Entertainment
13 September, 2026
Tropics inspire artist’s work
RENOWNED artist and jeweller Julie Blyfield will share the inspiration behind her latest exhibition at Cairns Art Gallery during a free artist talk on 17 September 2026.
‘JamFactory ICON: Julie Blyfield, Chasing a Passion’ showcases jewellery and sculptural objects inspired by Ms Blyfield’s visits to the Daintree rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
The event will run from 5pm to 7pm, with drinks and nibbles on the gallery balcony from 5pm at a paid bar, followed by a walkthrough and artist talk with Julie Blyfield at 6pm. The event is free and open to all. RSVPs are appreciated.
Ms Blyfield’s work draws on the organic forms of botanical specimens and employs traditional metalsmithing techniques, including chasing and repoussé, to create intricately textured works that reflect the Australian landscape.
She studied jewellery making and silversmithing at the South Australian College of the Arts and Education and has since built a career spanning artistic practice, teaching and mentoring.
Her work has been exhibited internationally and is held in major collections, including the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and public collections across Australia.
For JamFactory ICON: Julie Blyfield, Chasing a Passion, Ms Blyfield has produced a new collection inspired by her visits to the Daintree rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef in Far North Queensland.
Both environments are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the exhibition draws on their biodiversity and natural forms. Ms Blyfield also reflected on coral specimens held at the South Australian Museum during her creative process.
The artist talk is part of Cairns Art Gallery’s September program, which also features a range of art workshops and classes. The event will give visitors the opportunity to preview the exhibition and hear directly from Ms Blyfield about the experiences and environments that informed her latest collection.
