Free Spirit
Free Spirit was started by Paul in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1998.
"After working for the man for too long I decided to take control of my own life starting with doing one-of-a-kind hand engraved artwork on Zippo lighters.
In 1999 the creative journey exploded with a friend of a friend introducing me to decorative sandblasting, in 2000 some travel and then ..... Martine - in the smoking lounge of Bangkok airport!
With her eye for detail & Mediterranean tastes its a creative challenge and partnership.
We believe that, as in nature, beauty lies in its imperfections,
hand working a piece allows it's soul to emerge -
as against the cold-blooded perfection of computer produced pieces."
Feel free to share our work & website with others.
Paul
"With an all consuming passion for lettering & design from birth,
I started teaching myself calligraphy,
the art of beautiful handwriting, age 14.
This led into graphic design, then engraving & on to decorative sandblasting."
He has been involved in 2 group exhibitions & has pieces in galleries in New Zealand
& in private collections worldwide.
Born in Wellington, N.Z. in 1965, later moving south to Christchurch.
He spent a lot of his 20's travelling & living overseas.
His other hobbies include playing the Highland bagpipes (& listening to other breeds of bagpipes), reading & collecting Zippos & the occasional other type of fire-lighting / tobacciana paraphenalia.
Martine
"Over the years love of art has taken me through many disciplines -
pointillism (dot paintings), painted woodware, fashion design and kitchen design.
In recent years I've worked mainly on glass - its sense of the eternal
... permanence & fragility, ...looking at & looking through it .... - this inspires me."
Since migrating to New Zealand in late 2000 Martine has been decorative sandblasting & has pieces displayed in galleries around New Zealand & internationally in private collections.
Born in the north of France in 1959, later moving south to Toulon (the French Riviera).
She has travelled widely & has a great love of architecture, music, films & fashion.
About us
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