In the lead-up to the launch of the CONNECTED Collection on the 10.10.2024, we spoke with Aboriginal Artist, Daisy Hill (a proud descendant of the Muruwari people, currently living on Yugambeh Country) and MURKANI Founder & Designer, Kiralee McNamara to learn more about the collaboration a second time around.  

Previously launched in Summer 2022, the CONNECTED Collection features artworks created by Daisy Hill, which have been reimagined as pieces of jewellery by MURKANI Designer and Founder, Kiralee McNamara. The collection was conceived to celebrate First Nations people and to honour the cultural traditions and knowledge that has been passed between generations for thousands of years

SHOP CONNECTED

Q: Daisy, what is the meaning behind the new collection?

Daisy: The four new artworks we are introducing were inspired by the natural beauty of the sea and sky and are a celebration of Aboriginal art, culture, and storytelling. These pieces, and in fact the entire collection, represent connection and are a tribute to our relationships with Mother Earth, each other and loved ones here and passed.

Q: Why do you think the previous collection was so successful? 

Daisy: The feedback from our previous collection was amazing, we received so many messages and personal stories from customers saying how much the meanings resonated with them. 

Kiralee: We found this collection gives our customers a way to communicate their feelings because we have put a lot of time and thought into the meanings behind the pieces. We had messages from people saying, “You gave me the perfect way to say I’m so sorry to hear about…, or I love you, or I want to support you or celebrate you”. It's such a joy to create meaningful pieces in a beautiful format that people can treasure forever.  

Q: How did you form your collaboration? 

Daisy: I had always envisioned my art on jewellery as a different medium to my usual canvas work and when I was gifted a MURKANI necklace for my birthday from a friend, it prompted me to look into the MURKANI brand. I decided to take a chance and send an email!

Kiralee: When Daisy approached me, I had been wanting to collaborate with an Indigenous Artist for a while, but I didn't know where to start. When Daisy reached out, I saw us working well together. I loved her art and the meaning behind her works and felt it was the perfect fit. I could visualise taking her artworks and reimagining them as jewellery art pieces.  

Daisy: It was so special when I got a response, and Kiralee took a chance on me. I'm forever grateful for the opportunity as it’s not only special for me and my family but also for the wider Aboriginal community. It’s pretty incredible to see my art and culture represented in this unique medium. Our collaboration has been so organic, easy and fun, and it’s been a joy working together. 

Kiralee: This collaboration has been so easy the second time around as we know each other better now and we also know what our customers like.

Q: What is your role in the collaboration?  

Daisy: My role as the Artist in this collaboration has been creating the original concepts for the CONNECTED Collection and drawing and painting them onto paper. The artworks were then scanned and digitised to allow for Kiralee to reimagine them into jewellery. 

Kiralee: As Daisy said, my role was to reimagine the drawings into semi-precious jewellery and to take it and say, ‘okay, here's a beautiful moon and sun design; now how do I adapt it onto a pendant necklace?’

We have never really done anything as detailed as this before, so it was really about taking the designs and carefully considering the different metals, embossing techniques, stones and finishes. The final challenge was then making sure we both loved them! 

Q: Why was it so important for you both to partner with the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF)? 

Daisy: Working with Aboriginal art, culture and storytelling in our collaboration also comes with a responsibility to give back to the Indigenous community. From the start, we both felt that education was the most impactful way to do this, empowering our young people for the future. We agreed that education is key to empowerment, as the future rests in the hands of our younger generations.

Kiralee: The work that AIEF does to help young people complete their education has a ripple effect and often lifts their entire communities. It’s exciting to be involved with AIEF and to  support their cause. 

Daisy: I have loved partnering with AIEF as we’ve been able to form such a great relationship. We have been very fortunate to meet some of the AIEF Alumni who have been through their scholarship program and see firsthand what they have achieved and the impact their education has had on their lives and the difference they have been able to make in their communities. 

Q: What impact does it make when someone buys a piece of jewellery from the collection? 

Kiralee: $5 from every purchase goes directly to AIEF and contributes towards their scholarship program. The AIEF program enables young Indigenous students to complete their Secondary education. For our customers, through purchasing the Connected pieces, they are helping these young people get a valuable education which empowers them to become whatever it is they aspire to be. It’s having a direct impact in helping young people further their education and have a bright future.  

 Learn More about AIEF here.