Junko Kingsley-Smith

Junko says although that she has started making jewellery later in life, she believes that she has always been aware of the beauty and perfection of small or tiny things, coming as she does from Japan. Junko explains, My culture has honoured the idea of small being beautiful for thousands of years. Bonsai for instance – growing a tree in miniature and keeping it alive for hundreds of years – is built into our lives.

I have found expressing ideas about New Zealand native flora in jewellery a very interesting and satisfying exercise, which I hope will be recognised by others. I love the process of making jewellery, and the effort and the perfection it demands of me.