Artist’s Statement

I’m Dean Smith. Born nearby not too long ago at the now submerged Lake Pukaki Village. I trained as a Fitter Turner and Machinist in Twizel with the Ministry of Works and Development, working in engineering and traveled to a lot of places world wide for the job.

I constructed this 3 metre tall rotatable gold ring in 2023 to challenge myself. As a machinist I understand how difficult compound curves are to produce, and not being a sheetmetal worker, had to develop a technique to build and complete it. It is a welded together recycled sheet metal structure. I made it for my wife to celebrate 20 years. We named the art installation ‘The Peace Ring’, because the world needs peace.

We live in a fortunate location with an incredible uninterrupted view that extends over 100km. Serendipitously our land also overlooks Pelennor fields one of the locations where the 2003 movie epic, Lord of the Rings was filmed. This of course is pure coincidence and we have no affiliation with Peter Jackson’s wonderful creation.

The art piece is a positive energy collector and whether you are a Lord of the Rings fan or not, it is fun to interact with and to capture a moment in time. We would love to see you.

Dean Smith