Ray Wade

Born in Whangarei in 1951, started school in Dunedin and then moved around the country. At age 11 I was a refugee from Auckland, scouring wild beaches around Greymouth for greenstone… hooked for life.

I started working stone at age 14, unacceptable for formal jewellery training in my late teens.

Had a short sting at university, followed by work in Government offices, insurance companies and the tourism industry.

I settled in the Wakatipu in 1978 and have been making jewellery since 1986.

Self-taught, living and working alone. Jewellery is a large part of my life. The paua shell that I frequently use takes me back to the beaches of childhood. I still cut and use simple gemstones from here and overseas.

I have taken part in many group exhibitions over the years and am represented by galleries all round the country. I am now living in Dunedin and am semi-retired. I remain fascinated by the process and wonder where the next 10 years will take me in my work.