I'm so pleased to announce that Charleys Forest Silver will launch our 2020 collections in-store at Saloon Design House from the 24th - 26th January 2020. Three collections with over 60 new pieces will be available.
Saloon is a perfect fit - we are in good company with all of us being affected by the Australian bushfires in some way. Saloon is a proudly local Braidwood business that has supported Charleys Forest Silver since it was established in 2017 - and I'm excited to launch a pop-up to coincide with the launch of their new collection Phoenix Rising.
Saloon Design House Phoenix Rising Collection. Photographs by Asha Kidd
It has been a challenging few months for our little business - with most of my plans not happening - especially the studio, stocking and online store milestones.
The fires in Australia are so surreal, and it is affecting everyone. It's impacting many places we love, we've visited, we've spent time in, lived near, and hiked in. It is impacting homes where friends, family and communities live. We may still be on alert, but really, we are both just trying to understand what all of this means. For our country, the future, our environment, our kids.
Firestick Goanna cuff & Thorny Devil pendant
All the pieces that we worked on for the last few months leading up to the fires and those I managed to complete during will now be available at the Saloon Pop-up. There are over 60 pieces from three major collections that have not been officially released: The Firestick Collection, Exploring the Blue and Birds.
The Firestick Collection is from firestick farming, a technique used by Australian First Nation people for hunting and managing the land. This collection is about our relationship with the earth - and that the choice in how we manage it is up to us. It is inspired by a very formative time for me working and living in Paakantji country in western New South Wales. I was mesmerised by the sheer determination of First Nations people to care and love the land and to be open to teaching, despite colonial history.
Red desert colours in the Firestick Collection rings
Exploring the Blue is a collection of ocean pieces - all our favourite south coast of NSW beaches, our sea creatures - the whales, and one of my favourite little lighthouses. The ocean is a powerful rich place of wonder. Exploring the Blue captures the beauty of the ocean with beautiful Campitos turquoise and rich engraved sea inspired shanks.
Larimer Sea Ring, Mink Whale Skull Ring and Whale Teardrop Pendant
"We are in reach of a whole new relationship with the ocean, a wiser, more sustainable relationship. The choice lies with us."
Sir David Attenborough.
Birds is a new collection of pendants, rings and earrings featuring Australian birds. I have been birdwatching since my late teens and never go anywhere without my trusty binoculars. Birdwatching is creative, energetic, fascinating and beautiful. It tunes me in to the birdsongs, the relationships birds have between each other and our environment. Our symbol is the Satin Bowerbird, and I've made more of our signature bowerbird pieces amongst the new bird pieces.
"Whatever the bird is, is the perfect bird"
Judith Wright
You are all invited to our special Pop-up, and I'd love it if you are able to come on over to Braidwood for the long weekend.
There are many businesses in Braidwood open for the "More Than A Cul-de-Sac" event (starting the 25th January) which is part of the #visitbraidwood campaign
I hope to see you there!
Sky.