When creating her one-off pieces, serendipity is Rohana’s constant companion… 

We recently spent a few minutes with Rohana Holiday, a local jeweller and small object maker …

Rohana, please tell us a little about yourself, your practice, your processes…

I am a jeweller and small object maker, originally from New Zealand, now a proud Geelong local with my husband, daughter, dog and cat.

I work predominantly with sterling silver, titanium, natural materials and found objects.

I enjoy taking an organic approach to creating my one off pieces. Starting with an idea, I let the piece evolve naturally as I work, allowing the materials to guide me. Serendipity is my constant companion.

What are you working on at the moment? How did last year change or challenge your creative process or routine?

2020 had an unexpected (sterling) silver lining for me.

As with many others, being in lockdown, (with an active and curious toddler) brought my creative practice practically to a halt. I did, however, manage to fill a sketch book with ideas as they popped up during the year.

This year I’ve been able to dedicate more time to my studio work allowing me to experiment with the ideas which have been brewing away for so long. In a way, having a forced break has made me appreciate my time in the studio even more.

Please tell us what or who inspires you to create?

Mother Nature is my greatest muse. With her endless supply of beauty and wonder there is nothing like taking a long walk in the bush or a weekend camping to fill my tank with fresh ideas and inspiration.

What’s the best piece of advice you have received? Do you have a favourite quote you would like to share?

The best advice I ever received was from my yoga teacher “just show up”. It applies to all things in my life, but none more than showing up at my jewellery bench.

There have been times when I have felt low on energy and motivation and really could have spent the day curled up with a book instead. But on these days I just make myself show up at the bench to work. It doesn’t take long to get caught up in what I’m working on and before you know it, the day is over and I’m wishing I had more time to be there.