Robin McGauley fabricates small sculptures and jewellery in silver that symbolize the preciousness of life. At the heart of her work is an interest in the wholesome qualities of smallness. In her practice, Robin uses the miniature scale as a metaphor for the inner life and the space where intimate connection is cultivated and known.  

Microcosms of Presence

Work that encapsulates connection, belonging and deep listening.

2025

Forget-Me-Not

hand-fabricated in sterling silver
12cm long x 5.5cm wide x 11cm tall
This silver sculpture of a miniature double swing with a patch of Forget-Me-Not flowers growing from its covering holds the memory of a cherished childhood friendship. It evokes safety, delight and space for intimate conversation. The name of the flowers speaks of longing and acts as a quiet invocation; an appeal to revisit and remember. 

2026

Return

hand-fabricated in sterling silver
6.5cm w x 3.7cm h x 6.6cm d
‘Return’ is a small silver sculpture composed of a miniature park bench with swallowtail butterfly wings affixed to the back on either side and a classical labyrinth pattern circling out from its front right leg. In this piece, I distill my numerous experiences of walking labyrinths to explore the phenomenon of connection that occurs when feelings of awakening and grounding meet and rest in the same inner space. The work embodies the mystery of presence. 

2025

Visit the Cedar

hand-fabricated in sterling silver
cedar branch - 25cm long x 19.5cm wide x 3cm tall
bench - 4.5cm wide x 3.8cm tall x 2cm deep
This two-part silver sculpture of a northern white cedar branch with clusters of blooming cones accompanied by a miniature park bench is inspired by my visits to a large cedar hedge that lives along a stretch of the Iron Horse Trail near my house in Kitchener. In this work I place lengths of silver wire in a fractal pattern and fuse them together with a torch to create a contemplative conversation about the shape of inter-connection and well-being. The piece expresses the kinship I feel with cedar. 

2025

In a Circle

hand-fabricated in sterling silver
individual chair - 11mm w x 25mm h x 12mm d
installation - 12cm x 12cm
‘In a Circle’ is a miniature instillation consisting of thirteen hand-fabricated silver chairs arranged in a circle. This piece reflects my memories of working at a retreat centre where sitting in a circle was a recurring and significant responsibility. The work encapsulates presence and belonging as it distills and holds considerable emotional weight from experiences of vulnerability, connection and deep listening. 

2026

For Here

hand-fabricated in sterling silver
9cm w x 4.8cm h x 3.6cm d
‘For Here’ is a miniature coffee shop vignette fabricated in silver that includes two chairs set around a bistro table on top of which rests a plate that contains a croissant on a serviette, and two coffee cups, one of which is nestled in a saucer and holds a tiny spoon. The piece is inspired by the many meaningful and uplifting conversations I’ve shared at a cafe with a friend. The work is a microcosm of hospitality as it creates room for trust, intimacy and comfort, despite being open to public view. 

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