Ailish Roughan, contemporary jeweller
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  • About me
    Ailish with wearable dragon sculpture

    Jewellery has the ability to 'transform'. Not only in the making process from concept to design, metal to object, but how something so small, intimately and intricately made, becomes a part of the larger whole of the body. Each piece created becomes an outward expression of the self, from a quirky sense of humour to the inner ponderings of the soul!

    My influences stem from childhood memories of growing up in the lush wilderness of the South Island west coast of New Zealand and my fascination of the colourful magic of fantasy and the dark mystery of fairytales.

    Since graduating in sculpture from Elam school of fine arts in Auckland New Zealand, I have pursued jewellery studies in Auckland, Christchurch and Paris, France. Since the Christchurch earthquakes in 2010 I have been studying Fashion Design, and discovered a new creative passion! I exhibit my work in various venues in New Zealand.

    My time overseas has made me value New Zealand even more. As a registered Eco Artist a percentage of sales of my work contribute directly to a NZ wildlife conservation fund.

  • Galleries
    • Dragons

      Dragons!

      I am in love with these mystical, powerful, magical, emotional creatures since discovering the world of Anne McCaffrey when I was a little girl. I have soaked up dragon fantasy ever since! My aim is to be able to match the dragon in my imagination with a physical representation. To create THE most amazing wearable dragon ever!

      Each Dragon jewellery creation is one step closer.

      Celebrating my fascination of Dragons, I love creating each individual piece. They hold their own personalities and continually amaze me as they wink, scowl or grin while they evolve into the finished piece- despite my best efforts to control them!

      Made in stirling silver and using oxidation and reticulation techniques ( I love the texture and depth the oxidation reflects in the reticulated wings!) I do use copper and gold at times to give colour contrast – and of course the gemstones add their own personal energy, vibrancy and sense of ‘treasure’ dragons are known for!

    • Fairytales

      "Tales and dreams are the shadow-truths that will endure when mere facts are dust and ashes and forgot"

      - The Sandman (Neil Gaiman)

    • Poetry and Koru

      The power of words!

      Jewellery is often seen as having a sentimental value or mana; a family heirloom, a promise of vows to keep, love, friendship, a special occasion... There is a meaning or a message attached by the person who is giving or the person who is receiving the jewel.

      Poetry Rings put it into words! A favourite poem, saying or song. Or a simple message. You choose! The length of the poem affects the width of the ring.

      Kowhaiwhai or Koru designs, a taste of New Zealand. Symbolising growth and new beginnings

      Made in Sterling silver. Copper, gold or a gemstone can add effect.

      Black (oxidised) writing or ‘white’. Matt finish or shiny.

      Rings, earrings, bracelets, chains or pendants

    • Chrysalis

      Our Heritage is formed and informed by our past, through parents and family. We transform those experiences through to the present and then - whether consiously or not - we leave behind artifacts that again inform the heritage for the next generation.

      The Chrysalis is a container made up of the past. We can put ourselves inside, reflecting back, or looking forward. Or we can see ourselves as having transformed, spread our wings and taking flight. Beauty remaining in the remnants left behind.

      Perhaps this Chrysalis is still seducing us with the past, the illusion of the comfort offered tempting us to stay within... the promise of the future still only a dream and full of possibilities.

      Heritage jewellery exhibition the first of Workshop @468 at Form Gallery Christchurch June 2013.

    • Mushrooms

      Mushrooms are often found in clusters in surprising or hidden places and create a jewel-like texture, colour or form that quietly stands out from its surroundings. Bringing new life out of the darkness.

      Agricales in particular have fine gills, layers that make up a collection of folds or fins within the smooth confines of an outer shape

      This jewellery collection comes from an exploration of mushroom forms in carved wax. The shaping, moulding and carving from wax often felt like I was working with mushrooms themselves! Creating clusters and forms from a new family of shapes

      The large concept piece is a representation of something small. The overlapping layers and folds of the Dupion silk collar are inspired by a macro image of mushroom gills.

      Exhibition opening 'From Concept to Form' Form Gallery Christchurch

    • Fashion and Collaboration

      A selection of my fashion clothing and collaboration projects.

      Playfulness and a sense of Adventure delving into the unfamiliar of materials and technique. Exciting!

      Who knows, maybe this experimental new work will lead into WOW (World of Wearable Arts)

  • Retailers

    Form Gallery
    www.form.co.nz
    468 Colombo st
    Christchurch
    New Zealand
    +64 03 377 1211

    Soul Gallery
    www.soulgallery.co.nz
    300 Barton st
    Hamilton
    New Zealand
    +64 07 834 2120

    Kura Gallery
    www.kura.co.nz
    47A Heu Heu street
    Taupo
    New Zealand
    +64 07 377 4068

    Moko Artspace
    www.moko.co.nz
    24 Pye Place
    Hot water beach
    New Zealand
    +64 07 866 3367

    Kanuka Design Gallery
    www.kanukadesign.co.nz
    1 wainui rd
    Raglan 3225
    New Zealand
    +64 07 8258740

    Parker Gallery
    www.parkergallery.co.nz
    90 Archilles Ave
    Nelson 7010
    New Zealand
    +64 03 5394280

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