Canberra to Rhode Island: The jewellery maker crafting his career

They say the best things come in small boxes and that’s true for the intricate creations of Jonathon Zalakos.

Growing up in the western suburbs of Sydney, Jonathon developed a passion for jewellery-making early on, learning his craft in high school with basic metalworking tools, hammers, saws and the like. A talent and interest which led him to study a Double Degree of Bachelor of Design (Hons) and Bachelor of Business Administration at the ANU. 

Having graduated from his honours in 2022, Zalakos is now bound for the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) to study a Master of Fine Arts in Jewellery & Metalsmithing, receiving both a fellowship and Graduate Assistantship.

“Opening that email and seeing the acceptance letter from RISD with the fellowship, it didn’t even make sense to me at first. I just thought, “Okay, I got one.” I closed the email and went on with my day. It took a lot of processing to realise that this was really happening, and that I am really going over.” He said.

Moving to the States to begin study in September, Zalakos says in addition to the fine arts and craft culture he’s most looking forward to “Being around passionate and skilled peers in an art school…I have missed that since my time at the ANU.”

Working as a contemporary jewellery and object maker in Canberra, he praises the vibrancy of the local craft and design community, saying “Obviously jewellery is associated with commercial practices and mass production, but there are many local craftspeople who are achieving exciting innovations technically, conceptually, and aesthetically. People should be aware of the organisations and galleries that support this work and host really great art.”

Utilising materials such as sterling silver, cubic zirconia, pearl, synthetic gemstones, brass and gold, it’s the metalworking techniques of engraving, raising, chasing and repousse that have Jonathon’s heart. 

“My favourite thing about making is the feeling of being so deeply immersed in the making process. In other aspects of my life, it’s rare that I have the energy to focus so intensely for so long, but being in my workshop and living in that tiny world of sub-millimetre detail - it just feels really good!” He noted.

To see more of Jonathon’s work and keep up to date with his creations you can follow him on Instagram or visit his website.