Artist: JEROMY VAN RIEL
An outstanding bangle carved from New Zealand pounamu - carved with thoughtful symbolism influenced by the artist's close connection to māori tradition when growing up.
Here is a description of this piece from the artist...
Rangi and Papa hold the waters of life up high and drink filling the universe with that magic energy we call... life.
No effort was spared conserving the small amount of translucent stone (viewed from the top of this piece). Inspired by bracelets seen from Babylon and ancient times, I endeavoured to create a timeless artefact reflecting my love of myth and my fantasy that one day we will all have enough wealth to share.
As you can see from his personal description, Jeromy is a very thoughtful artist who takes a lot of care to work with the natural attributes and beauty in the materials he is using. The result is carved art that is completely unique and very beautiful!
This is a one-off, hand made bangle.
A LOVER'S EMBRACELET - a standout, one off work of Art to Wear and enjoy!
DELIVERY WITH EXPRESS COURIER IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
Artist: Jeromy Van Riel
Material: New Zealand South Westland Nephrite Pounamu
Inside circumference: 74mm (2.9 inches)
Size: 95mm (3.7 inches) long; 85mm (3.3 inches) wide
Weight: 82 grams
A little about the artist in his own words...
Jeromy has always had interest in stones and bones, intrigued with Aotearoa history and ancient people.
Jeromy’s upbringing in Invercargill, New Zealand was immersed in Reo Maori, Kapa Haka and had insights into Maori spiritual beliefs through involvement in Mau raakau (Maaori martial arts), making and playing Taonga puuoro (Maaori musical instruments) and rongoa Maaori (Maaori healing modalities). Jeromy’s connection to his kaumatua continues today.
Coming from a Dutch migrant family Jeromy was compelled from an early age to explore what concepts of Tino Rangatiratanga, Mana Motuhake (self sovereignty) mean to Maori but (perhaps just as importantly) what it means to all people of the world.
Jeromy spent 20 years of his life teaching te reo Maori, at all levels. Many of his past students have been recognised for their efforts to continue Jeromy’s work.
Jeromy describes his work as being Future Colonial “through my art, I explore concepts of belonging, identity and value, I believe the main learning I received from my kaumaatua is that all people are equal, the measure of a person is through their conduct. I believe people are like stones. We spend time and patient consideration together in order to reveal the light from beneath the surface of something often overlooked. I consider a time when we accept and celebrate each other’s differences and actually obtain ‘te whiwhingatahitanga ki te wairua tapu” (unity).
Today Jeromy works from home Lake Haawea, New Zealand.