Jade and Form
Jade and Form
Ana Krakosky
Artist Statement
As a member of Te Atiawa, legend has it that my people are descended from the sky. I try to remember this in my work; to craft for great worth, make it well, see unlimited potential, make good choices, challenge myself and love what I do.
I’m an artist and an educator, with a background in the areas of design and hard materials. Furniture maker, painter, silversmith and jade carver. I’ve been designing and working with a wide range of materials for over 10 years, creating sculptures, jewellery, furniture and one-off design pieces.
Jade carving is a relatively new medium for me and I enjoy moulding and shaping hard stone into well-formed objects of beauty. I love working with the strength of pounamu and the feel of it between my fingers as I transform it.
When coming up with a new design I often begin with what inspires and interests me - nature and good design.
A lot of my designs are inspired by nature and movement or form within nature. I am interested in the details found in nature and how geometry and design are seen in nature. I’m also interested in the feminine side of mother nature and I try to ensure a lot of my more delicate pieces emanate this. I have always thought that mother nature is the ultimate of all designers, the way she puts colours together, proportions elements, her detail in everything (often microscopic) and her beautiful organic shapes and forms.
Architecture and design is also another passion of mine. I’m a really visual person so the proportions or lines seen in good architecture or design are a real draw for me. Surrounding myself or looking at things that are well designed helps to keep my mind settled and ordered, it gives me pleasure, helps me feel settled and makes me feel at peace. Good design is something I value and I believe this starts with simple shapes and forms. A lot of time is spent exploring ideas and planning out the best proportions and shapes for my pieces.
