Category: Aphra Cheesman

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 manifestos, proposing that we could create our own guidelines for how… Continue reading Breakable Rules

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 needed… Continue reading Reflections on ‘Stuff Theory’ by Maurizia Boscagli

“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 language, you still think you understand it. Or are you… Continue reading Let’s take a walk

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… photography, video, collage, drawing, making… This open-ended process has allowed me to… Continue reading An exhibition in my living room

Through my practice, I try to cultivate an attentiveness to the world around me. I think of making as a way of connecting to the world of people and things. Recently, I came across an essay by documentary photographer Dorothea Lange, which discusses how ‘the familiar’, within everyday life, can act as a connector between… Continue reading Familiar Things

I had my second catch up via skype with Lisa a few weeks ago. Unfortunately plans to meet in Wellington at the end of March had to be put on hold for obvious COVID-19 related reasons. I was disappointed not to be able to meet in person but we had a great chat and I… Continue reading Isolation: direction, motivation, imperfection

These are strange times. The change of routine and having to stay at home can’t help but affect how we work as artists and what we make. For me, the past month has been full of experiments and different ways of working. Thinking about Renee Bevans PUSH/PULL workshop, my process has definitely been focused on… Continue reading Quick Objects – PUSH

A reflection on the masterclass & our first collaboration as HANDSHAKE 6 I have a feeling that the masterclass with Iris Eichenberg was one of those critical moments in my practice as a contemporary jeweller. I left with a greater understanding of what is important in my work, and what I’m trying to find and… Continue reading CONVERSATIONS WITH IRIS EICHENBERG