Innovative jewellery and metal at Bilk

THE ever-innovative Bilk Gallery for contemporary metal and glass in Palmerston Lane, Manuka, is today introducing two new artists to its ever-expanding stable.

German Godwin Baum is a specialist in jewellery and silversmithing, while Vito Bila, from Melbourne, makes vessels by the use of traditional and non-traditional smithing techniques.

The new exhibition falls into two discrete sections, thus providing an insight into each makers practice as well as their use of materials and the forms they choose to create.

Baum has formed a special relationship with a select group of Melbourne contemporary goldsmiths like Marian Hosking, Susan Cohn, and Carlier Makigawa. He spent a period of 10 years working and travelling between Australia and Germany, before settling in Germany. Baum, whose work is contemporary, even though it is inspired by classical techniques and forms, produces brooches, rings, earrings, neckpieces and bangles with great emphasis placed on comfort and wearability.

Bila’s non-functional metal vessels explore a dynamic and unconventional combination of processes and materials as he investigates ways of expressing this dialogue on the surface of his vessels through cracks, creases, welded seams, metal oxides and tool marks that accumulate through the processes he uses.

Bila, through the language of traditional silver smithing, exploits the traditional and nontraditional, often within the one piece. He has exhibited in Australia, Asia, the UK and the USA, is represented in several public collections in Australia and his works are collected privately in Australia and Europe.

“Crossover, Godwin Baum & Vito Bila: an exposition of jewellery and vessels,” at Bilk Gallery for contemporary metal and glass in Palmerston Lane, Manuka, until April 12. Opening celebration, Friday, March 14, from  6-8pm, all welcome.

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