Beyond The Lens

Throughout my artistic journey, New Zealand’s environment has been my muse, igniting a profound connection to its landscapes and moments. Each collection I craft is a testament to this bond, a tribute to the unique experiences that have shaped me.

Immersed in New Zealand’s vastness, I found inspiration in its unparalleled beauty, sparking a primal urge to translate these moments into tangible memories. My art becomes a vessel for encapsulating the essence of these cherished encounters, refining them into wearable forms.

Choosing three pivotal moments, I weave them into my collections, each filled with personal significance and emotional resonance. Special moments, elusive and fleeting, are like gold – precious and invaluable.

My creative process begins with photography, capturing the essence of these moments. Through sketches and various experimentation, I translate these images into 3D forms. The circular form on the frames of my brooches serves as metaphors for the camera lens, through which memories are captured and projected onto the world.

Digging deeper, I incorporate the technique of press forming, sculpting each piece to breathe life into the captured moment. The tabs securing the elements echo the delicate balance of preserving memories, like the frames that hold cherished photographs and paintings.

In each collection, I strive to evoke a sense of wonder and nostalgia, inviting viewers to embark on their own journey through the landscapes of memory. My art is a celebration of life’s fleeting moments, eternalised in wearable treasures.

Photography by Shannon Tofts