Alex Nathan
Alex Nathan is a Jeweller of Te Roroa, Ngati Whatua and Nga Puhi descent.
Alex Nathan's background and experience in Maori art had been in the traditional materials of his tupuna (ancestors), working in bone, shell, stone and wood. This all changed in the late 1980s when his brother, Manos, introduced him to Michael Kabotie, the Hopi silversmith, whom he had met during a visit to the USA. Since this time, Alex has worked with silver as his primary material, with traditional materials as highlights. His work reflects an evolving process of adaptation and exploration of traditional designs, like taniko (intricate woven borders of cloaks and mats), kowhaiwhai (painted rafters), and tukutuku (ornamental lattice work of carved ancestral meeting houses).
Since 1986, Alex's focus has been directed to mediating historical grievances of his tribe over land and resources with the Crown. This means that his time for his jewellery production is minimal, creating a constant demand from collectors for his unique pieces. Alex's work has been exhibited in "Fusion: Tradition & Discovery" (1999) and recently at "Kiwa - Pacific Connections" (2003) both at the Spirit Wrestler Gallery in Vancouver, Canada.
Alex Nathan is a licensed user of toi iho™, a registered trade mark used to promote and sell authentic, quality Maori arts and crafts.
Links
Alex Nathan page on the Whenua exhibition website.
Alex Nathan profile on the toi iho website