Ebonny Munro’s jewellery is ethereal but wearable. There’s an innate sense of character to each of her designs, lent in part by the unique spirit of the stones that she chooses to work with. Queensland-based Munro cites the appearance of crystals in the fabled story of Atlantis (the lost city), as well as the mystery surrounding opals, as inspirations informing her designs. It is apparent in the silky chokers and embellished earrings of her ‘Celestial Daisy’ collection too — there’s just something quite special about this emerging local designer. And she is undoubtedly part of the new guard of innovative new jewellers to come out of Australia right now.
‘Celestial Daisy’ is Ebonny Munro’s first full collection, but from these initial offerings it becomes clear that her work is all about energy. It’s perhaps for this reason that she is so enthusiastic to work collaboratively with other young creatives. Most recently, Munro collaborated with Sydney-based artist Kitty Callaghan and emerging photographer Sophie Brockwell. And on a dreary day in September, this trio of creative ladies took to Sydney’s Carren Park — a location steeped in eerie history — to capture Munro’s designs in motion. Shot on film, Brockwell’s photographs were then collaged by Kitty Callaghan and the result is an otherworldly testament to Munro’s own personal inspirations: the confluence of space and nature. This feels fitting, too, given that her approach incorporates the use of stones that boast an almost mythical quality. Following on from the collaboration, i-D turned to Munro to shed some light on the history of opals and to talk all things adorned.
What is your earliest jewellery memory?
When my great grandmother passed away, she left her jewellery to my cousin and our mothers to keep. In her box of treasures I found this captivating pinkish, purple opal pendant set in gold. [It was then] that I realised jewellery is special treasure; something that can last forever.
That’s so sweet. What was it, then, that first ignited your interest in making jewellery of your own?
Colour had always fascinated me and then I also became quite interested in magic. [These two things] came together when I discovered opals. I wanted to create jewellery that would make people appreciate how magical colour is in the form of crystals and opals. I went through a few different phases with my craft, but it all led me towards jewellery making. I really felt that I could express myself through my imperfect creations.
Can you tell me a bit about the Ebonny Munro brand and what it’s all about?
It’s all about embracing obscurity; it’s wearable art for stargazers.
And where do you find yourself sourcing the inspiration for your designs?
I am inspired by the concepts of space, colour and flowers. There’s no drawing involved — it’s all crafted with my hands, in the moment. I entwine my imagination with my treasure box full of Swarovski crystals, precious metals, opals, padlocks and delicate chains.
I am personally very interested in the unique character of different stones. When selecting the specific stones that you will use, what do you find informs this process?
Well, when doing custom jewellery in particular, I always try to think about the person. I try to imagine a colour that captures them and then pick a stone [based on that].
You have mentioned your love of opals. These feel quintessentially Australian and they’re enjoying a bit of resurgence at the moment. What is it that makes you so drawn to working with opals?
The captivating colours and the fact that they are formed underneath the land we stand on. Sometimes I get to pick opals from the miners themselves, so they still have ‘potch’ [desert sand] on them and come in the most electric colours. Each one has its own ocean of colour inside; I still can’t believe they exist.
Their colours can be very distinctive though. Do you find it a challenge trying to balance this with the setting and design that you work on?
Yes, each one is really unique. So when I’m making the adornment, I first cut the opal myself in order to highlight the most vibrant colours and then I set it according to those. That way, you see all of the opal’s colours from different angles.
Do you believe in the superstitions surrounding opals — like that it is bad luck to buy one for yourself?
My opal dealer explained to me that these superstitions were actually just rumours created by diamond merchants. Apparently, when high quality opals first appeared on the market, they freaked out and started spreading the word about opals being unlucky.
That’s so funny, but actually makes so much sense. Jewellery making is a an ancient craft and has been used differently throughout a wide range of cultures. Do you find yourself particularly inspired by any of these approaches?
I went on a trip to Southeast Asia to learn how to make silver jewellery and ended up meeting an old Balinese jeweller who couldn’t speak much English. He showed me how to make silver jewellery using ancient silversmithing tools and techniques, which I still practise when making my rings. I actually brought two opals over with me and so the first pieces I made where traditional Indonesian rings using the Australian white opal.
Your collaboration with Kitty Callaghan and Sophie Brockwell highlights your necklaces and earrings in particular. Can you tell me a bit about how this project came about?
I have really wanted to collaborate with Kitty for a while; her collage pieces are so magnetic and obscure. I also thought that her look would be so perfect for my jewellery; especially her majestic red hair. We got in contact with each other and then Kitty showed me some of Sophie’s recent film photographs, which I thought were really beautiful and natural. So I flew down from the North Coast and we went from there.
What can we expect to see next from Ebonny Munro?
I am slowly releasing my first collection ‘Celestial Daisy’. All of the adornments in this collections have been inspired by space and infinity, as well as nature — plants and flowers that look as though they could have been grown in the Milky Way.
See more of Ebonny Munro’s work here.
Credits
Text Rosie Dalton
Photography Sophie Brockwell
Model and collaging Kitty Callaghan