The quiet hills and valleys of Motueka are a stark contrast with those in the bustle of central Wellington, but jeweller and mixed-media artist Tomas Richards continues to draw inspiration from nature from the capital’s Aro Valley.
Richards work, which explores both organic and geometric shapes, draws on interests from his early years. A childhood fascination with the letterforms, symbols, alchemy and Norse runes provides motivation for the geometry; whilst the more biological designs represent a deep connection with the natural world.
Richards grew up on a commune in the country and is certain that a great deal of his inspiration is a reflection of this lifestyle. "My whole childhood was set amongst trees, grasses, mountains and rivers. I am so grateful that Wellington has held onto its greenery, and I hope it gets greener.
Richards work, which explores both organic and geometric shapes, draws on interests from his early years. A childhood fascination with the letterforms, symbols, alchemy and Norse runes provides motivation for the geometry; whilst the more biological designs represent a deep connection with the natural world.
Richards grew up on a commune in the country and is certain that a great deal of his inspiration is a reflection of this lifestyle. "My whole childhood was set amongst trees, grasses, mountains and rivers. I am so grateful that Wellington has held onto its greenery, and I hope it gets greener.
I can’t imagine living anywhere without nature: it’s not only essential for our wellbeing but also our existence.”
A recent series of works that imitate autumn leaves started out as a single broach for Richards’ mother. Leaves were the obvious choice for a woman who is an avid gardener and has a strong connection to plants and the land.
What started out as a relatively simple shape quickly established a higher degree of realism. “Once I started shaping the rumpling forms I got carried away with how life-like and organic it could become.”
The process of creating each unique leaf is quite involved, and each displays its own unique character. “I’ve reached a point where I could produce a generic leaf form quite easily, but I’m not satisfied until they develop a specific personality of their own.” The work is inconsistent and the intricacy of each piece takes time, but Richards enjoys the challenge of imitating nature.
Richards imprints the vein textures from actual leaves, but creates the main three-dimensional form through a slow process of softening, bending and shaping the metal with a variety of specialist tools. The whole journey is an attempt to mimic nature; so there’s no casting involved. “It’s just working by eye and by feel.”
Aware of a greater impact of his work, Richards’ jewellery is constantly affected by his efforts to sustainably and ethically source materials. “As much as I love working with gems and precious metals, it’s an important challenge to ensure what I create has a greater positive effect on the world.”
You can see more of Richards’ creations on his Facebook page and at Cargo Collective. Commission work is available by request, and, as of this week, original pieces are stocked by Melbourne’s Tatt Datt Tattoo studio.
What started out as a relatively simple shape quickly established a higher degree of realism. “Once I started shaping the rumpling forms I got carried away with how life-like and organic it could become.”
The process of creating each unique leaf is quite involved, and each displays its own unique character. “I’ve reached a point where I could produce a generic leaf form quite easily, but I’m not satisfied until they develop a specific personality of their own.” The work is inconsistent and the intricacy of each piece takes time, but Richards enjoys the challenge of imitating nature.
Richards imprints the vein textures from actual leaves, but creates the main three-dimensional form through a slow process of softening, bending and shaping the metal with a variety of specialist tools. The whole journey is an attempt to mimic nature; so there’s no casting involved. “It’s just working by eye and by feel.”
Aware of a greater impact of his work, Richards’ jewellery is constantly affected by his efforts to sustainably and ethically source materials. “As much as I love working with gems and precious metals, it’s an important challenge to ensure what I create has a greater positive effect on the world.”
You can see more of Richards’ creations on his Facebook page and at Cargo Collective. Commission work is available by request, and, as of this week, original pieces are stocked by Melbourne’s Tatt Datt Tattoo studio.
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