Adele Jade - Moon Lover
Adele Jade - Ceramicist, Jeweller & Moon Lover.
Adele Jade handcrafts her soulful ceramics and ethical jewellery wares from her leafy Eltham home studio. Her work is richly imbued with references from ancient history and a reverence for the rugged organic qualities of the natural world. She has wandered the world, journeying to many sacred sites and places meaningful to her family's ancestral heritage, providing much inspiration for her work.
We found Adele's magical offerings at a local market and were spellbound by the beauty and craftsmanship of her wares. Adele herself exudes an air of calm and warmth that resonates naturally into each of her creations. Each piece she creates has layered personal significance and speaks of a mindful way of living and being. It is a joy watching her work grow and evolve in the short time we have known her.
Adele was one of the first Ceramicists we featured at Folkstore, and we will be collaborating together on some special pieces for Folkstore in the near future.
We asked Adele a few questions about her art, life, and love of the moon…
Eltham is such a beautiful area - do you find it inspiring for your work? Did you grow up in the Eltham area?
Yes, I've lived in Eltham my whole life, except for a few years wandering around Melbourne as a housesitter and some time spent overseas.
The area encourages creative expression - artists often open their studios for visitors and there's lots of workshops available. Geographically it has influenced my values. Being surrounded by nature helped me to appreciate and understand its importance. I try to extend this to my work, using ethical and recycled materials whenever possible and releasing a limited number of works each year.
Adele Jade wears our Folkstore earthy rust hand embroidered blouse.
What path led you into making ceramics and jewellery?
When my seven year relationship suddenly ended, I found myself in need of radical change. Four days later I left my job and walked into a community ceramics class, not expecting it to become my saviour. I was surrounded by a network that supported me and became addicted to the process and everything it was teaching me. Clay is a very grounding material and I was in the perfect environment to heal myself.
With jewellery, I knew I wanted to learn directly from artisans. I went to Bali and spent time with local silversmiths who encouraged me to be involved and have confidence in my abilities.
Upon returning to Melbourne, I stumbled across a gem club and met a retired jeweller who generously volunteered his time to teach me silversmithing and lost wax casting. I spent a few years under his wing and practiced often at home. We became good friends, sharing many interesting conversations, books and occasional dinners. It was my kind of learning environment and I'm grateful for the experience.
Your work has strong ancient history and archaeological references - how and why is this an inspiration for you?
I studied archaeology at university and it felt like a game of finding treasures and solving mysteries! I am fascinated by the way humans interpret the world around them and how they navigate feelings and emotions - from gifting handcrafted artworks and adornments, to building elaborate structures to honour, admire and worship. The craftsmanship truly overwhelms me.
Is there anything in particular you like to do to get your creativity flowing?
“…I feel most inspired when my life is in balance. I can become overwhelmed easily so I do what's in my power to restore a sense of calm. Establishing healthy routines, setting boundaries and keeping lists certainly helps, as does walking in nature…”
Ideas arrive when I’m present and sometimes while I'm in the flow of making. When I fixate on something it blocks out the noise. I guess it's active meditation, which is why I feel restored after a long day of work.
Where did you spend your childhood? What were you drawn to as a child?
My days were spent mostly outside and in my treehouse. Sometimes I would sleep up there too, which really encouraged a sense of adventure.I have always been curious to explore and learn from the world. When I was fourteen I began working and saving all my money for Egypt. I made my way there (many years later) during my first trip overseas.
“... As a child I was mesmerised by the sky. My first bedroom had a skylight that lined up perfectly with the full moon and I would lay awake watching it float past. This intrigue has stayed and I still enjoy sky gazing. Often I’ll receive texts from family and friends when the moon is looking especially radiant. You may also notice the moon in a lot of my designs!...”
How does your family heritage influence your art and work?
My family is from Southern Italy, and my Dad was born in Lipari, a tiny island off Sicily’s coast. You can drive around the perimeter in just twenty minutes!
In 2018 I had the privilege of visiting and really loved the vibe! The locals drive Piaggio scooters, parked with the windows down and keys inside. It had charming little bakeries, small fishing boats, fruit growing on the sidewalk and castle ruins where my dad used to play hide and seek. There is a beautiful museum there filled with Mediterranean relics found on the island. My time there inspired my recent collection.
I am also influenced by Italian hospitality. Cooking and sharing food is an expression of love and welcoming people into the home. I enjoy creating pieces that encourage or enhance meals shared with your loved ones. A vase as a table centrepiece, honey dippers and spoons for your grazing boards, candle holders for the mood etc. I have been dreaming up a range that will expand on this sentiment and I'm excited to begin making…
What is the dream day for you?
I like my days off to be playful and carefree. I love to wake up early. Maybe go for a bike ride, then visit a farmers market and invite friends over for a big shared lunch. Summer is my favourite season so ideally this would all take place near the beach, followed by gelato and a sunset swim.
I also really enjoy evenings in the city, just wandering from place to place, enjoying a glass of wine with someone close and sharing a fun dinner or indulgent dessert.
Cellar Bar makes the best tiramisu!
What is your connection with community?
I think humans are always looking for ways to connect and art can facilitate this through expression and vulnerability.
Some people write to share why they’ve connected to a particular piece of mine, or what it symbolises for them. I am very sentimental so hearing this means a lot, and brings purpose to my work.
“...I never intended to sell anything I made. My ceramics teacher encouraged me very early to exhibit a piece at a local art show. I was reluctant and afraid but I’m so grateful for the push because an anonymous elderly man wrote a letter saying my piece made him go outside and stare at the moon. I cried when I read it and felt very inspired to continue making…”
I also never intended to do markets but wound up at one supporting a friend. That is where my lovely friendship with Sasha and the Folkstore team began, after she noticed my Hanging Moons and came over for a chat! Now I do markets often and love collaborative events - it's a really fun way to engage and thank the people who make this whole venture possible.
What rituals or self care practices do you engage in during these challenging lockdown periods?
Nights in lockdown feel very long and challenging for me, so I shifted my body clock to wake up a few hours earlier and that has helped - sometimes we forget what we are in control of.
I live in a busy household so I use the early mornings to enjoy a peaceful sunrise with my favorite elixir.
Sometimes it's a fresh and zesty juice, other times a spicy hot chocolate or nourishing smoothie. I plan out my day and establish structure where I can allow myself to opt out when it's all too much. Lately I've been learning a language which helps me to refocus when I'm feeling particularly anxious.
I always take a walk outside when the sun is calling and try to eat foods that are good for the soul.
I like to let rituals ground me and my imagination transport me.
...
Adele Jade wears our Folkstore earthy rust hand embroidered blouse.
Her new ceramic works can be found in our Ceramics collection in our Homegoods Category online.
Her Instagram account is @adelejademade
