About Deanna Wawn
Deanna Wawn is a multi-disciplinary maker with a keen focus on contemporary jewellery practicing on Gadigal Land (Sydney, Australia). She holds a Bachelor of Design from UNSW Art & Design with First Class Honours in Jewellery and studied elements of jewellery manufacture at Enmore Design Centre. Deanna established her contemporary jewellery brand WAWN in recent years.
Deanna Wawn's work merges conceptual innovation with wearability, blending boldness and strength with organic fluidity. Her process is driven by experimentation and an exploration of materiality. Each piece carries a unique narrative, nodding to traditional jewellery practices, capturing subtle details and inviting wearers to share their own histories. Her creations go beyond adornments; they are personal stories connecting art with individual expression through unique creativity, thoughtful craftsmanship, and an engagement with the ever-evolving narratives of everyday life.
Her background includes multi-store management, visual merchandising, stock control, and administration, including recruiting, training, and cash handling. As a jewellery studio manager, Deanna applies these skills in a creative workshop context—overseeing operations, coordinating schedules, leading an online jewellery tool store, managing tools and materials, and ensuring safe, efficient practices. She supports resident creatives and fosters a welcoming, collaborative studio culture that balances creativity with organisation.
With over ten years of retail experience, Deanna excels in engaging and guiding clients, enhancing their experience through intentional interactions. She brings strong customer service skills, effective selling techniques, and a collaborative spirit, with a focus on empathy, communication, and problem-solving to create positive, inclusive environments.
Art Your Pets Want You To Make - Puzzle Art Gallery - R.A.D.S Group Show - May 2025
529; an ode to Valerie, 2025, ornate dog collar, sterling silver and gold plated chain with jasper, sapphire and human tooth.
Various artists markets held in venues across Marrickville for jewellery business WAWN – early 2023 until current
Brass crown manufactured for artwork by Rat Bedlington, Pieta (The Votive Crown), 2024, oil and spray paint on panel with brass crown - finalist in the 68th Blake Prize
Unveiled – Gaffa Gallery – Group Show – Febuary 17th 2024
Abjection, 2024, human teeth in sterling silver, collection of wearable jewellery including rings, brooch, earrings and pendant.
This Is Not Goodbye – Gaffa Gallery – Group Show – June 16th 2022
all my lover’s friends are in his bathroom, 2022, sterling silver ring and brooch set
Artist Residency Program – Gaffa Gallery – 2021 – three month jewellery studio access
A&D ANNUAL GRADUATE EXHIBITION – UNSW Galleries – 2018
Gross Adornment, 2017, three sterling silver rings with tools and dish on brass tray and sterling silver brooch with six interchangeable disks using a variety of materials including freshwater pearls, acrylic sheet and enamel on brass tray - a kit for collection of one's biological relationship with jewellery
Small jewellery collection stocked at Estúdio Sydney – 2018
FUTUREself - Exhibition of Wearable Prototypes - Hong Kong - December 9th 2017
Techno Adaption, 2017 - Deanna Wawn, Amelia Liu, Rose Elliot, Laura Keogh, Maja Sieczko - Anti-smog scarf group project in collaboration with Chinese students, manufacturers and organisations whilst in Beijing, Hong Kong and Shenzhen
Kudos Awards - Finalist 2016 and 2017 – scale model for outdoor sculpture and sterling silver jewellery pieces
Kudos Emerging Designer Award – Finalist 2016 - sterling silver jewellery piece
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