Susan Cohn (born Sydney 1952) makes jewellery and tableware. Since 1980, she has been working from a studio in Melbourne — Workshop 3000 — where she has produced a large body of work that engages with contemporary life.

In Cohn’s hands, craft is made modern with the infusion of technology. Some of the most persistent influences on Cohn’s work are new technologies, especially electronic, digital and medical; the rituals and emblems of street and youth culture, as well as futuristic visions of cyberspace.

Images from Left to Right
1. Susan Cohn (photographer: Kate Gollings).
2. Earrings designed 1982, collection: artist.
3.Compressed brooch designed 1984 (detail), collection: artist

Although trained in the traditions of gold and silversmithing, Cohn draws many of her ideas from the realm of mass-reproduction. Her use of non-precious anodised aluminium that is colourfully dyed, mould-pressed, perforated or crushed affords considerable flexibility. As a result, Cohn’s work often mimics the appearances of a factory-made article yet is meticulously detailed.

Cohn’s practice as a craftsperson includes the making of one-off pieces and limited edition works. At the same time, she has created a range of production works that are reproduced in greater quantity with the assistance from members of Workshop 3000. In addition, Cohn has two objects currently in production with the Italian manufacturer Alessi.

Exhibitions are one of the processes that Cohn uses to generate and explore technical and conceptual ideas. Individual pieces are arranged to form an installation which often continues to evolve.

Images from Left to Right
1. Susan Cohn (photographer: Kate Gollings).
2. Earrings designed 1982, collection: artist.
3.Compressed brooch designed 1984 (detail), collection: artist