Few sculptors have Ian Boustridge's eye for Jade or his knowledge of working with such a challenging material. A fourth generation West Coaster, he has remained close to the source of the stone throughout his life. He has searched the rugged mountains, rivers and beaches of Westland and recovered jade from areas accessible only by extended wilderness tramps or by helicopter.

From his studio in Greymouth, Ian's sculptures reflect a powerful empathy for Jade's distinctive and mysterious qualities. In his work, Ian pays homage to Jade's ultramafic transformation. His influences are the carving and design traditions of Maori, Chinese and Pre-Columbian American cultures and the natural environment in which Jade is found. Flora, fauna, glaciated and water worn rock are recurring themes emerging in each original design and finished work.

Since beginning sculpting in 1976, Ian has developed a worldwide reputation for his works. He has exhibited in New Zealand and overseas and his jade sculptures are held in high regard by art investors and collectors around the world.

HISTORY:

1969 Studies Art/Craft Design, Greymouth High School – Yvonne Rust – Mentor

1975 First Solo Exhibition, Canterbury Society of Arts Christchurch–– New Zealand

1976 Australian National Jewellery Exhibition – Sydney – Australia

1985 Foundation Member WCSA, Greymouth Civic Art Gallery – New Zealand

1986 Co-curates First National Air New Zealand Biennial Jade Exhibition – Greymouth – New Zealand

1986 Solo Exhibition Academy of Fine Arts – Honolulu – Hawaii- USA

1986 Solo Exhibition Bishop Museum – Honolulu – Hawaii- USA

1987 Member, Hokitika Craft Gallery – West Coast – New Zealand

1988 Second National Air New Zealand Biennial Jade Exhibition – Greymouth – New Zealand

1989 Member, Punakaiki Craft Gallery – West Coast – New Zealand

1990 Third National Air New Zealand Biennial Jade Exhibition – Greymouth – New Zealand

1991 Participant 1990 Jade Symposium – New Zealand

1991 Established Ian Boustridge’s Jade Boulder Gallery – Greymouth – New Zealand

1992 Euroaische Uhren and Scmuckmesse – Basel – Switzerland

1993 Ludwig Beck Rathauseck seit Munchen – Germany

1994 Private Exhibition – Washington DC – USA

1995 Ludwig Beck Rathauseck seit Munchen – Germany

1996 Established Tai Poutini Polytechnic Jade Carving Course, subsequent tutor and course director – Greymouth – New Zealand

1991 – 2005 Maintained studio and exhibition of works at both the Jade Boulder Gallery and Punakaiki Galleries – West Coast – New Zealand

2005 AICHI World Exposition, New Zealand Pavilion – Nagoya – Japan

2007 Christchurch Cathedral Gothic Figure Of Christ, Collaborative work with Christchurch sculptor Mark Whyte

2007 COCA Gallery Christchurch, New Zealand, Chaos and Creation exhibition.

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY:

New Zealand Jade – By Russell Beck 1984

National Geographic – September 1987

Stone, Bone and Jade – By Donn Salt 1992

Jade – By Keverne 1995

Jade – By Fred Ward 1996/2001

Mana Pounamu – By Russell Beck and Maika Mason 2002

Song of the Old Tides – By Barry Brailsford 2004