Rainer Beneke

I was born in Hamburg, Germany, graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1978 and worked the following five years as a design engineer. After traveling extensively, I moved to New Zealand in 1984, becoming a citizen in 1990.
That same year, I began training as a jeweler - firstly with Blair Smith, Goldsmith, and the following year, I completed the first year of the Craft Design programme at Otago Polytechnic School of Art. In 1992, I established my jewellery studio at Cambrian, near St. Bathans in Central Otago. The vast open space of Central Otago remains the core of my inspiration. In 1998, I joined Ann Culy in her jewellery workshop/gallery Lure, situated in the heart of Dunedin.
I have exhibited extensively in group and solo shows through out New Zealand.