Ann rediscovered her talent for the creative arts after retiring from her role at the Alexander Turnbull Library. During a busy working life in business and information technology, she always enjoyed creative hobbies such as printmaking and fibre arts. Family is a central part of Ann’s life.
Ann is thriving now as a talented jewellery and ceramic artist, pushing the boundaries of the materials she works with and exploring various techniques she has discovered, to create quality dynamic, unique, often quirky pieces of art. She has recently been concentrating on observing the effects of heat, colour and electrical etching on metal, and designing jewellery incorporating those elements. There is a serendipity about the results which can produce fascinating abstract designs. Nature inspires her work especially materials found along the local coast where she resides: glass, stone and shell. Never one to shy away from using non-traditional materials or techniques, she is inspired by South African ceramicist, Andile Dyalvane and New Zealander Jim Cooper. Two of her favourite jewellery artists are American Harold O’Connor and Swiss-born New Zealander Kobi Bosshard. Working from early sketches to the final piece can mean many hours spent to reach the required high quality
Study at The Learning Connexion for five years focussing on jewellery and ceramics has led to the completion of a Diploma Honours in Art and Creativity. The studies have allowed her to explore art in a way that wasn’t possible other than on a domestic level in her life to date. She says “I have always enjoyed study which previously was directed towards a business life but can now pursue research and experimentation into art, and let my imagination develop my creations”.
See more at http://annororke.nz