Deanna Gracie designs and creates contemporary jewellery from a home
studio in inspiring beach side suburb of Southshore, Christchurch.
Celebrating the ever-changing beauty of her natural surroundings each
piece is carefully crafted by hand from precious metals and gemstones.
"I
love the fact that jewellery I have created with my hands and my heart
can also be precious to someone else - that the piece they choose
becomes an extension of their own personality, to be worn and forever
enjoyed." - Deanna Gracie
Having grown up with an interest and aptitude for arts and crafts Deanna first started making jewellery in 1992. Trial and error with techniques such as fusing, reticulation and imprinted textures has seen her work develop and mature. Multi layering different metals and gemstones onto sterling silver creates contrasting colours and textures, producing interesting surfaces and a tactile 3D effect to her hand made jewellery. Sterling silver, gold, titanium, alloy metals and gemstones are her materials of choice.
"People design in different ways. I start off with an idea and a rough drawing, but then I need to start working with the metal and materials in my hands to see how each element will come together. Everything I create starts from either sheet metal or wire; I don't get anything cast which makes every piece unique," says Deanna.
"I especially enjoy the handmade aspect of my craft. Hand-fabricated jewellery looks and feels really special because, I believe, the energy that passes from the maker to the object remains forever within the finished piece."
Daily walks around the beach and estuary near her studio provide Deanna with endless inspiration. "The ocean in particular has a calming, meditative effect on my emotions and I love translating these feelings into something tangible, lasting and beautiful.
I enjoy evoking an essence of Aotearoa into each miniature piece of wearable art I create. The time spent in my studio is a wonderful journey of exploration and discovery."
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