For the past 25 years I have dedicated myself to the art and technical handcraft of jewellery making. Graduating from art school (4yrs) at the age of 19, I hold a Diploma in the Visual Arts with a mark of distinction, where I majored in jewellery manufacturing and design, NMIT, 1998. After 6 years exhibiting my work through galleries, I learnt the German language to study at the oldest Goldsmithing School in Europe, where I graduated with the German Masters Certificate in Goldsmithing & Design, 2006. (Goldschmiedeschule mit Uhrmacherschule, Pforzheim). 

I have always thought of and treated jewellery as miniature sculpture. These small treasures of adornment are to be admired on and off the body. They can be worn, displayed or observed closely in one’s hand. Many of my Collector sets take on this concept and provide both a wearable piece housed within a custom-made display cabinet, glass dome or stand.

I have worked with many themes and varied materials in my work as an Artist Goldsmith. My recent work delves into the portrayal of nature in a more intimate way. Drawing the viewer closer by representing the smaller beauties in life. I am moved by a curl of a leaf where a spider hides, dew drops on a blade of grass, the natural beauty and organic form of petals on a simple flower, and the majestic beauty of larger animals. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and the beauty I see in nature inspires my work. I hope that I can bring the viewer closer to our natural world through the use of organic materials as well as utilizing techniques in precious metals that continue the tradition of this ancient handcraft. My hope is to create treasured art pieces which in time may evolve into heirlooms, and potentially become antiques of curiosity into the future.

Steph's work is held in multiple collections including the National Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa), The Dowse Art Museum, Lower Hutt, and in prestigious private collections worldwide.