Marika Strohschnieder

Ostrich eggs have a rich place in art history. The eggshells of the largest living bird, native to Africa, are known to have been decorated, carved, painted, and further embellished and were traded during the Bronze and Iron Ages. Considered luxury items in Ancient Egypt and cultures of the Mediterranean ostrich eggs have symbolic significance and are associated with prosperity, life and rebirth.

Born in Germany, Marika Strohschnieder’s creative career started as a stone sculptor. She undertook formal studies in fine art conservation and has worked in five countries – including at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and currently at the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Parallel with her work as a conservator, Marika has continued to explore a range of materials in her artistic practice and more recently has focused on jewellery making. In 2017 Marika established studio LUX, a jewellery studio located in the Macedon Ranges in Victoria.

Ostrich egg vessel, 2021
Ostrich egg, brass, sterling silver
$2,000

Image top: Marika Strohschnieder, Ostrich Egg Vessel, (detail), 2021. Photo: Courtesy of the artist