Maree Grant: My journey in silver
Discover the story behind Maree Grant Handcrafted Silver Jewellery. Learn about my artistic path, the inspirations that fuel my creativity, and the passion I pour into every unique piece.
From art teacher to Silversmith
My journey into jewellery making began around 10 years ago after a visit to a gallery in Nelson. I had always been involved in various art forms, from clay and mosaics to painting, and even spent many years as an art teacher. While I enjoyed exploring different mediums and encouraging children to express themselves through art, I never truly saw myself as an artist until I discovered metal. The exquisite and unique jewellery in that gallery captivated me, leading me to seek out this jeweller for lessons. What started as a new skill quickly became a deep passion, learning everything from designing to proper metalwork techniques from a master jeweller. My shed is now my calm place, where time flies as I create.
Beyond nature: My diverse inspirations
While the beautiful New Zealand nature and traditional Japanese art are significant inspirations, my creativity is sparked by anything and everything around me. Sometimes I perceive the world in colour palettes – layers or blocks of hues that harmonise, which inspired my enamel landscapes. Other times, a natural shape might catch my eye, leading me to abstract it into a design. Discovering new resources, like the Aparima Riverton Paua, often drives new collections. Recently, reading about an endangered plant inspired me to create this Hawke's Bay forget-me-not ring. Every piece tells a story, born from a moment of inspiration.
Creating connections: The story in every piece
When I share my jewellery at art shows, it's the stories behind each piece that resonate most with people. Every item has a unique background or inspiration, and when people connect with that narrative, they truly see what I see. I pour love into each creation, with most pieces being one-of-a-kind. For instance, I adore making ginkgo leaves, but each is cut from a real leaf stencil and used only once. My ultimate goal is for you to find a piece that brings you joy, that you connect with deeply, and that feels as if it was made especially for you.