Meet the Maker

Metal embossing artist Ninette Kruger looks to nature for inspiration for her intricate designs, formed mostly from pewter

WORDS SHANDELLE BATTERSBY

While the succulents, seedpods, fungi and coral that feature in Ninette Kruger’s latest series of embossed metal artworks are familiar, the Tauranga-based South African is also fascinated by lesser-known forms. Wonder World includes a copper and pewter piece called Ode to a Diatom depicting six varieties of the microscopic unicellular plankton that serves as food for many other creatures. “I have discovered that when we look closely enough, one single element in nature can be an almost inexhaustible source of inspiration,” she says. Ninette became a full-time artist after collaborating with others during the 2020 lockdown to support charities, including the Mental Health Foundation, and prefers working with pewter for its luxurious malleable properties. “It’s the Rolls-Royce of metals suited to embossing,” she explains. As well as allowing depth and detail with her designs, pewter develops a beautiful patina as it ages, giving it a rich antique look. “I love the textures, abstract feel and combination of metallic colours in these pieces,” she says of the Wonder World series. Ninette also designs pieces for Tauranga’s Creative Kitchens and Interiors for use in bespoke kitchens. Visit ninettekrugermetalart.com.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE

Ninette Kruger has worked with metal since 2004. Her Wonder World series includes Ode to Succulents. Ode to Coral. The Power of Seed. Ode to Fungi.