Artist Name: Nicola Roake
Nicola Roake Biography Nicola Roake is one of a small number of silversmiths in New Zealand who use traditional techniques to create large individual pieces of work in Sterling silver. Nicola was born in Akaroa in 1958. On completion of her secondary education, she began a small business as a jeweller and joined the Silversmiths Guild of Canterbury in 1987. In 1989 she moved to Oxford, England with her husband and children and joined the Jewellers and Silversmiths Society of Oxford (JASSO) to learn the traditional ways of hand raising and forging of silver. So began a passion for the age-old craft of silversmithing. Over 9 years in Oxford, she exhibited regularly, including the Goldsmiths Hall, London and the County Museum, Woodstock. She was an active member of JASSO, undertook teaching, and was chairperson in 1996 & 1997. Nicola has established herself as one of New Zealand's notable silversmiths following her return to Christchurch in 1997. All her pieces, from the smallest salt spoon to complete tea sets are designed individually and made by hand. Each piece is stamped with her maker’s mark that is registered with the London Assay Office. Nicola lives and works in Christchurch, and her silver is in private collections throughout the world. Nicola works mainly on commissions but her work is also to be found in The Little River Gallery (Little River), Bonz in NZ (Queenstown), and Redhouse (Christchurch).
|
