by Nellie Peoples | Feb 20, 2024 | Handshake8, Nellie Peoples
I have had such a spectacular beginning to the year. There have been adventuring through Northland over a 10 day period. It was a time full of exploring, hiking and, when I could, collecting. On the trip I took almost 2000 images of everything and anything that caught...
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 Nellie Peoples | Dec 17, 2023 | Handshake8, Nellie Peoples
The Proof of Concept exhibition marks the halfway point of my 2 year Handshake 8 journey. It has been such an incredible, yet busy year. I have loved every moment of the last 12 months being a part of the program. Through the Handshake Project I have found an...
by Louise Hill | Dec 8, 2023 | Handshake8, Louise Hill
I often listen to audio books during the long days of making in my studio. I’ve also been working to lift my parenting game (which often looks like an attempt at creating the kiwi version of ‘Bad mom’s.’) It was in this vein that I listened to, ‘How to Raise Girls Who...
by Nellie Peoples | Dec 6, 2023 | Handshake8, Nellie Peoples
After the Proof of Concept exhibition was installed, as per usual, I wished for more time before the bump in. In a perfect world this extra time would allow for more making (not procrastinating), but also more time and space to think about the artwork installation. I...
by Fiona Frew | Dec 4, 2023 | Collaboration, Exhibition, Fiona Few, Handshake8
A few years ago I felt the necessity and had the privilege of time to study and to develop a framework for my practice. With many thanks, especially to Johanna Zellmer, my MFA supervisor, the Dunedin Art School community and my family, clarity around my practice...
by Grace Yu Piper | Nov 29, 2023 | Grace Yu Piper, Handshake8
The work I made for our mid point exhibition, Proof of Concept, was predominantly driven by material exploration. Since I started making jewellery I’ve been interested in working with stone. I love the materiality of it and it’s connection to the natural world. I love...
by Tui Diprose | Nov 28, 2023 | Handshake8, Tūī Diprose
barefoot in the twilight, sunlight lingers between bones. a circle drawn in the dirt, i collect sticks to make a fire. dusk gathers, as does the quiet. stillness. i become a starlit sky, become woodsmoke, river flow, mossy rocks and hard sharp edges. flowers wilt at...
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 Fran Carter | Nov 27, 2023 | Fran Carter, Handshake8
Kia ora, It has been a few weeks now since we Handshakers opened our debut show Proof of Concept at Depot Artspace in Devonport, Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland. It feels something of a feat in a way to be able to reflect on it in this early stage and feel at peace with the...
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...
