Gem gallery

Press, 1 October 1986, Page 20

Gem gallery

"Connexion,” a contemporary jewellery gallery, opens at the Arts Centre at 8 p.m. on Friday. Eight members of the Canterbury Silversmiths Guild have formed the Connexion Co-operative with the aims of an opportunity for the Christchurch public to view and purchase quality jewellery at reasonable prices, an outlet for jewellerymakers to display and sell their work and an exhibition space for contemporary jewellery.

Members of Connexion illustrate the diversity of local jewellery makers. Richard Tarrant is a selftaught jeweller, concentrating exclusively on “one off’ pieces in a range of materials. Ted Powell began silversmithing as a lapidary worker unable to obtain wellmade -imaginative settings. Avril Brown, also self-taught, began with a book of instructions “on the kitchen table” and now produces a range of creatively-designed pendants, neckpieces and brooches. Adrian van Herpt was apprenticed in Holland in gold and silver-smithing, studying metalwork at a school of art. Colleen O’Connor and Penny Hughes both received their formal

training at art school, as did Leia Stewart — the group’s oldest member but newest recruit — who studied at art school in 1932. Larry Fields, an American jeweller and silversmith, incorporates motifs and materials drawn from American Indian sources. Connexion is in the Arts Centre, alongside the gallery of the Guild of Woodworkers and rooms occupied by a fibre artist and a stained glass artist. The members of the co-opera-tive have converted space which previously formed part of a corridor. How will the public benefit from a jewellery gallery? Members of the Connexion Co-operative feel that the atmosphere of -the new galleiy will encourage feedback between customer and craft worker. It will be open to the public most weekdays and Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and will be attended by members of the co-operative. The co-operative member on duty will also be working at his or her craft, so that visitors can see the creative process in action. Connexion would welcome craft workers who are interested in joining the group.