Megan Turton

"Living on a bush fire-affected property during the Covid-19 lockdown motivated me to respond to the rising issues of climate change and social injustice. Inspired by the tradition of storytelling, I thought of my poet grandfather. He used to read “Paradise Lost” to me when I was little and the lilting sound of his voice and the beautiful illustrations of Gustave Dore have always been fond memories. Milton’s allegorical retelling of Adam and Eve became the perfect conduit for a contemporary critique. Here, death's crown is depicted in copper as a pipeline and the silver is reminiscent of offshore drilling platforms. Set into the crown are the bones of animals killed by a fire exacerbated by climate change, exalting death and destruction as the most precious commodity of today."

Megan Turton graduated from California Polytechnic State University in architecture. She loved the sculptural aspect of architecture and the time she spent in the wood and metal workshop, an experience that led her to jewellery. After relocating to Australia, she undertook a mentorship of Sondi Studios and completed a graduate residency at Squarepeg Studios.

Deaths Crown, 2020
Sterling silver, copper, bone
$2,000

Image top: Megan Turton, Deaths Crown, 2020. Photo: Jarrah Turton