Jane Bowden is a jewellery maker and designer whose process driven creative practice is inspired by the aesthetics of architecture and textiles. A fascination with scale lies at the heart of Jane’s practice and offers her the challenge of creating increasingly smaller and more finely detailed pieces. Jane studied a Bachelor of Design (Jewellery and Metalsmithing) at the University of South Australia, graduating in 1990. She has since built a successful practice that is divided into creating commissions for clients, producing exhibition work and managing Zu design.

The sole proprietor of Zu design since 2012, Jane is a passionate advocate for promoting the handmade and is keen to cultivate a warm, community spirit within the studio: “Since 1997, many makers have shared my workshop. There are always lively chats around the table that offer problem solving, sharing of knowledge and casual critical sessions. It’s great to work in a collaborative and inspirational space that enables us to grow as jewellers and designers.”