Meghan Gillan

Meghan is a graduate of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, her work focuses on the intriguing connection between jewellery and the products we invest in to beautify and enhance our appearances. By using uncommon materials such as make up, fake nails, fake eyelashes, and more, Meghan has created a body of work that sparks curiosity and invites a light hearted, humorous approach to her subject and contemporary jewellery design. Meghan’s most notable achievements since graduation are a place in the 5th National Student Competition at Lafreniere & Pai Gallery in Ottawa, as well as appearing in Lark Books’ 2008 publication of 500 Wedding Rings. Artist Statement Cosmetics and the eternal quest for ‘beauty’ is what form the basis of my artistic exploration. This concept has developed from a long time interest with makeup paired with the observation of a commercialized push to achieve a standard of beauty that is largely unrealistic. I investigate the use and lure of beauty products by designing pieces that mix actual cosmetics such as fake eyelashes, eye shadows, powders, fake nails, and makeup tools into jewellery that either becomes functional or referential to the products themselves. The slight hypocrisy of my own guilty pleasures and wanting to transcend the unrealistic standard of ‘beauty’ has provided me with an interesting paradox that in turn has helped guide me to create works that offer a light-hearted approach to an issue that can easily be skewed toward the negative. My work invites the viewer to consider the large role that beauty plays in today’s society, to reflect upon a more playful use of cosmetics, and to share in the connection I have found within jewellery and the products we use to enhance our appearances.

	Chained to Make Up sterling silver crushed eye shadow mica powder and resin Request information...		Meghan Gillan Rings Chained to Make-Up Request information...		Meghan GillanPolka Dot Ring Request information...