My career in jewellery started with bone carving. I soon realised the limitations of bone and my deep need to learn more.
Moving into precious metals and including stones where appropriate has expanded my design possibilities. I had formal training and then worked for other manufacturing jewellers.
Since joining the Waka Ama clubs here in the north, as a jeweller I have wanted to create pieces that represent the "tools" of our sport. I have taken artistic license and transformed the traditional "hoe" or paddle into an elegant piece of jewellery that can be worn by anybody.
I have never before felt so inspired to do a collection like this. The traditional hoe is more slender than what we use today because they sat lower in their waka, so a shorter handle was needed but apart from paddling the waka they also doubled as a weapon!!
Today a longer paddle is designed with one function in mind, power.
We also race single outrigger canoes developed by the Hawaians and Tahitians hence my single "canoe" pendant. The history and cultural significance that shrouds Waka Ama and its connection with polinesia fascinates me.
I am proud of my take on the "traditional Waka" pendant, worn across the chest, again representative of these magnificent canoes. My use of bronze is intentional so that the wood used to make these canoes of the sea can still be represented by this medium. I do also make these canoes and oars in silver, and if requested in gold.
Louise's work can be seen at The Little Black Gallery during KOAST and during the rest of the year.
Click on the images below to see enlargements of her work and scroll through the slideshow.
