GLASS

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Peter Viesnik, who is one of New Zealand's most experienced and talented glass artists. His glass making employs the more intimate process of flameworking to make intricate glass inclusions for his pieces. He enjoys giving his works individual personalities and the most dynamic pieces are exuberant and fluid. Among the pieces for which he is renowned are beautiful seascape paperweights which use a complex combination of flame worked fish, seaweed and murrinis, and Calla Lily vases and bowls produced by the consecutive layering of coloured and clear glass.

Keith Mahy who has had a lifelong interest in making glass art which began initially when he worked in the glass industry. Major influences on his work are the physical properties of the material itself and the way it moves as wells as forms from nature.

Ron van der Vlugt who developed his craft first in the US, at California Art Glass, then the Wanganui Glass Blowing School, and then at the Toyama Institute of Glass Art in Japan where he was exposed to Japanese aesthetics and the sophisticated techniques of the Italians. Ron styles his work method on the Italian glass blowers by working "hot and fast" with few tools, working the glass quickly while it is fluid and hot and relying on the natural forces of gravity and spinning to shape it.

Adriana and Chris Hendel have lived in New Zealand for 30 years. Adriana has many years experience as a potter and a painter. Chris has an engineering and teaching background. They are keen sailers of the New Zeland coast and capture enough information during their extensive trips, in the form of sketches and photos, etc, for a years work. "Their ideas are combined into the colour and light which is displayed by their Dichroic (Two Colours) Glass pieces. Every handcrafted piece is unique although repeat themes are possible. The pendants are set in Sterling Silver and include a 16" snake chain. An 18" chain can be supplied if preferred.

Astrid Christine and her husband Rud are proud to have their beautiful glass jewellery represented in several collections all over the world. They were featured in the renowned NZ House & Garden Magazine in July 2005, in the American Glass Line Magazine February/March 2005 edition, and also in the Bead Review 2005 (The Art Of Beadmaking). They were also invited artists in the eastcapeART Gisborne Working Artfest 2006.

Kelcey Chandler-Yates' jewelry is made of silica and dichroic glass coloured in the shimmering reds, oranges, yellows and blues of the tropical reef fish, the sparkle of crystal and deep blues inspired by the endless night sky and the vivid greens of the spectacular islands of her home in New Zealand. Her delicate awareness and a state of being one with her subjects, makes her a true artist transcending her own perceptions to bring you the magic of other dimensions.

Watea started their company in 1995 with the thought that people like to treasure some of the spirit of New Zealand wherever they are - in New Zealand or overseas. Uppermost in there minds was the belief that the gifts they create must be something people like to surround themselves with. The products must all be suitable for placement in homes as well as business. They use state-of-the-art technology for all their framing and stand by the quality of our workmanship and timely delivery.