SilverPuzzle, established in 1979, is a unique Australian silversmithing studio; the founders, Angiolo Logi and Ilaria Cornaggia, have brought their traditional Italian silversmithing techniques to Australia and utilised their technical expertise to create objects and jewellery that reflect their passion for Australia. Ilaria and Angiolo have always been passionate about Australia, particularly its flora and fauna which have been the bases for much of their design work. They share a desire to express the Australian character of their surroundings, in many instances transferring symbolic natural forms, and what they see as icons of Australia, into manufactured objects. For example the boab tree being transformed into a silver picture frame, twigs and branches being turned into forks or spoons.
The Worry Beads are significant in that they represent a marriage between high quality Italian craftsmanship and truly Australian imagery; the beads presented well designed representations of echidna, koalas, turtles and marsupials, as well as introduced animals hares, bulls and cats. The worry beads are said to be talismans that defend against stress and are said to be guardians of serenity.
The Logis believe that animals and plants shape the symbolic imagery of a culture. It is not only the environment of Australia that has inspired the their work, further travels to America and Japan have also prompted the creation of silver puzzles that reflect plants and animals of the particular regions.

Source:

Powerhouse Museum

Location:

Sydney

Longitude:

151.207323074

Latitude:

-33.8678499639