ROCK AND MINERAL PAGE
The catalyst for Frank's interest in rock and mineral collecting came when he found a cluster of crystals in old glacial deposits near his childhood home in England. A family move to South Canterbury, New Zealand, provided further stimulus and lead to Frank extending this interest into lapidary work.
The fascination of this hobby is not only in discovering an object which has been formed by tumultuous events, happening many millions of years ago. Until a rock is cut or broken, its core remains a tantalizing mystery, carrying within itself the marks of survival in its intrinsic beauty. Lapidary is the art of revealing the rock/stones inherent natural beauty.
The crystalline structure of this cut agate from Frank's Collection illustrates this.
In a similar manner driftwood is a survivor of a frenzied past. Pounded and battered by time and tides, natural shapes and patterns emerge. A few years ago the discovery of a driftwood tree stump with some large stones embedded in the roots lead to experimentation with combining the natural qualities of driftwood and stone to create ornaments and sculptured feature pieces. The colours, reflective properties, patterns and luster of semi precious gemstones are combined with shapes and rich colours of wave worn driftwood, in the evolution of works in natural wood and stone.
Examples of works that have been created can be seen below:
Please check in again as Frank and his wife Cate hope to add new pieces as they are created.
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