Blowing gold for JamFactory 50
Established in 1973 as a visionary government initiative to promote contemporary art and design, JamFactory celebrates its 50th year in 2023.
Starting out life as a craft training workshop in an old jam factory on Payneham Road, St Peters in Adelaide, the contemporary design and craft hub and was home to a gallery, shop and artist studios for glass, ceramics, leather, textiles and jewellery design. JamFactory moved to its current West End location in 1992 and opened a second location at Seppeltsfield Winery in 2013. To recognise a selection of the most influential achievements of the organisation’s Associate Program, the exhibition Gold: 50 years 50 JamFactory Alumni is on display at JamFactory from July 21 to September 17.
Through its training programs, studios, galleries, and shops, JamFactory has nurtured and supported the careers of hundreds – if not thousands – of artists, craftspeople and designers, and to celebrate 50 years, organisers invited 50 “outstanding and highly acclaimed” alumni to create a golden piece.
Eileen was selected and chose to blow a gold lotus, celebrating intricate detail and light in a delicate, golden flower, using a gold leaf finish.
“I love flowers,” says Eileen.
“I love nature. And to work on flowers for a signature piece allows me to immerse myself in nature for longer periods of time. I loved creating The Lotus.”
The Lotus, by Eileen Gordon. If you can imagine a night with the full moon shining, reflecting its golden light off the glossy petals of a Lotus Flower that is still open. This handblown vase with its flower stopper, where each petal is made one by one and assembled hot. The intricate flower in black, highlighted by gold leaf gives this piece a luxurious feel. The elegant vase is the vessel to display the Lotus.
The Gordon Family has a long-lasting affinity with the JamFactory glass studio; Eileen, Hamish and Calum (pictured below) are all alumni of the Associate Program.
Grant and Eileen’s son Calum at the JamFactory in 2023
At the core of JamFactory are the four studios in Ceramics, Glass, Furniture, and Jewellery/Metal that provide a skills and business Associate Program for artists and designers. As well as developing local talent, the studios attract outstanding artists and designers from around Australia and across the globe.
The organisation provides an important public interface between professional art, craft, and design practitioners and the wider public. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about and be inspired by the curated exhibition program and can watch artists in action in the on-site studios.
Gold: 50 years 50 JamFactory Alumni
21 July – 17 September
JamFactory Tarntanya / Adelaide
