by Rachael Chapman | Mar 23, 2025 | Handshake8, Rachel Chapman, Sample
It’s so nice to have this blog space to expand on the creative thoughts around this project. So often we are limited to a certain word-count for artist statements. For the record, that’s not a complaint – concise statements have their place, but I think 2...
by Rachael Chapman | Jul 9, 2024 | Handshake8, Rachel Chapman, Sample
….My personal mentor for this year, Katrin Spranger. I couldn’t believe my luck when Katrin said yes to mentoring me for the 2nd year of Handshake 8. She was my first choice and is such an impressive artist and entrepreneur. I clearly remember the day I stumbled...
by Rachael Chapman | May 28, 2024 | Handshake8, Rachel Chapman
Our current group of online workshops with Estela Saez, are geared towards figuring out new ways to show our work via film. As someone who grew up pre-internet and mobile phone, I’m still wowed by how much our phones and laptops can achieve. Recording audio on...
by Rachael Chapman | Mar 19, 2024 | Handshake8, Rachel Chapman
It’s been a really interesting couple of weeks. Part of me is missing the bench and making actual physical art, the other part is quite the nerd and loves the dabble; figuring out creative ways to express ideas through film making. Obviously, I’m a novice and...
by Rachael Chapman | Feb 21, 2024 | Handshake8, Rachel Chapman
In this post-truth era of intentional misinformation ….I’ve been having a little ponder over ‘memory truth’, and how each persons memory of a situation or object is filtered through the lens of personal experience. Therefore, the truth of a situation is arbitrary,...
by Rachael Chapman | Feb 15, 2024 | Handshake8, Rachel Chapman
Cor blimey what a roller coaster this one has been. Song writing: These words come to mind… Cathartic Intense Exposing Vulnerable Enriching Expelling An owning of fears An evolving discussion I’ve finally had the guts to add music to my practice. It such a big part...
by Rachael Chapman | Jan 23, 2024 | Handshake8, Rachel Chapman, Sample
Like most Handshake8 participants, after our exhibition in November 2023, I was wiped out and needed a break from the constant problem solving and long hours of the preceding year…it was great for a week, but by the following Sunday I was bored, cranky, and in need of...
by Rachael Chapman | Nov 28, 2023 | Handshake8, Rachel Chapman, Sample
A few weeks ago while preparing for a landlord inspection I was on a cleaning binge, and thought I would be clever and polish up a couple of brass candle stick holders in the workshop with my polishing machine. Part way through the first one, after an initial wow at...
by Rachael Chapman | Nov 25, 2023 | Sample
I’ve never given birth to an actual child, but I’m told the pain of it evaporates as soon as you see your progeny – maybe this feels a little like that(??). This day is coloured by the warm glow of achievement and milestones reached. Handshake8 year one, we are...
by Rachael Chapman | Nov 24, 2023 | Handshake8, Rachel Chapman
Like many of us, I grew up being conditioned to covet pretty bling things. Diamonds are a girls best friend. Gold is good. What ever you have, you need more….. Now days, I’m trying to find a way to be an artist, working with body, using materials that sit well with...
by Rachael Chapman | Sep 26, 2023 | Handshake8, Rachel Chapman
When in doubt – mooch. I have some go-to places that I like to hang out when creative thoughts are percolating. One is an art gallery, in NZ that’s usually the Auckland Art Gallery or Te Uru, they are such great buildings. The other place is Bunnings or Mitre...
by Rachael Chapman | Sep 19, 2023 | Handshake8, Rachel Chapman
The first session with Katharina Detar was so insightful – what a treat to have her special brand of cool and kind, focused on my practice. I am continually humbled by the opportunities that this Handshake programme provides for us. Having time with a head...
