Big shake sparks 'quake art' with broken glass

The Dunkleys Great New Zealand Craft Show is returning to Hamilton for its annual three day show.

Among the talented line-up of exhibitors from July 6-8 is glass artist, Jasmine Keir of Christchurch. Her studio is near the epicentre of many of the big quakes and most of the glass in her studio was smashed to pieces.

Instead of giving up, she set to work and created amazing mosaic art which she calls 'Quake Art'.

None of her glass mosaics are hand cut, with every piece exactly as she found it on the floor.

"I put the pieces together, like a giant puzzle, recreating buildings and favourite 'spots' of Christchurch."

Among her bigger designs are landmarks such as the Christchurch Cathedral and Catholic Basilica. These are large, collectors' pieces, so she has also made a range of smaller ones, mostly of houses and crosses.

In a few weeks, she learns if her Heathcote Valley studio is salvageable. If not, she plans to move to a property she owns near Winton.

"I will set up my studio there, as it's going to be a long time before everything gets sorted out in Christchurch. And I know there won't be any earthquakes."

Keir will be participating in the Hamilton show with her new collection and says there's no chance of running out of stock.

"I've got so much broken glass, it'll last me for years."

Dunkley's Great New Zealand Craft Show, Claudelands Events Centre, Hamilton.