Meet Kurt from Garage Bands
What is your name, pronouns and star sign?
Kurt, and my pronouns often change, so I usually don’t use them where possible.
My star sign is Virgo.
What is the story behind the name Garage Bands?
Primarily it comes from the idea that they are bands that I make in my garage. Secondly, my practice resembles the style of musical garage bands. I like to keep it playful and dynamic.
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Where did you grow up, and where do you live now?
I grew up near Fish Creek, a small farming town with about 500 people that for some reason has like 10+ art galleries. It’s located on the land of the Boonwurrung, a few hours south of Naarm – where Iive now, and have been for the last six years.
How did you get into jewellery?
I actually got into jewellery during my interior design degree. It was an elective class, and the assignment was to cast a site specific object in metal. I was enamored by the process so I bought some cheap files from Bunnings and some wax, and continued to make jewellery objects as a hobby for a few years. I loved the slow process and I found it very meditative. I made an effort to create most days and learnt slowly. The process has been rich in mistakes, some happy and some not so much, haha.
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Playing, differences, movement, mistakes, doing something for the first time, bodies, community, so many things!!!
What turns you off?
Uniformity, stagnancy, perfection, being comfortable all the time.
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Do you pay attention to fashion trends?
Not intentionally, but it’s hard not to! Trends come and go, and I do value iteration changes in style. However, I think it’s important to be loyal to some styles rather than just switch my style to suit a new trend.
What are you doing when you’re not making jewellery?
When I have time, I enjoy creating art. Eating good food. Leaving the city.
Doing normal things but slower. On the weekend I work a casual job which is the complete opposite of making jewellery. It’s very social and physical work and it’s a great way to chat to creatives from other disciplines too.
If your label/art was a…
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… a designer piece?
It’s kind of an art/designer piece – Rebecca Horn, Body Fan, 1972.
… a piece of furniture?
Superonda sofa, Archizoom.
… smell?
The body odour of someone you’re attracted to.
… place?
Barbapapa's new house.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
It changes a lot, but at the moment I'm vibing with something my uni mentor and I discussed a lot which is to appreciate finding joy in the slowness and variations of everyday life.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever given?
To leave space and time for new things, and to allow yourself room to learn and unlearn.
