top of page
Screen Shot 2021-06-06 at 5.43.09 pm.png
Thylacine

about

Emma Bugg, born in lutriwita/Tasmania in 1981, is a contemporary jeweller known for her innovative approach that blends craft with a curiosity for materials and technology. With over fourteen years of experience, Emma explores the boundaries of her field, merging traditional techniques with innovative conceptual ideas to create deeply resonant pieces. Her work goes beyond mere adornment, connecting deeply with viewers and engaging audiences on a profound level.
 

In 2023, Emma was awarded a fellowship for the Women’s Art Prize in Tasmania, a testament to her dedication to exploring the intersections of art and technology. Her work explores complex themes, as exemplified by her 2024 collaboration with Professor Andrew Pask for the “Not Natural” exhibition at Science Gallery, Melbourne. For this project, Emma created an installation featuring a locket containing Thylacine pelt and DNA, offering viewers a poignant space to reflect on de-extinction and its ethical implications. This piece highlights her ability to fuse scientific inquiry with innovative artistic expression.
 

As a co-founder of the State of Flux Workshop in Hobart, established in 2020, Emma has cultivated a space where contemporary jewellery is created and celebrated. This artist-run workshop and gallery connects with the broader national and global community of contemporary jewellery and object makers. 
 

Emma’s practice integrates precious metals with emerging technologies, such as NFC tags and QR codes, transforming jewellery into interactive experiences. This innovative approach has established her as a leading figure in the field, with her work featured in prestigious collections and institutions, including MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) and Science Gallery, Melbourne.
A finalist in the Woollahra Small Sculpture prize, 2024 with her entry Nuggets of Wisdom and Fries with That, Emma's work is an interactive sculptural jewellery set that connects viewers to an AI chicken nugget chat bot. This work can be viewed until October 20th at Woollahra Gallery

 

At the heart of Emma’s practice is a commitment to innovation and storytelling, positioning her as a transformative figure in contemporary jewellery, whose work not only reflects the present but also engages with the future.

Emma is presenting at Women in Design in November, 2024. More details here


Private commissions available by appointment CONTACT

​

​​

​

​

​

​​

​​​

​​

 

 

 

 

Galleries and Stockists:

​

​
​
 

 

​

​​

 

Employment

2023-present      Peer review panel, RANT arts, Arts Tasmania

2011-2017          Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) Gallery invigilator, performance artist

2011-present          Practicing artist, self employed

 

Education

2015             University of Tasmania, Foundations of Technology for Healthy Living

2012             Postgraduate Master class, Contemporary Art Jewellery- Karl Fritch and Lisa Walker, University of      Tasmania of Fine Art

2009-2010     Tasmanian Polytechnic. Diploma of Art, Craft & Design in jewellery design

2000-2002     University of Tasmania, School of Fine Art. Bachelor of Fine Art degree

 

​

Solo Exhibitions

2021             Seeing in the Dark, Handmark Gallery, Hobart

2020             Still Life, Handmark Gallery, Hobart, Tasmania

2019             Explorations in Concrete, Moonah Arts Centre, Tasmania

2016             Exhibition of new work; Emma Bugg. Handmark gallery, Hobart, Tasmania

2014             Let’s get Metaphysical, Handmark gallery, Hobart Tasmania

2012             Hear my voice before it is spoken, Handmark gallery, Hobart, Tasmania

2011             Unearthed, 146 Wallspace, Arts Tasmania. Collection of new jewellery

2010             Emerging Artists show; Emma Bugg & Blair Waterfield. Handmark gallery, Hobart, Tasmania

 

​

​

Group Exhibitions
2024                Woollahra Small Sculpture prize, Sydney

2024                Namedropping, MONA Tasmania

2024                Absolute Piston Gauges, Contemporary Art Tasmania

2024                Not Natural, Science Gallery, Melbourne

2023                Difficult Terrain, Schoolhouse Gallery, Rosny Farm

2023                Precious-  Excellence in Contemporary Jewellery. QVMAG, Launceston Tasmania

2022                Certain Women, Soggy Brolly Gallery, Queenstown, Tasmania

2021                Radiant Pavilion, The Boroughs, Melbourne, Victoria

2020-2023       Crown exhibited at Ladies Lounge, MONA

2018                Triple Parade, HOW Design Centre, Shanghai, China

2017                Toowoomba Contemporary Wearables '17- Biennial Jewellery Award & Exhibition

2017                In-house, Moonah Arts Centre, Tasmania

2017                Material: Concrete, Artisan Gallery, QLD

2016                The Contemporary Jewellery Exchange International online exhibition    

2015/16           Sweet Tribology, Area Recreativa Monte Deva, El Pinar, France

2015                Earthcode, Plimsoll Gallery, University of Tasmanian School of Fine Art

2015                Connected, 146 Art Space, Arts Tasmania

2015                Earworms, GAFFA gallery, Sydney NSW

2013                Fabricate Contemporary jewellery exhibition, Design Centre, Launceston, Tasmania

2013                Art Takes Miami, Miami Art Fair, Miami Beach, USA.

2013                Toowoomba Contemporary Wearables, Toowoomba QLD (Nationally Touring Exhibition)

2013                Pushing the Boundaries, School house gallery, Rosny Tasmania

2013                Tactical Magick, workshop participant and exhibitor, CAT gallery, Tasmania

2010                Design by 10, contemporary jewellery. Side Space Gallery, Salamanca Arts Centre Hobart (curator and exhibitor)

2009                Explorations jewellery exhibition. Gaffa Gallery, Sydney & Guildford Lane Gallery, Melbourne

 

​

​

Professional Development​

2024                Guest speaker, Agents of Change: Women in Design 2024

2018                Undisciplined conference, Hobart, Tasmania

2015                Parallels design conference, Melbourne

2015                Parallels design camp. Selected to attend five day camp with national & international artists & designers

2015                Women in Design. Design Centre, Launceston

2015                LINK festival-Design, technology and social change. Melbourne.  

2015                Earthcode | core litany Selected to participate series of field trips, discussion panel & create responsive artwork

2014                Transmediale festival. Attendee and technical assistant for Nancy Mauro Flude, Haus der Kulturen, Berlin,            Germany

​

 

 

Awards and Major Projects​​

2024              Woollahra Small sculpture prize finalist-  Nuggets of Wisdom & Fries with That

2024              Private commission, David Walsh and Kirsha Kaechele-10th Wedding anniversary bespoke jewellery.

2024              A Moment to Reflect, Thylacine de extinction collaboration with Prof. Andrew Pask. Not Natural exhibition,                                     Science Gallery, Melbourne

2023              Gilded Memories, Charm Necklace for Queenstown. Unconformity festival

2023              Women’s Art Prize Fellowship Recipient -Established Artist, RANT Arts & Bell Bay Aluminium

2023              Commissioned project 2023 Unconformity Festival, Queenstown TAS

2019              Decay concrete bangle Finalist Footscray Art Prize

2017              Shrapnel necklace Finalist in National jewellery award Toowoomba Contemporary Wearables

2016              Awarded development grant to explore use of concrete. Arts Tasmania

2014-2016     Awarded studio residency, Arts Tasmania Connected program

2015              LINK festival, Melbourne. Fellowship awarded. Granted RAF Quick Response funding to attend

2014              Commissioned by Artist Hubert Duprat to make gold chips for caddis fly artwork, MONA

2014              Crown Commission for wedding of Kirsha Kaechele & David Walsh

2013              Love Brooch Project Selected for Toowoomba Contemporary Wearables, (AUST/NZ)

2013              Observatory necklace chosen for international publication in Lark 500 series book ‘500 Art Necklaces’

2012              Selected as Top 5 Tasmanian artists, 30 & under Nicole Durling, Senior curator at MONA

2011              Commissioned to design brooch featuring QR code technology for David Walsh, owner MONA museum)

A R T I S T     C  V

Terms and Conditions of Sale

These Terms and Conditions apply to all purchases made directly through Emma Bugg Contemporary Jewellery and State of Flux Workshop. By purchasing or placing an order, you agree to the terms outlined below.

​

1. Products

1.1 Each piece of jewellery is handcrafted by me, Emma Bugg, either through direct purchase or via State of Flux Workshop. Slight variations in size, colour, and texture are a natural result of the handmade process, making each item unique.
1.2 I strive to provide accurate descriptions and images of each piece, but colours may vary slightly due to different screen settings.

​

2. Pricing and Payment

2.1 All prices are listed in $AU and include applicable taxes unless otherwise stated.
2.2 Full payment is required at the time of purchase through the payment methods I accept.
2.3 Prices are subject to change without notice, but any changes will not affect confirmed orders.

​

3. Orders and Shipping

3.1 Timeframe for specific orders to be advised when design is finalised. 
3.2 Shipping costs and estimated delivery times are provided at time of purchase
3.3 For international orders, any customs duties, taxes, or delays caused by customs are the responsibility of the buyer.

​

4. Returns and Exchanges

4.1 Due to the bespoke nature of my jewellery, we cannot accept returns or exchanges unless the item is faulty.
4.2 If your jewellery arrives damaged or defective, please make contact within 14 days of delivery with photos of the issue so it can be resolved
4.3 Approved returns must be unused and in their original packaging. Return shipping costs are the buyer's responsibility unless otherwise agreed.

​

5. Custom and Commissioned Pieces

5.1 A non-refundable deposit of 50% is required to begin any custom or commissioned work.
5.2 For custom pieces, I offer up to 3 design revisions. Additional revisions may incur extra charges.
5.3 Custom and commissioned pieces are non-refundable, as they are created specifically for you.

​

6. Care Instructions

6.1 To ensure your jewellery lasts a lifetime, please follow the care instructions provided. I am not responsible for damage caused by improper care or use.

​

7. Intellectual Property

7.1 All designs, images, and content associated with Emma Bugg Contemporary Jewellery and items sold through State of Flux Workshop are my intellectual property and may not be reproduced without permission.

​

8. Liability

8.1 I am not liable for any loss, damage, or injury resulting from the use of my jewellery beyond its intended purpose.

​

9. Amendments

9.1 These Terms and Conditions may be updated from time to time. The latest version will always be available on my website or provided upon request.

​

10. Contact

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to make contact 

bottom of page