TUssock and Gold Necklace Scoops $10,000 Dowse Foundation Gold Award
Dunedin jeweller Lynn Kelly has just scooped the $10,000 Dowse Foundation Gold Award.
As part of the biennial award, Kelly will receive a $6,000 account with a gold merchant and $4,000 in cash. This will allow her to make a work using gold, a material few New Zealand jewellers can afford to use.
Kelly’s winning design, which combines elements of tussock and gold was selected by a panel of three judges including leading New Zealand Jeweller Alan Preston, Decorative Arts Curator Justine Olsen and Concept Development Manager of TheNewDowse Claire Regnault from twelve other designs.
All three judges praised the necklace for the way it married two elements that are iconic to Otago – tussock and gold.
“Lynn Kelly's tussock necklace evokes the visual language of the grassy hill country of Otago. Her use of gold cleverly recalls the region's history of gold prospecting. The necklace epitomises her work and interest in New Zealand plants while producing a beautiful and thoughtful piece of personal adornment,” says Justine Olsen.
Kelly made the transition from gardener to jeweller twenty years ago, when she applied to do a Certificate in Craft Design at Wanganui Regional Community College, where she was working as ground-staff. Since then, she has exhibited in over 100 exhibitions. Indeed, by weaving elements of the natural world into her jewellery, Kelly satisfies two of her life-long passions – horticulture and jewellery.
“The gold of tussock grasses at the height of summer, familiar to me from the time I have spent in Central Otago, have strongly influenced my choice of colour for this particular piece. Having worked in horticulture, I often find much of my impetus comes from the natural world, “ she says
More comments from the judges –
“The winner of this award has designed a piece that talks about CentralOtago through two of the materials found there – tussock grass and gold. It is very appropriate that the day after the judging the New Zealand Government announced the Purchase of the 9000 hectare Michael Peak Station to be vested in public ownership as part of theDOC estate.”
Alan Preston
Jeweller.
“Lynn Kelly’s design is a subtle and beautiful homage to the golden landscape of Otago. While appearing simple in construction – ‘straws’ of tussock and gold threaded onto multiple strands - its impact promises to be captivating.”
Claire Regnault
Concept Development Manager, TheNewDowse