About Max and his Work

Max Ball has been making jewellery and objects for 10 years. Previously he worked as an architect and is responsible for the design and building of Purist Gallery.

As an award winning jeweller Max brings his love of design and his eye for detail to the precious objects he constructs from Australian gold, silver and precious stones.

'My main passion is solving design issues. My second passion is inventing and building solutions to them.

All of Max's jewellery and objects are handmade by Max from sterling silver and 18ct gold, precious gems and Argyle diamonds.

Portfolio:

Born Sydney 1949 Arrived W.A. 1964 Studied Architecture Perth Tech and WAIT 1968 Practiced full time as a registered Architect until 1995 1990 - commenced own practice designing passive solar houses

Commenced full time jewellery practice 1995

Invited participant in "bling" - a significantly prestigious exhibition celebrating 50 years of West Australian Jewellery to be held at Curtin University Gallery in April 2010

One of only 40 jewellers selected out of 700 entries from national and international submissions, to participate in a touring exhibition - 'Contemporary Wearables 2009' Jewellery Competition, by Toowoomba Regional Gallery Qld. His exhibiting creation is 'Princess Leia's Bracelet'

Recipient of Australia Council Grant for New Work 2008

Selected for touring a piece in 'Contemporary Wearables 2007' Jewellery Competition, by Toowoomba Regional Gallery Qld.

Highly commended at York Society Art & Craft Award 2007 Jewellery Section

Participated in a 'Form' Design Cluster based in Margaret River W.A. developing exhibition pieces in 2007

Winner York Society Art and Craft Award 2006 Jewellery Section

Highly Commended York Society Art and Craft Award 2006 Jewellery Section

Selected for touring a piece in 'Contemporary Wearables 2005' Jewellery Competition, by Toowoomba Regional Gallery Qld.

Winner Artistic Concept JMGA (Jewellers & Metalsmiths Group of W.A.) Bi-Annual Competition 2004 Judge: Carlier Makigawa

Co-founder of Purist Gallery, Yallingup W.A. 2002

Highly Commended Inaugural Bunker Bay W.A. Spirals Art Award 2002 for a sculpture

Craftsperson in Residence Mulgara Gallery Yulara NT 1995 - 2002 (one month per year)

Selected for touring a piece in 'Contemporary Wearables 2001' Jewellery Competition, by Toowoomba Regional Gallery Qld.

Craftsperson in Residence Mowbray Gallery, Port Douglas, FNQ 1999 - 2001 (one month per year)

'I design and make objects which reflect my love and simplicity and which endeavour to cleverly use materials in an individual way. My work is design driven. I try to re-invent the wheel everytime.'