Kōuma Kintsugi | Haylie Fry

'KōumaKintsugi' (Breastplate) A statement chest piece by Haylie Fry. This pounamu taonga is carved from Nelson Blue Pounamu, sourced from a Nelson rock hunter. An adapted idea from the Japanese art of Kintsugi (celebrating the flaws and imperfections) the piece is finished with gold leaf resin inserts.

Kōuma represents strength, and resilience and protecting, shielding the heart.

Dimensions: 53mm x 32mm with adjustable black 4 braid cord.

Artist Bio

South Island artist, Haylie Fry works from her Westcoast studio in Kawatiri (Westport). A self taught carver, with a deep love for her whanau, being creative and the spiritual connection of Pounamu. Her whakapapa in Aotearoa has strong roots in Motueka, Tai Tokerau and Te Tai Poutini. Through her upbringing in these areas she has developed a bond with te moana me te awa. Her connection with water guided her on the journey of exploring the treasures that come from such places and she naturally began to move towards appreciating and eventually working with kohatu. Working within the framework of kaitiakitanga (guardianship), wairuatanga (spiritual connection) and whanaungatanga (connection). These values are at the heart of her kaupapa (Purpose) the journey is one of both receiving and giving. Part of her giving back is to support her community, and her tamariki, who whakapapa to Ngai Tahu, to connect with te ao Maori through mahi toi.