WHAT IS YOUR ARTISTIC PRACTICE?
I am a jeweller based in Dunedin NZ. I make modern contemporary jewellery predominantly out of Sterling Silver, Gold & Semi-Precious Gemstones.
WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
I'm a mum to a very busy 2.5 year old, who is allergic to sleep so I've learnt very quickly to take each day as it comes!
A few months ago our little girl started Kindergarten 4 mornings a week which has relieved a bit of pressure when it comes to getting a good few hours at the bench while I am freshly caffeinated. From lunch time until the little ones bed time I'm in full mum mode, filling up her cup & spending time being creative with her, she really into drawing & loves to pretend she's a jeweller too which is pretty cute! More often than not I will pick up the tools again in the evening when the pressure is on to get work to people. I try to work as much as I can but motherhood has definitely changed the way things operate.
HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN - WHERE DID THIS PASSION FOR THE ARTS COME FROM?
I've always been creative, I think being an only child you have to use your imagination a lot. Funnily enough, I didn't take many creative subjects at school, it wasn't until I left at 16 that I explored art & design as a career option. After graduating with a Product Design I moved on to a Post Grad in Jewellery & Metalsmithing.
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION AS AN ARTIST?
Inspiration comes from everywhere & nothing. An idea is sparked by a number of things, from music, art, design, conversations, architecture, too many wines, emotion, books & nature. Allowing my mind to wander in silence (especially since becoming a mum where silence is a rarity) is essential for my creative process.
WHAT IS THE THEME / INSPIRATION / STORIES BEHIND YOUR PIECES?
I love strong, clean lines. My love of architecture & bold geometric form is what drives my work. I love simplicity & creating work that I believe is timeless.
WHAT TYPE OF COFFEE DO YOU DRINK - LONG BLACK, FLAT WHITE? OR ARE YOU MORE OF A HERBAL TEA DRINKER?
A short long black, always.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LIVING / WORKING IN AOTEAROA?
Aotearoa is home. I've never lived anywhere else. It's easy. We are surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
HOW HAS YOUR ARTWORK CHANGED OVER TIME?
When I was younger, when I first started out, I tried to create work for a market that wasn't mine, it was hard to design for customer I didn't understand. I constantly found myself on the back foot & comparing my work.
HOW HAS THE DIGITAL SPACE AFFECTED YOUR ARTWORK?
The use of social media & having my own website has allowed me a platform to share my work with the world. It is an incredible tool for showcasing my work, making connections with people & surrounding yourself with other creatives.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR LEGACY / LASTING IMPRESSION TO BE AS AN ARTIST?
I want my work to last, to be a part of someone's story that gets handed on the next generation. It's a privilege to be a part of the process of creating memories. I've been lucky enough to share some incredibly special moments with people through jewellery.
WHAT DREW YOU TO WORKING WITH THE POI ROOM?
The curation of artists that sit within this galleries drew me to The Poi Room. They stock a lot of other NZ Jewellers & Artists who I have a lot of respect for & who's work I love. Without having been to The Poi Room (yet) I was aware of the incredible reputation that they had as a gallery. I'm really proud to be sitting within their beautifully curated spaces.
