Capturing Tasmanian nature in silver

Slow, thoughtful, and intuitive making underpins Tasmanian-based Sophie Carnell’s art practice as she connects her audience with the environment. She grew up in a creative home in the Cotswolds, UK, moving to Australia at the age of 21. Sophie uses ethically sourced Australian silver, either sterling or pure, to produce her soft organic artworks. Flowers, stems, leaves, or native fruits are captured in this precious material. She begins her process by researching the plants extensively and examines historical botanical drawings. From there, she conceptualises the subject matter into building blocks and cuts the shapes from sheet silver. Sophie then applies heat and hammer to make her pieces.

• When did you discover silver and what do you enjoy about it?

  I arrived at silver through jewellery, and I love its connotations of preciousness. Fine silver is beautiful to work with as it is so malleable and wonderful to craft from, while also being very forgiving. I use many methods to create three-dimensional objects in silver.

• Do you work collaboratively with anyone?

  During Covid, I started working with ceramicist Sarah Rayner. We created works by choosing a native Australian plant, making a work, and mailing it to the other for an artistic response. It was a very fulfilling conversation on many levels.

• Where do you draw inspiration?

  My work has recently been focused on the Australian native plants and the rare and endangered plants of Lunawanna-alonnah, also known as Bruny Island, the beautiful island where I live. I do a lot of research and then reimagine plants in my interpretation of them in silver.

• Where does your creative process take place?

  My workshop is at my home. It has a view through the eucalyptus to a sheltered bay. I have an enormous glass-topped table full of compartmentalised collections of sea wrack, bird bones, seed pods, pebbles and shells. It is an endless source of inspiration.