Christine Cook is a visual artist from Aotearoa New Zealand whose creative practice investigates the role and value of various craft methods within contemporary jewellery making.

Driven by an ongoing interest in the marginalisation and devaluation of domestic arts and the history of body adornment, Christine creates contemplative works that explore issues around gender, value and domesticity. Unearthing the power hidden within mundane & hobbyist materials and using unconventional playful techniques, she eliminates any precious ideas about jewellery as status object. Texture is pivotal in Christine’s work, acknowledging that touch is as valued as sight, and exploring how meaning and memories are created from our tactile experiences. Work is informed by an ongoing enquiry into the significant value of the physical art experience within the modern art gallery context and the white cube theory.

 

Originally studying textile design, Christine worked in various roles within the textile industry before completing

a Bachelors Degree in Applied Arts Visual at Northtec in 2006. Following graduation she worked as a graphic artist, mainly in the digital realm, then in pursuit of a more tactile art making practice began jewellery making in recent years.