Laura Deakin — 'Mygration' #3, 2020

This body of work explores notions behind human migration and the connections we all have to it. Nowhere in the world is free of questions around immigration and our political leaders use it as a tool for their own gain. As the child of a foreigner, I was taught about those subtle differences from home one can long for in a new place. The bread is different, the smells, the tastes and the sounds are different. This new work, Mygration, Yourgration, Ourgration, asks questions about what is it like to be a lost in a landscape and why our memories of home flavour our experience of a new place. 

Using tools classically reserved for stone setting the surface is treated and manipulated with a combination of materials, finishing in watercolor paint. The sterling silver corners and chain are hand fabricated and turned, finishing with (the only human element) a bone clasp.

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Laura Deakin is an Australian-born contemporary jeweller whose work combines traditional jewellery techniques with modern and classic materials. Using this contrast, her work focuses on contemporary and political issues within the parameters of body adornment.

In 2003 she completed a Bachelor of Fine Art (majoring in Contemporary Jewellery and Hollowware) at Monash University. In 2010 she completed a post-graduate Masters of Fine Art at Munich’s Academy of Fine Art (Akademie der Bildenden Künste). She currently works full-time as an artist and goldsmith and is founder of the label Coral Covey Jewellery.

Laura is represented by Galerie Wittenbrink, Germany & Gallery Loupe, USA. Her work can be seen in permanent collections at The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Museum of Modern Art & Design, Munich and Gallery Marzee in Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

She lives and works in Melbourne/Naarm.

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Lean In

September 5 – October 31, 2026

Lean In brings together new work by three of Australia’s most innovative and established contemporary jewellers: Laura Deakin, Dr Marian Hosking and Dr Blanche Tilden. This exhibition showcases jewellery and objects created through a sustained collaboration between these makers, who have spent time working side-by-side, leaning into each other’s practices, and experimenting across studios.

Lean In is an invitation: to move closer to the work, to notice fine details and to enter the dialogue between artists. It asks audiences to lean into the conversation that unfolds when mentorship, friendship and curiosity intersect with material intelligence and generosity. At once intimate and ambitious, the exhibition celebrates how leaning in can mean listening, supporting, challenging and ultimately expanding the possibilities of contemporary jewellery practice.

Read more about the exhibition here:

Material: Acrylic sheet, sterling silver (oxidised), watercolour, acrylic paint

Dimensions: approx. 136 x 57 x 7 mm

Please note when purchasing, exhibition works are to be collected when exhibition closes.