My Story

My name is Adrienne Linney and I live in Wellington,  Aotearoa - New Zealand.  I have been crafting jewellery for 7 years.  I studied at the Learning Connexion School of Creativity and Art from 2014-2019  and now work from my studio overlooking the entrance to Te Whanganui a Tara - Wellington Harbour.

I live on the coast and, like many who live in the Pacific, I am passionate about the sea.  It's moods and rhythms shape our lives.  Most days I explore local beaches with my young dog, Doug, and I am a keen, all seasons, long distance, open water swimmer.  Several days a week I join a group of local women for sunrise swims at our local bay, an all seasons - all weather, cold water adventure.

The coastline is abundant with treasures from the sea – shells, driftwood, seaweed and other flotsam - hiding in crevices, tossed onto the beach, strewn on the sand and left by the tide.  I find beauty in the patterns, forms and textures of the sea’s produce and seek to celebrate that beauty in my work.

I love the idea that there is beauty in ageing - as the shine wears off, the true inner beauty and complexity of an object (or person) is revealed. I am fascinated by the movement and feel of the sea, and the rhythm and power of the waves.  Water themes inspire me creatively.

Pacifica cultures have been collecting the sea’s taonga for centuries and using it for decoration and body adornment.  The jewellery I create is a unique, contemporary interpretation of these ancient practices. 

A number of techniques that I love using feature in my jewellery.  In particular, much of my work uses the lost wax casting technique.  The use of melted wax in the modeling process allows me to experiment with the notions of movement and water.  It also allows me to mimic the patterns, forms and textures that I have discovered at the beach.   For similar reasoons, I also enjoy hand beating and texturing metals to create forms and shapes.

I use enamels to add glints of colour that evoke the hues of the sea.  I also like to play with different patina's, oxides and inks to reflect and enhance the textures we see in nature.

I work mainly with silver because it responds well to the casting process, but have recently started using gold, particularly, using the Keum Boo gilding process to add 24ct gold to some pieces and electroplating to add 14ct gold vermeil.  I am happy to produce gold pieces on a commission basis.

Quality and individuality are important to me.  Each piece of jewellery is individually handcrafted with joy and intention and tells its own story.

Thanks for reading.

aroha nui

Adrienne