Testimonials

"We commissioned two large windows from Kurved Lines; one engraved and one tiffany-style glasswork. Both are beautiful and are treated as heirlooms in our family. We discussed the concept with Karin prior to her starting the work, but the reality of the work was so much more than we envisaged. The brilliance of the design; the clarity of the vision; the integrity of the structure - all surpassed our expectations!

It is so wonderful to discover an artist who has such a clear aesthetic sense yet is able to work within her clients' expectations. Thus creating delight and fulfilment on both."

Sarah Coe & Anthony Bott, Titirangi

“Wow, which one do I want?  Hard decision, you bet.  Karin makes colourful, but tasteful nature creations in glass (window pictures) of which I have a number adorning my windows (<1> <2> <3>). The fine engraving of birds and flowers lifts the design to another dimension. Her attention to detail is amazing, using exquisite glass, be it with floating squares (of varying colours) to frilly edges Karin knows exactly what each creation needs.  I am enthralled with her designs.  Not only does Karin make picture windows she also makes beautiful jewellery – necklaces / bangles, finesse on the skin.  I love and would recommend Karin’s work, its originality, story behind her designs even down to the beading to hang the window picture – nothing is left to chance.”

Anne-Marie van de Voort, Albany

"I am extremely fortunate to have a specially commissioned unique engraved glass door art piece from Karin Urmersbach-Niersbach. The door was a solution to the problem of how to have privacy in an ensuite bathroom without losing light. Karin talked with me about what images I liked and created an intricate native bush scene complete with birds, ferns fronds and even small jumping frogs at the bottom. The work took hundreds of patient hours to create and was an extremely difficult installation because it is an arched doorway. It is always interesting as various parts draw the attention depending on the daylight intensity. Although it may seem indulgent to have a bathroom door art piece it does reflects Karin’s passion for functionality in all her pieces and it does work as well as it gives visual pleasure."

Margaret Brown, Manukau 

"I'm absolutely delighted with Karin's window pictures (<1> <2> <3>) I've purchased over recent years. A lot of thought and natural artistic abilities has Karin at the top of her field in producing exquisite glassworks. Her attention to detail and use of colour is truly amazing.
Her glass lampshades are beautiful and unique and the glass windows she has engraved are just stunning.
Karin puts a lot of time and effort into each piece of work and customers (friends) can be sure of getting a piece of work from someone who loves nature and all it offers which really does show up in her work.
Karin's jewellery is lovely too, something a bit different and again her artistic flair shows up with pieces she produces.
I'm so pleased I met Karin as I can now admire and enjoy her artwork in our home."

Jenny Scarr, Laingholm

"Hi Karin, just wanted to send a huge thank you again for making my lampshade. I absolutely loved it,
the colours were spot on and the shape really suited the stand.
John also loved the shade and was most impressed!!!
Naturally, I couldn't wait to turn the lamp on last night - it was lovely!!
As usual, your work is superb and your eye for colours and style, just fantastic.
Thanks again, love Jenny"

“The piece I purchased (my very first “impulse buy” in at least ten years) has found a fine home in one of our best-lit rooms: it gets sunlight most of the day and it looks *stunning*.
……
You have a rare talent: some people may say that I bought an expensive piece of glass today. I’m convinced I bought a true work of art, and that it uniquely and exactly reflects the West Coast of New Zealand, where we live.
Your art has captured the stuff and essence of my homeland (Canada). From that viewpoint, it is priceless: and definitely a bargain, for what I paid for it.”

Andrew Cawston, Waiatarua

"We recently commissioned Karin to make three lampshades for the wall lights in our lounge.  This was a very pleasing experience with Karin visiting our home on more than one occasion, to get the feel and colour of our place, to incorporate into her design.
Karin listened and took note of our ideas, but at the same time we gave her the freedom to explore her artistic design talent.  We are delighted with the finished shades with each one being an individual design but working well together.
Karin places a lot of emphasis on detail and works to a high standard. We are now the proud owners of not only beautiful lampshades but artworks to admire and keep in our family. We have had many comments on Karin's work.

Thank you Karin"

Lynette & Bruce McKinstrie, Waiatarua

"My initial meeting with Karin was in the mid 1990's when I visited her display and sale of glass art at a craft exhibition north of Auckland. I was very impressed with the quality of her work and in particular the skill and sensitivity she displayed in the design and manufacture of lamp shades and other glass objects on display. Her craftsmanship was nothing short of superb. My second meeting was in 2004. My wife and I had need for a coloured glass screen on a window in the stairwell of our home on Auckland's North Shore. The window is in a prominent position, close to the home's front entry and receives full afternoon sun. We were seeking a screen that would give privacy yet still allow us to see visitors approaching the house. We were seeking an object of beauty and have long admired the effects that can be achieved by sunlight through coloured glass, the reflected patterns on floors and walls, and the movement and life that this can give to a home's interior spaces. Karin was seeking commissions and after a brief examination of illustrations of her other work we had no hesitation in engaging her to design and make the screen we were seeking.
We met with Karin in our home, outlined our requirements, and developed the design brief between us. We visited Karin's home and workshop to see a range of coloured glass samples and select those that were compatible with our home's interior. We wanted glass colours and texture which, when incorporated in a window screen, would create the desired patterns of light on the surfaces of the stairwell. Although we worked together in developing general guidelines we left the final design of the screen entirely to Karin, confident in her artistic sensitivity and ability to interpret our wishes. We are very satisfied with the result and with an artwork which is unique and beautifully made.
Karin is both artist and craftsperson. As such she is outspoken and firm her opinions. She is not prepared to compromise her designs but is sensitive to the needs of her clients. She always endeavors to produce a product that meets her high standards, is appropriate to the space for which it is designed, and which achieves the client's objectives. I enjoyed working with her and would recommend her to other architects, design professionals and anyone seeking a beautifully made work in art glass."

John Betts, Architect (Retd)
FNZIA (Retd)

In 2008 we commissioned Karin from Kurved Lines to design a hanging light shade for our hall stairwell. We had an idea on colour and shape of the shade we wanted, and Karin helped with great ideas on design and look. We were very happy with the outcome, when she revealed our shade, and loved the finishing touches she made right down to the idea of hanging it on a black chain (very effective).
We found Karin very interesting and passionate about her work, and this reflects in the attention to detail, and quality of the products she uses. We have told everyone about Karin, and  Kurved Lines, and would not hesitate to have her commission more pieces in the future as the need arises.

Delice & David Stewart, Titirangi

We have no hesitation in recommending the glass work of Karin from Kurved Lines.
We searched for 5 years to find the perfect person to do the 4 glass panels in the four bifold doors that lead into our large octagonal space. Karin spent a lot of time ensuring that we got what we wanted, which is a beautiful mix of coloured and etched glass depicting the four directions of fire, air, water and earth.
We were so thrilled with the art work as well as the perfection in craftsmanship – the glass panels had to be robust enough to allow for the constant opening and closing of the doors. Over 5 years later we are still thrilled with the result. We commissioned Karin to do another art piece after the success of the glass panels and it is equally inspired and like the first work it is very different from anything we have seen. Karin has photographs of the work but in real life it is even better.
We use our large octagonal room for gatherings of people and Karin’s work is constantly admired. We cannot recommend her work highly enough.

Shay Susan Penman and Gail Wolf
Earthspirit, Waitakere