Transcending Realities: The interpretation of the unconscious and dreams through art jewellery practice. Master’s Thesis by Zoë Chowney at Stellenbosch University

Transcending Realities: The interpretation of the unconscious and dreams through art jewellery practice.

My art jewellery pieces are reinterpreted and shifting self-portraits, expressing my inner self and offering a subjective perspective on my creative process. Through experimentation and engagement with many materials and techniques, my pieces were intimately and delicately articulated as conceptual narratives, making each jewellery object an extension of the self.

In my work, I expressed the importance of having tension between structured aspects and spontaneous components. This conceptually implies a dynamic interplay, symbolising the interconnection between the unconscious and conscious mind. In the jewellery, the conscious influences are nuances of delicate metal techniques and moments that show signs of control in contrast with the abstract chaos, and the interaction between these forms of creative practice is both aesthetically pleasing and adds richness to the concept. My art jewellery pieces are tangible metaphorical representations of my imagination and unconscious mind.


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Zoë Chowney: Neckpiece: Ethereal, 2023. Silver, epoxy resin, seaweed.

 

About the author

Zoë Chowney is a contemporary artist based in Hermanus, South Africa, whose practice spans various mediums, including jewellery, sculpture, painting, and drawing. Her creative approach is characterised by an in-depth exploration of form, material, and meaning.

Graduated from Stellenbosch University, Zoë got a BA in Contemporary Jewellery Design and Manufacturing in 2020, followed by an MA in Visual Arts in 2024. Her diverse body of work—whether through the fluid lines of a drawing, the bold strokes of a painting, or the tactile presence of a jewellery piece—delves into themes of identity, transformation, and the interplay between the organic and the industrial. Zoë consistently pushes the boundaries of art, inviting viewers to engage with her pieces on a deeply personal and thought-provoking level.

Email: zoechowney007@gmail.com
Website: zoechowney.co.za
Instagram: @zoechowney_