 |
Hong Kong born Helen Au lives and works in West Auckland, in the North Island of New Zealand. Although her environment is very different to that of her upbringing in Hong Kong, where her parents ran a motorcycle mechanic workshop, she maintains a design aesthetic born from the fascinating and intricate |
innards
of engines and gearboxes. Visually and conceptually, her pieces have the polished, regular look of machinery parts.
Similarly, her techniques show the marks of engineering; she chooses the best method for each design and executes it with precision and expertise, and she is continuously expanding and refining her skills.
However, her work also has a wonderfully playful, human element. The pieces interact with the wearer, in a way that can only be experienced by touching and holding them; that is what makes them jewellery. In fact, Helen is also inspired by toys and playthings, of the sort which invite fiddling and are hard to put down. When you wear one of her rings it will not just sit there looking good - you will
slide it endlessly around your finger, feeling the balls roll against your skin like a miniature massage.
|
|
|
