LISA WEST

What was the first piece of jewelry you remember buying for yourself?

I had quite a collection of cheap dangly earrings from Cook Street Market (an Aladdin's cave/ rabbit warren of market stalls and second hand goods that existed on weekends in Auckland city till the mid 1980's), but the first jewellery I really desired and spent significant amounts of my pay from my first job were ornate pieces of silver and turquoise jewellery bought from a craft art gallery in Durham Lane in central city Auckland. I had quite a collection!

Where do you look for inspiration when designing pieces?

My ideas are generally wide and varied. I'm inspired by things that occur in nature, but also by historical jewellery forms. 

What’s your favorite type of material to wear/work with?

I mainly work in silver, though I do like stone for colour. I prefer materials I know will stand the test of time, for working with, and wearing.

How would you describe your personal style?

I like large statement pieces of jewellery, and also statement clothing. I prefer drama over flamboyance. I like clothing that works as a canvas for a bold piece of jewellery. 

Who/what are your biggest style influences?

I think my jewellery style is strongly influenced by jewellery from antiquity.

What’s the most special piece of jewelry you own? What’s the story behind it?

It's actually a piece I made myself, a large articulated native cockroach brooch in blackened silver. I'm never going to make another one because it was such an effort, but I'm quite proud of the effort I put into it's construction. 

What’s one piece of jewelry you wear often, that you can’t live without?

Once again it's a piece I made myself, a large mother of pearl pendant shaped like a tooth with a silver cap. 

What does New Zealand mean to you?

It's a place that is nice to leave, but just as nice to come back to.

What is something special or unique about living and creating in New Zealand?

Our remoteness means that we can get quite insular. Sometimes if you poke your head up for an overview you'll see that lots of people are working on the same themes, but quite independently of each other.

Why do you think it’s important for people to wear/own jewelry?

Good craft jewellery is portable art. It can spark a conversation, make a statement, identify your tribe or status, or simply complement an outfit.

What draws customers in to purchase jewelry from your collection?