The places I have lived in heavily influence my work, but so do old records, buttons, textiles, postcards, Portuguese artists, fashion-conscious spotty kids, colour theorists, smart-looking design books, Mr T's gold necklaces, dried paint, the curl of a leaf… the list is endless.
I graduated with a BA Hons in English Literature from the University of Bristol in 2004, and became a journalist. I wrote about art, but I felt like a fraud. I wanted to create it, not critique it. So I moved to Australia and became a graphic designer. It was quite simple really. Art and design have always been integral to everything I have done and everything I will ever do (it’s just now I know lots of fancy words to describe them!).
I started designing and selling my jewellery label, Cat Davison Jewellery, in early 2004. It has gone from strength to strength and I am now in the middle of opening up my online design shop, Heat The Beat Boutique with a range of jewellery, homewares, stationary and accessories made by myself and other creative types. It will be up in the coming months.
Over the coming years I will look to expand my jewellery range and open up my own design shop. I also hope to work for a whizz-bang studio who are looking for a fun and creative designer with strong ideas, lots of drive and massive earrings!
Central Saint Martins (June 2008)
I am starting a two-year MA in Communication Design (Graphic Design) at Central Saint Martins this September which I'm very excited about. This means moving from Melbourne back to London - it was inevitable! The coming months might be a bit hectic, but I am really looking forward to the new challenge ahead.
I have been short-listed for Best Student Portfolio in the 2008 Create Awards. Let's cross our fingers! Winners will be announced in June. I think.
Desktop Magazine (May 2008)
I have been featured in Desktop magazine this month. The design industry mag has given me a full-page spread for my entry into the Create Awards 2008. Check it here.
Mink Magazine (April 2008)
The lovely editor of Mink Magazine, Sandi Tighello, has written a wonderful double-page spread about me, my jewellery and my general ethos in the latest edition of the mag. Looks pretty hot! To read all about it click here (45MB)(Macs only) or head to my press page.
Grab Denim (Mar 2008)
Hurrah! Cat Davison Design has produced the first of a 4-month campaign in 40 Grab Denim shops across Australia showcasing the brands new range of slim-cut jeans. Check out what we have done to the website!
Arrivals & Departures Magazine (Mar 2008)
Our record bowls have been featured in the Arrivals&Departures magazine of Melbourne Airport (you get it free on flights and can buy it at any good newsagents) under their showcase of little treasures which are 'All Things Vintage'. For more info head to my press section or visit their website. You can also see a version of the article by clicking just about... here.
Sustainable Living Festival (Feb 2008)
My designs are going to be worn in an ethical fashion parade by anti-sweat shop fashion outlet, Hunter Gatherer, as part of this year's Sustainable Living Festival. Six outfits will be paraded which promote recycled clothing and ethical labels and my jewellery has made it on to so of them! Check out the fair on Feb 16th at Federation Square, Melbourne. For more info head to www.slf.org.au/festival.
ACMI (Feb 2008)
Horay! Our felt pac-men, monster and space-invader badges are now selling at the ACMI (Australian Centre for Moving Image) shop at Federation Square. Featured as part of a touring exhibition by the Barbican called GameOn!, our badges will be on show and available to buy! Over 50,000 people are expected to attend this exhibition (starts March 9th), which opened in2002 and has travelled throughout Europe and Asia. We are pleased as punch!
The Age (Jan 2008)
Our record bowls have garnered a little press again this month. Hurrah! To read about us and other 'Subversive Artists Blooming in Rose Street' click here or head to the press section).
Sydney Sunday Herald (Jan 2008)
Our record bowls have found themselves onto the Home section of Sydney's Sunday Herald where emphasis was placed on their eco-friendly, recylced nature. Click here to see it or head to the press section).
Frankie Magazine (Jan 2008)
The lovely Frankie magazine have featured some of my jewellery in their latest edition - and apparently I'm pioneering felt! Cor, blimey. Whatever they say! click here to see it or head to the press section.
Attitude Magazine (Dec 2007)
I've been featured in this month's edition of Attitude magazine, where I chat about some of my best finds at The Rose Street Market (click here to see it or visit my press section for more information).
The Melbourne Times (Nov 2007)
My resin bangles were featured in an article about the Rose Street Markets in The Melbourne Times. They look pretty cool displayed against a black cloth background (click here to see it).
Northcote Christmas Night Market (Oct 2007)
We will be selling at the lively Northcote Kris Kringle Night Market, and our designs have been featured on the flyer (click here to see it). Blimey, it's that time of year again!
Leeloo (Oct 2007)We have been asked to be part of a select group of designers featuring on a new online shop selling exclusive ranges of jewellery, clothing and accessories. Leeloo will be up and running on Nov 19th - check out the unique bangle and Lichenstein-inspired felt brooch range we'll have on the site. You'll only be able to get them there!
Made It! (Sept 2007)
It has been all go this month! I'm now selling my jewellery on Made It, a new online community where you can buy, sell and talk independent. You can visit the directory for Australian independent designers or talk on the community forum. Check it out!
Heat The Beat Boutique (Sept 2007)
My online shop selling jewellery and homewares from 100% recycled vintage records will be up soon. I'm thinking coasters, place mats, cocktail sticks, brooches, earrings, necklaces, cufflinks, calendars, fridge magnets, cards... and of course our favourite bowls.
Noise (Sept 2007)
I now have my work on Noise, an online global community for emerging artists and designers. You can showcase creations in your online gallery, enter group exhibitions and meet like-minded people. Good stuff!
I Made It Myself, The Age (Aug 2007)
The Age have kindly featured me in an article about my jewellery and creative process. Many thanks to Louisa Deasey who wrote the piece.
Click here to see a PDF (480KB) version.
Flip: It Magazine (June 2007)
Cat Davison Jewellery has been featured in the June edition of Flip: It, an online magazine showcasing all things design, food, music and art-related.
Rose Street Artists Market (Feb 2007)
Cat Davison Jewellery is now selling at the Rose Street Artists Market! We are there every Saturday from 11am to 5pm, 60 Rose Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne. Check out my profile on the website!
