I made these hollow copper forms to convey an idea of lush abundance. I settled on finishing them with a topographical green swirling pattern, which ended up being a very malachite-esque. I wondered if malachite was mined in Aotearoa, and to my surprise, it has been found in small amounts in various locations, including the Colossus mine set deep under the bush at Wangapeka, Whakatū. Colossus began in 1917 with the purpose of exploiting the mineral galena. Luckily for the bush the ore was never found in large enough quantities to expand so was abandoned. It has now been reclaimed by cave wētā and spiders.

Brooch, repurposed copper and paint, 55 x 45 x 20mm $250

Bangle, repurposed copper and paint, 65mm inner diameter , 95 x 90 x 20mm $350

Earrings, repurposed copper and paint, 85 x 35 x 12mm $250