RECENT AcQUISITIONS: Tussock and Gold Necklace
The Dowse Foundation’s Gold Award winner, Lynn Kelly has just produced a multi-layered tussock and gold necklace which will be the latest addition to TheNewDowse’s collection.
The winning design, which combines elements of tussock and 22 carat and 18 carat gold was selected by a panel of three judges and completed last month.
This is the first time in her 20 years as a jeweller that Kelly has used such a large quantity of gold in one piece.
“Many contemporary jewellers are unable to be lavish with gold, because of its expense. It’s a shame really, because it's one of those precious metals that matches the golden Otago landscape perfectly. Tussock and gold really bring together two elements that are iconic to Dunedin,” she says.
Kelly spent weeks collecting stems of tussock from central Otago and threaded them together with tubes of gold to make the necklace. She says the tonal similarity between tussock and gold is quite striking.
“Gold and tussock are so similar in colour that it looks quite grassy on first inspection. Then you look closer and see something shiny, that’s when you begin to see how much gold is threaded throughout the necklace.”
Formerly a gardener, Kelly’s knowledge of natural materials helps her determine which plants lend themselves well to jewellery. “I chose tussock because of its gold elements, but also because it weathers well. Tussock has to be pretty strong to weather the harsh conditions of the Otago plains.”
As part of the prize, Kelly received a $6,000 account worth of gold and $4,000 in cash. The necklace will be displayed at TheNewDowse sometime next year.
TheNewDowse will be seeking submissions for the next Gold Award in 2009.