Local artist profile: Milton Long

THIS week we chat with contemporary studio jeweller Milton Long.

What motivated you to become a jeweller?

In the late 80s I had just completed over 10 years of continuous full and part time study and decided I needed to have some sort of creative outlet. The school I was teaching in had a jewellery department that I would often walk through to get to other parts of the school and that gave me the idea to give jewellery-making a try.

I found that I enjoyed designing and making jewellery and started to sell pieces to friends and through art galleries. Whenever I made some money I would buy more materials and new pieces of equipment which enabled me to attempt more ambitious pieces.

How would you describe your style and how did you develop it?

I have not deliberately developed a style. I tend to get ideas and pursue them if I think they will become a piece that I am happy with. I do not follow fashion trends or what’s in this year. But I do go for simplicity of design and elements of repetition, and I am very aware of issues of practicality. If a pendant looks great but doesn’t hang properly then it’s no good.

I am a big admirer of the art deco period and this is often apparent in my designs. I am also influenced by good design elements be they in architecture, cars or household appliances.

Are there any themes that you like to feature in your work? What draws you to these?

I am not consciously aware of any themes as such but most of my designs are abstract. What seems to come to the forefront are the elements of patterns and the repetition of shapes. I tend to gravitate to simple shapes as a starting point and then insert a disruptive element to provide dynamism. As a consequence, gemstones are often set off-centre or in unexpected places.

What are some highlights or fond memories you have from your career so far?

I have had a number of group exhibitions with other jewellers and visual artists over a number of years.

Perhaps the biggest highlight of my art career was a solo exhibition at the La Trobe University Visual Arts Centre in Bendigo in 2013. This exhibition, The Wearer as Curator: 20 contemporary pendants, was opened by Cr Rod Fyffe and was extremely successful. Eighteen of the 20 pieces sold during the exhibition and I received some commissions in the following months.

How has your practice been affected by COVID? Has there been little change or has it had a substantial effect?

My practice during COVID has been largely unaffected. What it has meant, though, is that I have spent more time at the jeweller’s bench making pieces. The additional time in the workshop has enabled me to focus for a time on making chain-necklaces. These are repetitive and time-consuming and as a result commercial jewellers do not generally make them, but the results are often rewarding.

How can people check out your work and, most importantly, purchase it?

My work is currently available at the Bendigo Visitor Centre and at Art on View, 18 View Street, Bendigo. I can be contacted via [email protected] or miltonlong.com.au.

My work is also available to be seen by appointment. Email to make arrangements.