She sells sea shells

Artist Cathy Gould, photographed at home with one of her dogs. Photo / Babiche Martens

Cathy Gould creates unique pieces of functional art out of shell and coral, a medium she has been working with for the past 20 years. Her pieces are all made from unusual shells she has collected from around the world, and turned into mirrors, tables, chandeliers, lamps and centrepieces.

Gould says she has always been drawn to the "craft in the art world", and has explored this using different mediums, including photography, book-making, decoupage and embroidery/tivaevae. Art informs many areas of her life, with a family focus on the creative - her partner Roger works with corrugated iron and creates sculpture for the garden at the beach, and two of her children have careers in the design world.

Gould's shell works will be exhibited in the basement gallery of Design 55 for four days, and will then be available for sale in the store upstairs. "I'm very excited at the opportunity with Vicki and Gary at Design55 to put together an exhibition using shell as a beautiful embellishment to enhance everyday pieces you use at home," says Gould, who describes shells as gifts. "Every shell in every piece is handpicked and carefully placed - they are each a little treasure!"

1. Emma Camden cross

From Piece in Matakana Village, a stunning contemporary gallery. Roger bought me this at Easter this year which seemed so appropriate as it can be a cross or a kiss but both symbols show love. The amethyst colour is a favourite as it captures the light at different times of the day showing depth through many layers.

2. Dresden clock

I love beautiful old china - Meissen, Wedgewood, Mason - but this antique Dresden clock from my grandmother is very special. It is so delicate with such muted colouring and the detail is so elegant and fine. It is amazing such craftsmanship was able to be produced so long ago. This clock has been enjoyed and passed down through many different eras and is still a beautiful piece today.

3. Omaha

Our weekend house which is really the most wonderful contrast to our inner city living (which I love too!). We are right beside a large cabbage tree and flax reserve and the birdsong is exquisite. To take out the kayaks and meander along the coastline in such beautiful peace and solitude, bike the beach from one end to the other at low tide and just sit and enjoy the view of the sea out to Little Barrier is all so good for the soul.

4. Frangipani and gardenias

I love my gardens and the joy of picking fresh flowers and vegetables. It is very exciting now being able to grow tropical frangipani here in NZ and have them flower. My mother tried for many years as I was growing up so every time a flower opens I think of her. Gardenias are a first equal - the perfume is divine from both these flowers. To have a flower by your bed really does sweeten dreams.

5. Shell necklace

I love shells, they are such natural treasures, no man has created them - we have been gifted them. There is so much pleasure discovering them on a beach walk. However this necklace has been crafted together so delicately to create an "ei" from the Islands. It is beautifully arranged as you would with flowers in such an intricate design. Shell art and design is a passion, although I still need to remember the Latin names for every one I use!

6. Ted and Rosie

My two gorgeous Westies who keep me company all day as I work. Ted would be the perfect male if he was human and Rosie is such a princess - but with a real feisty streak!

7. Ceramic Vase Todi, Italy

This was given to me for my 50th birthday as we celebrated in Umbria. It holds very special memories for such a simple bowl. It is as delicate as an eggshell and the glaze, so soft, shimmers and bounces light off its sides reflecting love, life and hope for a bright future.

8. Gold Millenium Vase by Seguso Murano, Venice

Again another piece of glass, elegant, refined and just beautiful in its line, lattice work and the shimmer of gold leaf suspended through the glass. It is one of a 101 limited edition collection and was bought here at Design55 - a very favourite design store in Upper Queen St.

9. Pacific Islands

The people, the sun, the land, the sea and walking on miles of empty beaches beachcombing and shell-gathering (of course!). I love the music, the art and craft, tivaevae and tapa and the wonderful welcome and warmth that surrounds you all the time you are there.

10. Max Gimlett Glass Castle

This painting touched me as soon as I saw it and it just happened I was standing in front of Max as I exclaimed how joyful it was! With that Max promptly took it down from the wall, handed it to me and declared it must be meant for me. So we did buy it, brought it home and indeed the vibrancy and joy it radiates greets us each morning. It must be the karma in it.