Claire McArdle – Crafting Stories in Contemporary Jewellery

In this episode, Tabith dives into the tactile, expressive world of contemporary jewellery with artist Claire McArdle. From childhood beadwork to mastering gold and silversmithing at RMIT, Claire’s journey is a testament to the lifelong learning embedded in her craft. Her pieces aren’t just adornments - they’re vessels of memory, storytelling, and experimentation.Claire shares how a wool-focused residency abroad sparked an exhibition she brought home to Ballarat, thanks to a pivotal grant from the Ballarat Arts Foundation. That support not only enabled her to showcase work at the Lost Ones Gallery, but also helped her reconnect with her hometown after years away. Since then, Claire’s work has graced exhibitions in Adelaide, Melbourne, and even the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris - alongside a feature in NGV’s *Melbourne Now*.We explore the evolution of her style, the challenges of sustaining an artistic career, and the impact of BAF's early-career support. Claire’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the power of community backing.Follow Claire on Instagram [@Claire__McArdle](https://www.instagram.com/Claire__McArdle) or visit [clairemcardle.com](https://www.clairemcardle.com) to see her latest work.Tune in for a conversation that’s as textured and layered as the jewellery itself.

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