Contemporary jewellery designer Mark Vaarwerk will be showcasing his new works at his first solo exhibition.

Vaarwerk has a fascination with reused materials, and the application and fusion of these materials with traditional silver smithing and hand-spun fibre techniques. This application has become an obvious design trademark of his work.

Demonstrating the limitless possibilities of everyday materials and things, Vaarwerk utilises base materials such as plastic shopping bags and milk bottle containers and combines them with the precious metals of gold and silver.

Vaarwerk ensures his work has a ‘re-use and recirculation’ history through the transformation and reinvention of these materials into innovative jewellery and object pieces.

Vaarwerk’s solo showcase will run from 6 – 29 November 2008 at Metalab – Jewellery, Objects, Design Studio Gallery in Surry Hills.

For a more hands on experience, Vaarwerk will be running a 3 day workshop titled Transforming throwaway plastics: some simple techniques from 1 – 3 October 2008 introducing the public to the design realm and promoting material re-use.

For further information regarding his showcase and workshop, visit vaarwerk.com

Metalab Gallery hours: Tuesday – Saturday (11am – 6pm) or by appointment – metalab.com.au