Andy Ruskin, Hokitika
Originally from Nelson with a background in visual arts and metalsmithing, Andy moved to the West Coast in 2001 to pursue a career in jade/pounamu carving. His work is inspired by the wild natural beauty of our local landscape and the rich cultural legacy of the early Maori artists who utilised this rare & challenging material, and valued it above all other things. He has maternal whakapapa (genealogy) to the deep-Southern iwi of Ngai Tahu/Kati Mamoe, and considers his work to be a continuation of an ancient family tradition.
