WELCOME TO HANDSHAKE 4
The HS4 two-year (2017-2018) recruitment programme focused on experimentation and exhibiting, demonstrated through a development programme that included coaching, mentoring, and masterclasses.
Dutch artist and educator Ruudt Peters selected twelve NZ jewellery mentees and their mentors from an open call. The programme started with a Masterclass led by Estonian artist Tanel Veenre, who came to New Zealand. He introduced innovative methods of presenting artworks and ideas.
Exhibitions were held at Pah Homestead in Auckland in October 2017, at Toi Poneke in Wellington during the International Festival of The Arts in March 2018, and at Corban Estate Arts Centre during Auckland Art Week in October 2018. Furthermore, an online exhibition was featured on the HS4 HandShake website.
NEWS & BLOG
A woman’s work?
There was a moment when a piece was waiting for its second firing but instead, was broken into several pieces. In that instant when I stared at the piece while inwardly observing the fragility of the material, the vulnerability of my process and time spent on making...
Harakeke
I have been none stop thinking about harakeke. I finally had the opportunity presented to me to be taught by an amazing woman named Puawai. She passed onto me so much beautiful knowledge about the harakeke plant and about the traditional and sacred Maori ceremonial...
exchange
mentor mentee exchange, handshake4 project 2017, Judy Darragh and Jennifer Laracy
shell
In my discussions with Judy, we have talked about our shared interest in use of paua in new Zealand jewellery and the rich history that surrounds it. I feel the pull to explore this further in my own work especially in relation to acknowledging the influence of my...
Jewellery, Matariki and Winter
Recently, Wellington the capital city of New Zealand has been humming with Matariki celebrations.For those that do not know what Matariki is, it is the celebration of the Pleiades constellation in the southern pacific and marks the beginning of our Māori new year.The...
Brace yourself
Brace yourself - get ready for the roller coaster ride of creativity. This year I returned to creating from home. I'm finding new ways of working and yes, procrastination techniques too. In my city based studio, to fill in time I could chat to studio mates, and shop...
Work life balance – escape to Whanganui
Work Life Balance - Is there such a thing? Artist unknown - found sculptural installation, Makara A weekend in Whanganui at a friends 50th and surprise wedding provided fun times with friends and the chance to explore a part of NZ that I'd only ventured to...
Healing
Is the might of the mind an underestimated resource for healing?
Irregularity Imperfection Empathy
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 of...
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...
Maroon, plastic flowers, pearls
Maroon. Orange. Bottle green. Plastic flowers. Fake Pearls. Real Pearls? Gold? Fake gold. Paua. Red. Love hearts. These are some of the colours, forms and materials I don't like or at least have a sense of unease towards them. My surliness to these...