Inspiration from materials of the earth

An art exhibition opening next week will change the way you look at stone and glass.

The common materials are the focal point for Jo Pervan’s solo show, held at The Mandarin Tree in Gordonton.

Of Glass & Stone will showcase 20 pieces, some taking years to finalise.

There are pieces the size of a palm that shine in the light, and heavier pieces that are rough to touch.

Pervan will also run a silent auction of an artwork to raise money for the New Zealand charity, For the Sake of Our Children Trust.

‘‘It's about not taking for granted how I was nurtured growing up.’’

Pervan enjoys working with natural materials.

‘‘It depends on the weather actually. If it’s winter, I tend to do more glass and painting, if it’s summer, that’s when I sculpt stone the most. And if you haven’t seen a lot of colour lately, that makes you want to use colour,’’ she said.

Pervan has been sculpting for 16 years and orders a variety of glass and stone types to work with.

She likes knowing where her materials come from, and where they are going to go.

‘‘I like that it comes from the earth. I work in town, in a building, in front of a screen, and so doing stuff where you’re working with materials from the ground is good for you.’’

Pervan works from her studio in Whitikahu, 10km from Gordonton, and said living in rural Waikato was a privilege.

‘‘I notice a lot of what I make is about a journey, and home. I’m quite fascinated with boats and feathers and keys and leaves.’’

Of Glass & Stone, In the Hive at The Mandarin Tree Gallery, 1037 Gordonton Road, RD1, Hamilton. From October 11 6pm until November 22.