CONGRATULATIONS PAULINE BERN

Pauline Bern an Auckland jeweller won the inaugural Dowse Art Museum, Thomas Foundation NZ$10,000 'Gold Award'.
Jonathon Hunt Speaker of the House hosted a function in the Grand Hall Parliament on Monday evening 1st May.
This was a rare and wonderful occasion for all craft artists. Recognition of one of our great artists reflects on all. That the award was sponsored by an Australian Foundation with the promise of similar awards each year, alternating between glass and jewellery, endorses the craft movement tremendously. That recognition comes from beyond our shores may spur similar response and recognition within our shores.

When you read Pauline Bern's concept statement and view the concept drawing you I'm sure will agree with the judges - James Mack, Justine Olsen and Erenora Puketapu Hetet.
Pauline was presented with the award - $6000 worth of gold and a cheque for NZ$4000.

She delightedly spoke of the generousity behind the award and the fact that others will have the same joy in the years ahead.

Edith Ryan

Pauline's Concept

"I am currently producing work for an exhibition later this year which is inspired by 'the domestic', particularly the kitchen. My pieces refer to utilitarian objects as metaphors for the contemporary dilemma we face in our busy lives. We are torn between careers and domestic duties, between the drudgery and the delight of raising families.

The proposed piece, titled 'Scrubber', takes the epitome of drudgery, the pot scrubber, and transforms it into an elegant, luscious and expensive jewellery object. The unacknowledged tasks of everyday life claim an elevated value by utilising the precious metal 18ct gold with its undisputed value in our society.

I am working on a similar piece in sterling silver, however, the opportunity to produce it in high carat gold (goldilocks version) would be immensely satisfying as it would more completely express the underlying concept."