Nelson based jeweller Duncan Mackay has been working with KINA NZ Design + Art Space for over the past ten years. His silver and copper jewellery is inspired by elements found in nature. Most recently his inspiration has come from leaves: kawakawa, southern rata, and tarata. Duncan's work reflects the beauty and intricacy to be found all over New Zealand's natural environment.
We are also very excited to have Duncan take part in the National Jewellery Exhibition at KINA opening the 23rd of January 2015. This exhibition runs through the 17th of February.
Please read on to get to know a little bit more about Duncan Mackay and see what life is like in his Nelson studio.
How long have you been creating? Has it always been in this medium?
It feels as though I have been creating most of my life............ drawing, painting, clay work, stained glass creating, pottery making and over the past 13 years jewellery making. I started out with the ambition to combine creativity and making a living. It probably took around 4-5 years for this to start happenng in a real way; as far as income goes. Lots of learning.
Who do you look to or how do you find your inspiration?
Ocassionally I will find an inspiring image in a magazine article or book, sometimes unexpectedly, but most of my inspirational ideas come straight from nature. Some ideas arrive as images in mind during meditation/reverie.
If you could plan your perfect day what would it consist of from start to finish?
Lemon water and a cuppa with my partner Diane and a relaxed breakfast of barley-flour pancakes and fried bananas with lashings of butter and honey. Biking, bush walking to somewhere neat like the Maitai Caves with the whole family, followed by lunch and a wander through the local Suter Gallery. Picnic and swimming in the afternoon (sea or river), dinner out and an interesting movie (sci. fi. or action/thriller) would be a completion to a great day.
What is your favourite meal and who would prepare it for you?
Wild venison fillet steak, wild weed/garden fresh green salad, and greek-style cubed roast potatoes. I would be happy preparing this myself.
If you were to be an animal which one would you be?
Human
