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Polarity and/both

Polarity and/both

Polarity suggests opposite ends, black and white, contrast, extremes, a certainty of one or the other.  What I am interested in, is something less sure, the vaguely illuminating space in-between.   Somewhere intuition, conflicted states and dissonance lie.   Highs and...
Seeing self, observing others

Seeing self, observing others

Reflective materials interrupt spatial perceptions and redirect the viewer from not just seeing the object but places their own body in space in relation to that object. In Mirror Affect (2016), Christina Albu explores artworks with mirroring or reflective...
Mirror Mirror

Mirror Mirror

At the beginning of the year, I found two objects that have formed my line of inquiry this year.  One was a shattered car rear vision mirror and the other was a disco ball.  The glitter, the glam, the shatter.   There is something in these objects that appeal to me,...
Lines of Intent, Toi Poneke

Lines of Intent, Toi Poneke

One of the highlights of the Toi Poneke ‘Process’ show was the Masterclass with Lauren Kalman.  This was a chance for a master contemporary jeweller to assess our work and offer new insights into our practice.  The critique confirmed my interest in the...
The wrinkle and the gaze

The wrinkle and the gaze

The OED defines the gaze as to look steadily and intently, especially in admiration, surprise, or thought.  In critical theory, the gaze offers comment on the relationship between the observer and the observed. Over time the skin records how we react, our choices,...
Human wear

Human wear

Sitting on stone steps, a casual remark or waiting in airports.  Inspiration arrives in strange places and in unexpected times.  The beginnings of this project began with a conversation while taking a break from the install at Pah Homestead, where I was sitting on...
What About that Pink Volcano?

What About that Pink Volcano?

In late August, I had gone so wide on technique and making, I was left thinking what have I done?  Perspective had left me. This is where having access to a mentor and being part of the Handshake project came into its own. I contacted Francis, sent her with images and...
Enamel Crush

Enamel Crush

About midway through the year, I started experimenting with enamel. Object collection and use is both a reoccurring theme and constraint in my work.  I started finding old enamel dishes, hammering and cutting them up and reapplying the crushed pieces of enamel, firing...
Musings

Musings

Art has its muses and jewellery has its relationships.  Part of what happened in the studio this year was making jewellery with certain women in mind. Helen Clark was Francis’ first suggestion.  She was joined by the eclectic mix of Jean Batten, Grace Jones,...
Junger and The meadow

Junger and The meadow

One of my daughter’s favourite stories is Peter and the Wolf. A central tenant to the story is the dangers of playing in the meadow. Peter is under strict instructions not to leave the safety of the domestic garden however, he cannot resist the temptations of...
March Jealous Saboteurs

March Jealous Saboteurs

In March, I met Francis on the day her survey exhibition Jealous Saboteurs opened in Christchurch.  Busy times however that didn’t stop her from making a space in her day to meet up, share work, give feedback, talk about next steps and have tea from a great set...
Tropical arcadia

Tropical arcadia

Maybe there is something in working with a material or colour that I already have an inherent tension about?  Maybe I am starting from a place of low expectations that put little pressure on a good outcome?  Or at least a good outcome comes as a surprise. Below are...