Quoil | Judy Newton

Judy Newton

I currently live in Titirangi, West Auckland and am originally from the South Island.

The materials I use in my jewellery include coloured glass, stone, ceramic (broken china), sterling silver, copper and bone. All pieces are individually shaped and engraved, using diamond equipment.

I use recycled materials as much as I can e.g. the glass is off-cuts from leadlight-glass workers, the broken china is from various sources – our kitchen, 2nd hand shops, other people’s donations…The idea of giving materials a new life in another form/direction appeals – broken china or off-cut glass becoming a personal adornment.

I like to use china as there are often stories behind its designs and patterns and also emotional associations and memories which are evocative. Being Pakeha in Aotearoa is explored by carving symbols from Maori culture in a material associated with European history (ceramic - china).

My family were ‘rock hounds’ and I grew up spending hours looking for agate, petrified wood and pounamu in the rivers and beaches of the south island. This habit continues with finding and collecting stones from wherever I happen to be.

I like to create personal pieces that connect to places in Aotearoa, e.g. a green glass necklace with beach stones from Tiritirimatangi Island. I find inspiration in the natural landscape of New Zealand and in Pacific designs.

JN21. Pressed glass earrings $80