I’ve always loved making art, and any sort of craft, it brings fond memories of rainy days with Mum and Nana.

One night after finishing work I felt I needed more creativity in my life. It had been about 20 years since I had done any real work, so I signed up to a jewellery night class and I've never looked back. I love the process, and I love having learned it as an adult. I don't have the hang-ups that I have with painting (a longer story for another time). Silversmithing mixes my interest of science, maths, technology and creativity. I've worked in software for a long time now where you are making something that you can't touch, and goes on forever. With jewellery, I find it ridiculously satisfying to produce something tangible that I can immediately wear and say "I made this." Winning!

My designs and ideas are inspired through my creative exploration of my identity as a Māori women. Often my paintings and jewellery are an extension of each other. I mostly work in Silver, Copper, and Acrylic.

Each design on AMO started life on my jewellers bench as a rough drawing, then a cardboard mock up, and then made in copper, silver or acrylic so I can wear it and test it to make sure that 1. it is beautiful 2. makes me feel beautiful 3. is easy to wear. Only those that pass the test are shared here.

Instagram: @maoriartist