Luke Calder’s meticulously formed ‘hemispheres’ and globes are a response to his childhood fascination with maps and exotic locations. His strikingly contemporary, technically refined sculptures emerge from a desire to create work that celebrates the form and shape of Earth, without words, borders or countries, leaving solely the sinuous lines and intricate detail of land and sea.
Each globe is crafted from spun aluminium, meticulously painted and gilded using traditional copper leaf techniques in Luke’s Dunedin studio. Mounted on a concealed internal bearing, the sculpture spins smoothly on its axis, tilted at 23.5 degrees to mirror Earth’s axial angle. The detailed coastlines and tiny islands are incredibly precise and the copper gilding that forms the land masses needs constant supervision as Luke coaxes the patina finish into life. These elegant shapes change over time as the copper continues to react, creating an organic and unique piece of art.
Luke’s ‘hemisphere’ series presents detailed snapshots of his globes, focusing on specific locations where water meets land. These works balance abstraction and familiarity, exploring negative and positive space. Using mapping data, Luke creates precise, intricate pieces adorned with the same copper gilding techniques featured in his globes. Handcrafted with care, these artisan works bridge fine art and interior design to stunning effect.
Inspired by Aotearoa’s dramatic coastlines, vast skies, and open landscapes, Wellington artist Juliet Best’s collection of paintings for Southern Latitudes is a celebration of place, memory, and light. Grounded in personal experience—daily walks, family adventures, and time immersed in nature—Juliet captures fragments of the landscape with her camera and sketchbook, translating them into works that honour the essence and spirit of her travels through Canterbury, the Southern Alps, Central Otago, and the Tasman region.
Each painting is layered with textured impasto, sculpting reflections of land, light, and shadow. Hand-applied gold leaf adds an elegant, luminous glow to the surface, catching the light in fleeting moments—much like the ever-changing natural world that inspires her work.
