Disk - Circle Pounamu

Disk by Jen Hung
Rind of Marsden with Basalt 
Pendant circumference 3.5cm - excluding Basalt
Adjustable Cord

The closed circle is said to represent the circle of life which has no beginning or end, seamless and of which we are all a part.  It also tells of the stars and planets and contain the knowledge of our origins. It is often used to enclose other elements such as the Koru, linking love and new life or new beginnings with the circle of life.

Jen Hung, originally from Taiwan, studied art history at University but had never
carved stone until attending Tai Poutini Polytechnics jade and hard stone carving course in 2004.

Jen loves listening to classical music when carving: As I listen to music and draw, I can see the flowing lines. The music inspires me.

Other inspiration comes from Maori art, the New Zealand bush, scenery and the
natural environment. Her art echoes the abstracted shapes of plants, water currents and landforms.

Even the smallest carved stone work takes many hours to craft, but Jen cannot
put a time on how long any one piece took her to make, designing, then grinding
and polishing in her home workshop before plaiting the string.

When you are making these, you are not thinking about value or time. You are just thinking how to make it beautiful.