by Aphra Cheesman | Aug 10, 2022 | Aphra Cheesman, Handshake7
Our masterclass with Estela was engaging, thought provoking and fast paced. During our meetings, there was no time to over think things – sometimes we only had 30 seconds to make something so we no choice but to go with our first instincts. It was challenging (in a...
by Aphra Cheesman | Dec 7, 2021 | Aphra Cheesman, Handshake6
Over the past couple of years I have been making a lot of objects with a plan that they will become jewellery. Whether I add a necklace cord or brooch fitting, or perhaps they trigger an idea for a future jewellery piece. But, a year later I looked back and these...
by Aphra Cheesman | Sep 16, 2021 | Aphra Cheesman, Handshake6
‘Unbounded’ is a project I’ve been working on since the beginning of the year alongside three friends and fellow artists Gaia Maria Walicka, Jennifer Baulch and Nao Hirata. We all recently finished studying at RMIT (where we met) and decided to start catching up...
by Aphra Cheesman | Sep 16, 2021 | Aphra Cheesman, Handshake6
Radiant Pavilion Contemporary Jewellery and Object Biennial took place last week here in Melbourne. Due to yet another lockdown, most projects were online, while a handful of exhibitions could be viewed in person in gallery windows or interacted with around the...
by Aphra Cheesman | Aug 13, 2021 | Aphra Cheesman, Handshake6
To glean: ‘to gather information or material bit by bit’ (Meriam-webster) I thought it would be good to put together a list of some of the recent things I’ve been learning, reading, watching and listening to; some artists whose work I’ve been looking at and...
by Aphra Cheesman | Jul 3, 2021 | Aphra Cheesman, Handshake6
We are now well into our second year of Handshake6 and recently it has been go go go. We have started our online masterclass with Estela Saez which has been fantastic so far (more on this soon!), I had a great chat with Lisa which provided lots of things to think...
by Aphra Cheesman | Apr 24, 2021 | Aphra Cheesman, Handshake6
Nelson Jewellery Week looked fantastic from a far! If only the trans-Tasman bubble had opened just a few weeks earlier. The CHAINreaction exhibition, in particular, was wonderful to be involved in – at least my work made it over when I couldn’t!...
by Aphra Cheesman | Apr 2, 2021 | Aphra Cheesman, Handshake6
I’ve always loved chairs. Especially chairs like these… For a while now, I’ve been photographing chairs that I find on the street (if only I had the space to collect the objects themselves!). Used, worn and broken, these are objects that have lived their lives...
by Aphra Cheesman | Jan 25, 2021 | Aphra Cheesman, Handshake6
Until 2020 I had never done a masterclass but in January and February I was lucky to participate in both the HS6 masterclass with Iris Eichenberg and a few weeks following a masterclass with David Bielander at RMIT in Melbourne. Iris Eichenberg discussed studio...
by Aphra Cheesman | Oct 1, 2020 | Aphra Cheesman, Handshake6
I recently came across this book which helped to bring together some of the ideas I’ve been thinking and reading about. It’s also helped me to set some parameters on what I am making as The Everyday is very broad and I got to a point a few months ago where I felt I...
by Aphra Cheesman | Aug 21, 2020 | Aphra Cheesman, Handshake6
“On our walk we encounter a few peculiar, rather incongruous objects, sometimes very much alone while others are in groups and radiate vigour and strength without ever being obtrusive. These are small things that speak to you and although you do not always know their...
by Aphra Cheesman | Jul 21, 2020 | Aphra Cheesman, Handshake6
I’ve been lucky to have had plenty of time at the workshop this year. Investigating everyday objects and materials, I have kept the parameters in which I am working broad, allowing my environment and the things within it to direct me. Walking, noticing, collecting…...
