New Zealand Artist Snapped Up By American Jewellery Company
An innovative opportunity launched via facebook by American based Jewellery Company, Bajidoo, has seen Auckland Artist
Sophia Elise gain international exposure for her artwork in a very unique way.
Sophia, who also manages the NZ Art Guild, has been selected as a feature artist to have her original artwork made into
beautiful and inspiring Bajidoo bangles.
After viewing Sophia’s art online Bajidoo contacted her saying “…love, Love, Love the aboriginal feel to your work -
inclusion of the natural elements such as the use of grass matting - how very creative and obviously inspired from
within.”
Sophia’s artwork is inspired by her emotions and the Maori culture which is why she often incorporates flax mat and
korus into her abstract art. Since 2004 she has exhibited extensively in NZ and also in London. Sophia has been selected
as a finalist in several national art awards and has recently been invited to exhibit in Italy.
In 2000 Bajidoo Bangles became henna inspired works of art. Their Hand Painted Bajidoo Bangles are among the most unique
forms of artistic expression available anywhere in the world, each one is individually hand crafted. In order to create
bangles from artwork the Bajidoo designers go through a process of redesign and adaptation and then apply the new design
to wooden bangles. They are often very detailed and further embellished with crystals or other stones.
The opportunity to be a Featured Bajidoo Artist was available to artists all around the world. Only 6 artists will be
selected for the first half of the year and the 5 artists announced so far are all NZ artists and members of the NZ Art
Guild. They include Chavah Kinloch, Rachael Inch, Sharlene Schmidt and Ronda Turk.
To view and purchase Sophia’s Bajidoo Bangles go to www.bajidoo.com and click on featured artists.
ENDS