As Bowerbird prepares to celebrate its 15th anniversary, jeweller Chloe Tyndall reflects on what initially drew her to the design market, why she keeps coming back and how it has changed over the years.
Jewellery designer and maker Chloe Tyndall, who runs Chloe Shay Jewellery, says she loves using asymmetry in her designs.
Chloe is especially known for her loop necklaces and loop earrings, which are available at the JamFactory, the Art Images Gallery in Norwood, on the Chloe Shay Jewellery website, and at the Bowerbird design market.
“From when I’d left TAFE and was studying at Adelaide College of the Arts, I had basically set the tone for my style,” she tells CityMag.
“I hand make everything and I’ve basically created a line of jewellery out of sterling silver and it’s all my own designs – so completely unique to the Chloe Shay brand.
“It’s quite distinctive with lots of loop jewellery and disc jewellery.”
Chloe says she also takes commissions for bespoke jewellery and has recently moved into wedding jewellery.
Chloe has been showcasing her creations at Bowerbird since the market’s inception in 2009.
She says that Bowerbird appeals to designers and makers such as herself who don’t have a brick-and-mortar store.
“When Bowerbird first started, it was really exciting because it really elevated Adelaide’s market scene and I think it’s really comparable with big interstate design markets, so it’s an Adelaide institution,” she says.
“It’s also nice because you meet other creatives as well and you’ve also got that face-to-face interaction, which is lovely and you get to see your repeat customers.”
Chloe Shay Jewellery can be found at Bowerbird design market from November 22 to 24. This picture: Supplied
Chloe says that Bowerbird has grown a lot since she first became involved, adding that the change of location from the historic Queen’s Theatre to the Adelaide Showground was a big adjustment.
“In terms of location, it was in that beautiful, picturesque, character Queen’s Theatre, but the market quickly outgrew that space and they had growing pains,” says Chloe.
“They had to basically choose another venue, which was a bit sad because I feel like that was part of the charm of Bowerbird, but there are other options and it’s just as great in this location at the Showground.”
Asked why she still comes to Bowerbird after 15 years, Chloe tells CityMag she is drawn to the high quality of the market.
“It’s a great platform for small designers like myself – it gives you really great opportunities to basically show your designs in a high-end design market,” she says.
“It was really exciting for the time to have a market solely devoted to design and the individual makers, so I guess that’s why probably what keeps me coming back as well.”
Although Chloe hasn’t planned anything special to celebrate Bowerbird’s anniversary, she is excited to showcase her new designs at the market this weekend.
“It’s a real milestone and I’m looking forward to seeing returning customers and fellow makers – it’s always exciting to bounce ideas off of each other and catch up.”
Bowerbird will celebrate its 15th anniversary from Friday, November 22 to Sunday, December 24 at the Adelaide Showground.
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