making possibilities and the relationships of resin casting informed by a curiosity towards materials and spatial relationships.

How would you describe the products you design to someone who hadn’t seen them?
Contemporary art jewellery created from various materials, precious metals and gems and non-precious materials.

What inspires your design projects?
My most recent works were developed from a workshop focusing on nature held in April 2007 in Belgium. They are also a result of experiments with precious and non-precious materials and incorporate found objects.

What are the next steps for you?
I’d like to produce and sell more high end jewellery in my contemporary designs including materials such as gold, platinum and top quality precious gems.I would also like to work more on engagement and wedding rings and set up my studio.

Nina Oikawa received a scholarship from Design Victoria to participate in Springboard Stage One.

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