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Kirsten Andreae - Artist

I am an artist based in Port Chalmers, Dunedin, NZ. After running a small gallery for a while I decided to embark on a new adventure - and opened ARTICA Art & Accommodation!
                    
All my pieces are unique, designed and meticulously handcrafted by myself.

I trained in 'Antique Furniture Conservation and Restoration' at West Dean College in England, graduating in 2005. After working as a conservator/restorer for several years I decided to use my skills to do what I really love - to design and make my own objects.

I am very passionate about keeping old crafts alive (i.e. gilding, woodturning, inlay work) and like to combine these with modern design.

I mainly work with timber, sometimes I add other materials like metal, glass or gold leaf.
Another passion of mine is bookbinding and I try to combine this with woodwork (i.e. by making books bound in leather with wooden inlay).
Occasionally I incorporate discarded objects into my work, things that happen to catch my interest. There's so much beauty around us but often we are far too busy to notice that something old and rusty is in fact a real treasure!
With a bit of time and imagination it can be transformed into something beautiful once again. 

My pieces range from small items that make ideal gifts (i.e. wooden pens or bookmarks) to decorative objects (candle holders, mirrors, lamps) and furniture (i.e. sofa tables). Occasionally I make children's toys as well.
I also offer a selection of cards, ringbinders and handmade books.

Examples of my work can be found here.
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