Nick Slocombe

I am the second generation of my family to drive Gallery Pacific in Auckland, fronting the physical space on a daily basis, sharing insight with the global community about the artwork and jewellery we offer for sale.
An inclination to create has been stimulated by exposure to artists and their studio workshops from a young age, as my parents forged relationships with local makers from the early 1970's, and I grew to like the atmosphere of these workshops, with their collections of tools, smells, and individual personality.
Gradually, over the last 37 years, my role has grown to include the selection of gems and design of jewellery for Gallery Pacific.
Complimenting this, I have a fascination with artefacts or specimens of the natural world, taking pleasure in revealing their beauty through careful sculpting.

Art making process

Jewellery is designed to showcase and enhance the intrinsic quality of Opals and Blue Pearls. Without exception, the process starts with the selected gem in the palm of my hand, before concept sketches are made on paper. These are developed over time, before Katerina is consulted about practical aspects of making the jewel come to life as a finished piece.
Australian Opal and New Zealand Kauri Gum specimens are finished by minimal intervention.
A painstakingly slow, but nonetheless meditative process, involves simply following the natural surface and form of the object, hand rubbing its surface with increasingly fine abrasives.
By this means, the polished surface of the natural specimen becomes a window, exposing the beauty within.

Shop all