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Ernesto Ovalle is a Master Goldsmith and Sculptor originally from Bogota, Colombia. He moved to New Zealand in the late 90’s and experienced an ‘environmental shock’ having grown up in the concrete jungle of Bogota. “All the nature moved my mind in a different way”, he says.
Ernesto comes from a family of jewellers and watchmakers. Just as his grandfather and uncles who were all jewellers passed on their knowledge, experience and expertise with different metals to Ernesto, he is now passing this on to his son, Sebastian. As a young jeweller, Ernesto built on what he learned from his family by completing a Master of Fine Arts in Bogota. Since arriving in New Zealand, he has studied alongside master jeweller Peter Minturn.
His connection with pounamu started a few years ago while working with a Maori sculptor and moko artist who freely shared his knowledge with Ernesto. This close working relationship has strongly influenced Ernesto’s work, creating a blend of South American and Maori designs. Most of the pounamu that he uses to create his pieces is from the Arahura and Marsden Rivers in the South Island.
Ernesto continues to be extremely passionate about his work as a jeweller, always looking for opportunities to learn new skills. He is currently attending a Pounamu and Hard Stone course at Greymouth’s Tai Poutini Polytechnic. He has recently taken up a studio here at Corban Estate Arts Centre. |