Corrugated iron with woven waxed cord, fishing line and mercerised thread

From Gilly Sheffield's Heritage Series

135mm H x 143mm W

Crafted from iron salvaged from a historic villa in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

This design is inspired by a Māori weaving pattern. Gilly Sheffield was drawn to the strength of the cross form, with woven threads converging at the centre to create a powerful sense of unity and resilience. For her, the work symbolises the coming together of different cultures and their traditional crafts, skills that have been passed down through generations.

Gilly Sheffield’s corrugated iron crosses explore the interwoven nature of whānau and culture. Using iconic corrugated iron—long associated with sheltering New Zealand homes—and combining it with traditional weaving, she highlights the skills and knowledge passed down through generations across the diverse cultures that shape Aotearoa.
The cross form references the Southern Cross constellation, acknowledging its historical significance in guiding ancestors to these shores, as well as its ongoing symbolism in how people navigate their lives today.
Gilly views her work as a celebration of beauty, finding meaning in the contrast between the fine, silky, colourful weave and the old, utilitarian iron—a striking juxtaposition that reflects the intersection of tradition, material, and everyday life.