Research Background As a portable artform jewellery frequently takes on the role of representing something, someone or place that we hold dear. The exhibiting artists draw inspiration from the Australian coastline a response to their lived relationship to a place they consider precious. Mia Wells, Maddison Bygrave and Kristina Gittins approach their works in quite different ways, yet there is a common thread between the ideas they are exploring. They share a respect for the ocean and coastal environments and their works emphasise the preciousness of this place that is part of the greater Australian Identity.

• Research Contribution This curated exhibition draws together three unique responses to the Australian Coastline. Kristina Gittins’ concern about the impact of plastic waste on the ocean and in turn marine life. Through careful handling and treatment waste plastic becomes an important detail in her works, echoing the ubiquitous nature of plastic. Maddison Bygrave was inspired by the insights archaeologists have gained from ancient shell jewellery and artworks. It is the knowledge of the important information a shell can hold that has led Bygrave to develop an approach to work with impressions from shells she finds so she can return the actual shells back to the site where she found them. For Mia Wells walking along the coast line is a reflective activity, it is where she finds her inspiration through observation and consideration. Her necklaces are in turn a record of her perambulations, resembling a drawing of the path followed with the individual elements suggestive of beach finds.

• Research Significance Sense of Place was commissioned by the Grafton Regional Gallery to feature in their program. Curated exhibitions of contemporary jewellery in Australia are infrequent perhaps because jewellery suffers from its association with retail. This exhibition contributed a Queensland voice to contemporary jewellery.