Photo courtesy: Red PR
Jo Kealley is the highly talented artisan behind the gorgeous glass jewellery brand, Curly Jo. Her kiln-fused pieces are vibrant and wearable works of art for those who love hand-crafted jewellery with a difference. Check out her range at the South Bank Young Designers' Market. You can also find her jewellery at the Eagle Street Pier Markets, held every Sunday.
What is your background?
I started out in graphic design but have had many different jobs including working in retail, sales and buying to name a few. Now I work full time on my designs, which is great.
When did you start designing?
I started just after I finished my uni degree, in 1993, and have done a whole heap of different freelance work since. I only started the glass design that I currently create three years ago.
What prompted you to start designing?
I'd always been interested in visual arts and initially just started working with glass as a side project. I was shown the technique of making glass designs and wanted to put the theory into practice. As things turned out, I really liked it and haven't looked back.
Do you have any formal qualifications or have you taken any courses?
I have a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Graphic Design. The course has been useful as it set me off in the right direction.
Aside from designing - do you have a job? If yes, why did you choose that particular path?
I'm lucky enough that designing is now my fulltime job. It's a registered business and I spend all of my time on it. During the week I'm at home, in my studio or doing the books and on Saturday I go to the South Bank markets, so it doesn't leave much time for anything else.
As a designer, who is your greatest inspiration and why?
My parents are definitely by biggest inspiration. My mum is a fellow artist and has always inspired me to try new techniques and have a go. Whilst my dad was the one who got me into glass-fusing and taught me most of what I know. I find inspiration in the everyday world, from contemporary designs to Australian impressionist artists.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
My ultimate dream is to be recognised as one of Queensland's leading glass artists and to own my own gallery that would sell my full collection.
Which celebrity's personal style best reflects the feel of your current collection?
My collection is really eclectic so it's very hard to put a face on my designs. I get a wide variety of customers from young girls to the more sophisticated older person.
Who are your favourite designers?
That's tricky as there are lots to name who all inspire me in different ways. I love Spencer and Rutherford handbags, Collette Dinnigan, Alannah Hill and Natalie Bloom cosmetics. Natalie was like me, she started out as a graphic designer and I love how she's worked that aspect of her life into the cosmetic range.
What sort of creative process do you go through when coming up with new designs?
I usually start out with an idea that I begin to put on paper by hand sketching it and then adding the colour and details. From there, I brainstorm and refine the design before starting work on it. Sometimes the process is entirely spontaneous and ideas will just jump out at me or hit me in the middle of the night.
Where do you get your inspiration when designing new pieces?
Current fashion plays a big part in the process but often it just comes to me when my mind gets carried away. So often it's a combination of what's in my surroundings, from the environment, to other people and then designs.
What sort of materials do you use to produce your designs? Why did you choose to use this material?
All of my designs are made using kiln-fusible glass. I also use a range of different products in combination with the glass including granulated glass, glass paints and 24 carat gold. I'm really into layering with other glass to create a really unique effect. When I'm making my pieces, they're fused in a kiln at 800°C before being slowly cooled. By slowly cooling all my pieces, I ensure that they are stronger and more durable then your average piece of glass jewellery.
What are your three favourite things?
Colour, attention to detail and decorative elements.
Describe your collection in four words.
Unique, wearable, hand-crafted and colourful.
As a designer, what is your ultimate goal?
To really be recognised for my work and to be a respected glass artist. Whether this is through a magazine article or by having an exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art, I strive towards the buzz that comes when someone praises you or your work, especially when they're a fellow designer.
How do you think the Brisbane fashion scene has changed in recent years?
Brisbane's breaking out and being a lot more daring when it comes to fashion. There's a really young market here and they're putting their stamp on things. They want to be more individual, more whimsical and more versatile and this is being reflected in the designs that they're wearing.
What will you do next with your designs?
I'm looking at retail outlets to stock my designs and have a new website under construction. I want to expand and get my name out there.
What advice would you give to other young designers who are just starting out?
Dare to dream. Just get out there and give it a go. It's incredibly terrifying to put yourself out there but it is so very worth it.
Why are you interested in being involved in the South Bank Young Designers' Market?
It's a great opportunity to promote my collection with other designers.
How did you become involved/apply for the South Bank Young Designers' Market?
I saw an advertisement for the markets in Brisbane News last December so I went along and had a look. I thought it was a great way for up and coming designers to get out there so I decided to give it a go and took part in the last markets in March.
Do you know any other stall holders that will be involved? If yes, do you know what their experience was like at the market?
I knew a few of the other stallholders who had taken part in the first market and they all told me about how it was a good way to reach more people and create a more diverse clientele.
