Focus Arts & Culture 2018
Trish and Mikmat Designs were featured in the Arts and Culture 2018 edition of Focus Magazine.
"Local designer and creator of quirky jewellery label Mikmat Designs, Trish, chats to Focus about her creative life..."
What is your connection to the Greater Port Macquarie area?
My family moved to the area about ten years ago, so I have been visiting them over the years. I moved here myself last year after returning from working overseas. It’s been interesting to see Port grow and slowly develop pockets of creativity and culture. My very first visit to Port Macquarie was on a family holiday when I was only 3 years old!
When did you become in interested in jewellery design?
I’ve always loved wearing jewellery, and creating vibrant outfits using accessories and pattern. I studied design at uni, including some jewellery subjects, however I followed my passion for textile design and found myself working with homewares. It’s been a lot of fun to get back to jewellery design and to explore new techniques, including laser cutting bright and colourful shapes.
How did you get your creative business ‘Mikmat’ off the ground?
I’ve always had a desire to create an accessories brand in which I can explore my practice, work with different materials and create products I love. I decided to create Mikmat Designs while I was living overseas last year in Vanuatu and Vietnam. Both countries have great culture and entrepreneurial spirit and this influenced me to come back and start something myself. I did a lot of research, spoke to a lot of people, and was given a lot of great advice from business mentors, friends and family. My experience in design is an advantage in creating my brand, the products, marketing and planning what direction Mikmat will go in. I’ve started with laser cut acrylic jewellery, but plan to include all kinds of accessories using different materials in the future.
What inspires you?
I have always loved colour and pattern and aim to create accessories inspired by bold use of colour, travel, culture and vintage styles. I love accessories that work with both contemporary and vintage fashion, giving the wearer a lot of options to create an outfit they love.
Tell us about the design and construction process…
All of my jewellery is designed and made by me in my home studio here in Port using laser cut acrylic, bamboo and stainless steel (good for sensitive ears). My design process is the most fun, working out new shapes and colour combinations for all different kinds of women. Once I finish the design process, my designs are sent to be laser cut thoughtfully & locally here in Port Macquarie, they then come back, are assembled into finished items, polished and packaged by me.
Do you have a most treasured item in your personal jewellery collection?
Yes, I have a few pieces. They’re mostly presents from friends of family, or jewellery that I have bought while travelling. I love to keep items that remind me of someone special, or of a place I’ve been. Objects crafted by hand, or that tell a story to me are the most valuable and treasured.
Where can our readers purchase your creations and follow your journey?
You can follow Mikmat Designs on Facebook or Instagram (@mikmatdesigns) and you can purchase your own Mikmat jewellery online at www.mikmatdesigns.com.