CONTEMPORARY NEW ZEALAND JEWELLERY

Ben Beattie

My interest in working with stone was encouraged from an early age, both by my father, who was a practising wood carver, and by the close knit community of artists and friends in which I grew up. Shortly after leaving high school I started making regular trips in Te Waipounamu to search for, and learn about, this precious taonga.

I draw from our rich environment for direction. I still adventure in Te Tai Poutini and Te Tai Hauauru, this is an important part of the process and always a spring of inspiration for this mahi. Some of these pieces are interpretations of aspects of the natural world we live in. Others are tributes to traditional forms and methods. I find real joy in surrendering to and enhancing the integral potential and beauty which becomes evident in each piece, I'll often study and work on a stone for months or years. Wherever possible I like to incorporate the existing surface or rind, and any geological patterning into the design, giving a found quality, a feature orfinish from nature which cannot be re-created intentionally.

I use modern stone working methods, although many pieces require a lighter touch. Whenever I can, I'll return to the original tools and techniques of hand grinding, rubbing with blocks, sand and water, "sticks and stones", in order to slow down, follow the stone and carefully create works that may not survive the process of manufacture otherwise. These techniques were perfected over centuries by Maori carvers, the results of which define many features of pre European stone design.

The ultimate guidance for me comes from Papatuanuku, who gives approval and blessing by showing the form, and sometimes a name. I can do nothing without this, except to look for it. A new relationship is formed with each piece. If a carver is able to see this tikanga whakairo, stay with their vision, and follow through to reveal this to the best of their ability with highest respect to the stone, the art form, and culture, they will have given their blessing also. A well made, well loved and valued piece on it's journey in the human realm becomes a true taonga.

Pounamu is, and always has been held among the very precious and highly regarded natural treasures of Aotearoa. Rightly, in a short time it has become more difficult to acquire. For these reasons, and with respect for our principles of protection, partnership and participation, I take great care with my work and produce a limited number of pieces each year. These are available through Fingers Jewellery, where I began exhibiting in 1999

This is a very old stone, with an ancient connection to many peoples and an enormous story. A stone speaking of relationships. Of our connections to our bones, our people, our world. We make gifts, use tools, adorn ourselves, and Jade is forever with the best materials for stability and beauty. Hard, tough, yet workable by age old methods. Pounamu is especially beautiful, a stone with mana, strength and mystery recognisable by everybody. Because of this deep seated connection, the pieces we wear evoke emotion, making a statement about who we are, how we belong in the world, our unique place in Aotearoa.

Te Tai Poutini - west coast of the South Island
Te Tai Hauauru - west coast of the North Island
Tikanga Whakairo - true way for each piece

From 2023

Inanga Tuatua pendant, 56.5 x 102 x 13mm, continuous black cord 730mm $2,200

From 2022

Pendant, Pekapeka, Pounamu, cord - 102g - 97 x 71 x 12mm $2,500

Pendant, Koropepe, pounamu, 75 x 64 x 12mm, 80grams $1,600

Inanga drop earrings, 9ct wires, 90mm long    $620
Kahurangi drop earrings, 9ct wires, 90mm long   $620
Kawakawa drop earrings, 9ct wires, 62mm long   $540

Kawakawa drop earrings, 9ct wires, 54mm long   $540
Inanga drop earrings, 9ct wires, 78mm long   $600
Kahurangi drop earrings, 9ct wires, 71mm long   $600

Pendant, Koropepe, pounamu, 75 x 64 x 12mm, 80grams $1,600

431 Earrings, Marsden Kawakawa apple green, stg, 37 x 8 x 3.5mm 2.4g   $300
429 Earrings, Marsden Kawakawa apple green, stg, 77 x 8 x 4.6mm 5.9g   $500
450 Earrings, Inanga curved, stg, 55 x 10 x 3mm, 3.6g   $400

448 Earrings, Fiordland Kawakawa, stg, 13 x 4 x 49mm 5.1g   $400
410 Earrings, Marsden Pounamu, stg, 48 x 12mm   $350
449 Earrings, Bright Kawakawa, 9ct gold, 13 x 36 x 3mm, 3.4g   $420

407 Breast plate, Inanga, 102 x 53mm $1,800
389 Breast plate, Inanga, 57 x 35mm, 480mm cord $350

428 Pendant, Hei Toki, Marsden Kawakawa 78 x 39 x 8.5mm 550mm cord $650
394 Pendant, Serpentine - dark Arahura stone, 64 x 17mm $300

432 Pendant, Inanga, 65 x 15 x 6mm   $420
437 Pendant, Kawakawa, 73.5mm long   $500
387 Pendant, Inanga, 67 x 15mm, 470mm cord   $400

446 Pendant, Inanga, 55 x 19 x 5mm   $250
441 Pendant, Inanga, light chatoyant   $350
445 Pendant, Inanga, 64 x 20 x 8mm   $340

From 2021 Group Show

An exploration in combining two familiar natural forms in one dark Kahurangi stone, this is the last shard of a piece I found in Te Tai Poutini in the 1990’s. These Pounamu, Rimurapa and Kutai, together and apart, have been showing themselves occasionally, reminding me since then.

Rimurapa Kutai - Bull kelp mussels - Kahurangi pounamu $2,200

Rimurapa Kutai - Bull kelp mussels - reverse side

From 2020

Manu I - Kahurangi bird pendant, 75x20mm, tan cord (600mm)   $800
Manu II - Inanga bird pendant, 45x48mm, black cord (600mm)   $800
Manu III – Inanga bird pendant, 56x25mm, black cord (600mm)   $800

From 2019

Pendant, single Kawakawa leaf, 40x20mm, endless cord   $800
Pendant, 2 Kawakawa seedpods, 50x22mm   $800
Pendant, 3 Kawakawa leaves and single pod 50x31mm   $1,200
Pendant, 4 Kawakawa leaves &2 pods arrangement, 76x28, 2 cords   $2,400
All 4 pieces are cut from the same the piece of pounamu