Name: Lorikeet Plane Brooch by Emily Valentine
Brand: Studio Melt
SKU: EX07
Price: 450.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

Only Once - Contemporary Jewellery Exhibition 2026

Lorikeet feathers, toy plane and stainless steel catch.
130 x 115 x 40mm.

Valentine’s use of feathers began 1999 when she made Road Kill shoes using feathers from a road kill lorikeet. She uses this source whenever she can. By building on a ready-made figurine, with great skill, she manipulates the feathers onto a figurine.
She started using the planes when the aeroplane made an emergency landing on the Hudson River. The reason the engine failed was because of bird strike. Birds no longer rule the sky. We have invaded and colonised their space.

For the last 38 years Emily Valentine has worked full time as an artist in Sydney. Valentine is one of few artists using feathers as the cornerstone of their conceptual language and philosophy. She often creates small sculptures and jewellery with narrative themes. Her work is direct, humorous and meticulous. In 2010 Valentine was the recipient of the Residency Tylee House, Sargeant Gallery, Wanganui, NZ.
This redirected her and the Aeroplane work developed as a response to the landing on the Hudson River of the commercial flight caused by a bird strike. The pilot was hailed as a hero but the dead birds were barely mentioned.
Her brooches, in animal/plane form demonstrates, show her strong need to draw the viewers attention to the plight of Australia’s flora and fauna. The motifs are transient yet familiar - the viewer does a “double – take”.
Born in New Zealand, now living in Australia, she sees the art from Pacifica as her strongest influence. She wants the viewer and wearer to know and see where things come from, and to think about our callous treatment of animals.

Please note*
This piece is part of an exhibition, so when purchased please know that it will ship after the exhibition finishes on 27th September 2026.