Olivia Dryden is a jeweller and taxidermy artist. She completed a Bachelor Degree in Visual Arts and Design at Adelaide College of the Arts in 2014, majoring in jewellery. Olivia’s jewellery is particularly unique and is described as a ‘modern take on taxidermy jewellery’. Using precious metals she reutilizes deceased animals and birds for their bones and creates an amalgamation of these pieces with flora, pearls and gemstones, which people commonly perceive as beauty by society’s standards. This juxtaposition forces people to observe the element of death but hopefully overcome the stigma and see the natural beauty that she sees.
After years of experimenting and completing courses in London, her skills in the art of Taxidermy have inspired her to create small wearable art, wall pieces and beautiful sculptural pieces that can be valued and appreciated by all. When designing her pieces, Olivia draws inspiration from the idea that her work may appeal to people who would normally be shocked by the ideas portrayed. Her purpose is to create surprising and lasting objects of nature through the death of these creatures.