I was recently invited to take part in Modern Mysticism along with six other jewellers and ceramicists. Due to The corona virus the exhibition is currently only able to be viewed on line but will be open to the public from the 6th of July. Below you can see the works that I made for the exhibition and read the exhibition essay. All the works are available to buy through the JamFactory. This collection of ‘TEAR CHARMERS’ are an exploration into ritual tears and the stories of classical mythology that have to do with grief sorrow and distress. My works use stylized eyes and tears as an expression of our vulnerability, pain and weakness to reflect our human condition.

Modern Mysticism

Words by Caitlin Eyre

Throughout the ages, artists have been bestowed with the task of crafting of sacred objects to support and fulfil the religious and spiritual beliefs of their culture and society. Such objects include sculptures that represent or embody sacred beings, tools used for worship or ceremonial purposes, and talismanic items believed to possess the power to heal ailments, offer protection, bring good fortune or invoke higher powers. The power of sacred images, symbols and objects continues to hold great importance in contemporary society, with the rich imagery and materiality continuing to inspire artists in the creation of new pieces of art, craft and design. Modern Mysticism invites the viewer to consider our connection with sacred objects, and the experience of the maker in creating material objects that are imbued with divine reverence and otherworldly powers.

Artist Statement

Greatly inspired by the rituals and beliefs of the ancient world, Vikki Kassioras is a gold and silversmith who is fascinated by classical mythology and its ability to shed light on the human condition. Her practice is influenced by a lifelong interest in archaeology, mythology and the aesthetics of ancient Greek and Etruscan jewellery. An ardent storyteller, Kassioras often looks to ancient myths and legends to inspire her in the creation of thematic jewellery that is relatable to the wearer despite the apparent barrier of time and place. By linking past and present through the use of archetypal symbols and stories, Kassioras assists us in understanding our place in the world and the shared experience of the human condition through the ages.[iii] For her most recent body of work, the Tear Charmers collection, Kassioras has focused her research on ritual tears and stories from classical mythology that have themes relating to grief, sorrow and distress. In this collection, Kassioras uses stylised eye and tear shapes to symbolise these stories and the human experience of these deep emotions. As a result of her interest in archaeology and the ancient world, Kassioras utilises an array of ancient gold and silversmithing techniques in her contemporary jewellery practice, including fusing and reticulation. The process of reticulation is particularly significant in Kassioras’ practice and involves heating a sheet of gold or silver alloy up to ten times in order to oxidise the copper at the surface and then pickling it remove the oxide, resulting in a thin layer of pure metal. The metal is then heated to produce the heavily wrinkled, ridged and textured surfaces that give many of Kassioras’ contemporary jewellery pieces the appearance of a recently uncovered ancient artefact.[iv] “It is a minimal way of working,” says Kassioras, “yet it allows me great scope for producing individual contemporary works that flirt with antiquity.”