Penetrating Form
New Zealand Jade Pendant
Hand Carved New Zealand 'Inanga'
An intricately hand carved, New Zealand nephrite jade pendant originally designed in the early to mid ’70′s.
Back in those early years the evolvement of original, creative jade designs was a constant passion. (As it is still today) Occasionally, seemingly long, frustrating periods of dry creativity occurred. Often after long hours at the bench with survival consciousness locked into uninspired repetitions and variations of what are now recognized as the proverbial hooks and curls seen everywhere. On one such occasion, out of sheer frustration, a decision was arrived at to use the full spring day and disappear into the native bush, armed with nothing more than pencil and drawing pad. Back to nature, in isolation, to recharge the spirit.
Some small measure of uninspiring interest was found in the heights overlooking the rugged terrain . From the sleeping volcano of Mt Tarawera to the distant Bay of Plenty coast line.
On returning to the car, wandering through an old crawler track clearing just prior to dusk, the clean, bleached white bone of a ‘possum pelvic structure caught the eye. It was idly picked up with mild curiosity as there were already numerous similar items scattered around the workshop / studio.
However the fascination and energies with this specific found object led to idle sketchings of and combinations playing with the structural lines inherent in this powerful, skeletal form.
This piece is the result of that ‘lost’ day in the wild and subsequent ‘doodling’. Carved some 18 months to two years after the original design was drawn and courage enough with developing skills to successfully realize it in jade.
To the best of my knowledge the first prototype of such penetrating forms carved in New Zealand.
Previously only three have ever been carved, this is the fourth….. Slightly refined and still possessing all the magic, close to four decades later.
Hand Carved New Zealand Jade
The reverse view of this organic jade pendant is as sculptural as the front.
Size …. 2.5 inches by 2.5 inches ….. ( 65 mm )
Now in appreciative Stewardship.
Discussions about this fascinating form are welcomed by