A University of Queensland physicist is turning broken laboratory equipment and experimental relics into innovative jewellery.
Dr Margaret Wegener, Senior Lecturer in Physics at UQ, has spent decades combining her background in experimental physics with a practice in silversmithing and metalwork, producing pieces that carry the stories of the science that inspired them.
"Physics empowers me in this creative work," Dr Wegener said.
"Scientific understanding helps with the practicalities of making, but it also gives me inspiration for unique designs - relics from experiments become components, and the imagery of science prompts a certain look."
Dr Wegener's jewellery-making began near the end of her physics PhD, when she enrolled in a beginner's silversmithing course, and she’s never looked back.
Her most celebrated project came in 2024, when she exhibited in Reflect Refract, a national jewellery show curated by the Jewellers and Metalsmiths Group of Australia. Instead of gemstones, Dr Wegener used materials based on her optics background, incorporating broken laser rods, a damaged optical component from her own PhD laboratory, and a calcite specimen for teaching optics.
This work demonstrated the physics of reflection and refraction. Her photograph of the work’s inspiration won the Australian Institute of Physics "Beauty of Physics" photography competition that year, which was a turning point for her work.
“This project really brought everything together for me.” Dr Wegener said.
As a teaching-focused academic, her research focuses on finding creative and engaging ways to motivate students in their study of physics. Currently, she is exploring how immersive virtual reality can be used as a tool to help students understand abstract physics concepts.
With her metalwork inspired by physics, Dr Wegener aims to build connection with physics in a new and meaningful way and to further explore her deep interest in the interrelationship between science and the arts.
Dr Wegener’s work will be on display at the UQ Physics Museum from 15 April. Her Inspired by … metalwork exhibition showcases around 30 pieces of her jewellery and metalwork. See details below.
Exhibition details
Inspired by … metalwork exhibition
Location: UQ Physics Museum, Parnell Building Foyer, School of Mathematics and Physics, The University of Queensland
Celebratory event: Wednesday, 15 April, 6–8 pm.
