Inspired by the Japanese aesthetic wabi-sabi, Carmel Boerner’s work often features decaying objects revealed as raw gems, remaining exactly as they were found. Marks of hand fabrication are important – she wants the wearer to feel the maker’s presence. Her marks echo those of the makers who have forged the rusty objects she uses in her work, which reveres that which is commonly discarded.
Warrior II
Carmel Boerner
Photo credit: Tanya King Photography
Bio
Carmel Boerner (she/her/hers) creates on the unceded homelands of Syilx Okanagan Nation, AKA Penticton, BC. Carmel has worked for over 30 years in various non-profits in Vancouver and Los Angeles, California. Carmel studied jewellery design at Vancouver Community College, graduating in 2017. Her work has been exhibited in Canada, the US and Europe.