Artist’s Bio

Dominique Brechault lives and works in Vancouver. Born and raised in France, she moved to Vancouver in 1980.
Under the name Djado Designs, she has maintained a studio as a jeweller since 1992.

She holds a Master's Degree in Art History and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Medieval Civilization from
the University of Poitiers, France. In 1987, she graduated with honours in Photography from Emily Carr College
of Art and Design, and in 1992, she received a Diploma in Jewellery Art and Design from Vancouver Community
College. Since 1996, Dominique has been teaching jewellery classes with the North Shore and Vancouver
School Boards.

She finds it extremely enjoyable to share her interest in this medium with her students.

Her interest in mythology and architecture comes from her studies in art history. Her other interest is photography.
"I got my first camera when I was nine years old and started collecting events and collecting images; I still do.
Now I can integrate these elements into my metal work, either as part of the process or as components of the
finished jewellery pieces."

Although a newcomer to this field, Brechault has participated in several jewellery exhibitions, including:
"The Taste of Several Times" at the Canadian Craft and Design Museum, in 1994, and "Made By Hand," a
national touring exhibition, 1993-1995. "Mementos, Talismans and Other Travel Sketches" was her first solo
exhibition and gives her the opportunity to present a body of work in which she explores a theme in depth.

Consistent with her interests, she always uses simple, but strong architectural shapes. Looking into mythology
and exploring personal memories leads her to create her own vocabulary of images and icons (ballerina, mannequin,
antlers, etc.). Combining various metals or materials, as well as patina, allows her to introduce colour and texture.

She pays attention to details (rivets, fastening devices) or surface treatment (brushed, high polished, stamped)
as ways of conveying her ideas.