RESPONSE: Look and learn

Ta matia sou dekatessera is a Greek phrase that means "eyes fourteen" which translates to pay close attention to your surroundings, being careful and alert. At Studio Melt in Paddington, Julie Smeros’ exhibition Eyes 14, the Goddess and her Owl offers a fresh perspective on Greek cultural heritage through her ceramics and wearable art. Newcastle design collective High Tea with Mrs Woo has responded to these wearable ceramic pieces with textile components. Together these makers explore elements of fragility and strength, and the shared cultural values of being attentive and thoughtful in today's world.

Studio Melt is a jewellery making and retail space first opened in Newcastle in 2012 by contemporary jewellers Ange Hailey and Suzy Manning. In 2020 they were joined by slow fashion label High Tea with Mrs Woo, and together they opened a second store in Paddington in 2023.

Exhibition Friday 11 October – Sunday 20 October
68 Oxford St, Paddington
studiomelt.com.au

Studio Melt, what do you enjoy about being part of Sydney Craft Week?
Having only opened a second gallery in space in Sydney in 2023, we were really keen to be a part of a Sydney-based event that could offer us the chance to participating in the local community and introduce our makers to a new Sydney audience that may not be familiar with their work.

Why did you invite Julie to exhibit in your space?
Julie’s work has always been really popular with our customers, but we thought of her for Sydney Craft Week because her practice is so diverse. She is essentially a ceramicist, but makes a beautiful array of objects, vessels, tableware and also jewellery, which is wonderful for a solo show. We also felt the themes behind Julie’s work lent themselves well to this year’s Craft Week theme REPSONSE. Her work has always been a very personal exploration of her Greek heritage and how that fits with her experiences living in a multicultural society.

Julie, tell us more about your heritage and its influence in this exhibition.
Growing up, my mother would captivate us with mythological stories and folk tales during meals. Storytelling is a vital part of every culture, often embedding cautionary lessons that prepare us for modern life. I've connected the saying Matia sou dekatessera with the Goddess Athena and her owl, as they share similar qualities. The phrase serves as a cautionary reminder to be aware of potential dangers while also emphasising the importance of trusting your intuition. Athena’s owl, known for its ability to see in the dark, symbolises knowledge, wisdom and insight. This interplay between intuition and wisdom helps us navigate complex situations and fosters a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

How are you and High Tea with Mrs Woo collaborating on this exhibition?
High Tea with Mrs Woo were keen to provide a piece of clothing for some of my wearable pieces to be exhibiting on. When they heard more about the themes and ideas behind this exhibition, they suggested we display the brooches on one of their “sixth sense” shirts.

What materials do you use across the exhibition? What draws you to them?
I primarily work with porcelain and cobalt. I am captivated by the delicate and translucent nature of porcelain, which provides an excellent backdrop for the cobalt-painted images. Although many people perceive the blue and white in my work as having a Greek influence, they actually draw from my experiences living in Japan. Exploring ideas and revisiting experiences is important when I’m making. Sharing my work I hope allows the opportunity for the viewer to do the same.

How have you responded to the SCW theme RESPONSE?
My art is deeply influenced by storytelling, particularly the mythological tales and folk stories I grew up hearing. These narratives, rich with cautionary elements and moral lessons, serve as a framework for understanding and interpreting contemporary life. By drawing connections between the saying Matia sou dekatessera, the Goddess Athena and her owl, my work responds to these traditional themes with a modern perspective.

The exhibition invites viewers to consider how historical and mythological influences continue to resonate and provide guidance in today’s world, encouraging a deeper understanding of the interplay between personal experiences, cultural narratives and artistic expression.