Since 2017 I have been completing a Master of Fine Arts at Dunedin School of Art, Otago Polytechnic. I have a research led practice, my methodology includings acts of critical walking. I have been gathering discarded packaging from the urban environment by which I consider the globally diffuse production, distribution and consumption of material culture. I generally utilise industrial materials and processes (stainless steel, water jet cutting) to make objects that are increasingly concerned with relationships between audience and urban space.
I applied for HANDSHAKE6 for the opportunity to be exposed to amazing practitioners who can help me extend my vision for contemporary jewellery and my making practice; I enjoy being challenged and pushed in new ways and love the critical discourse that contemporary jewellery offers.
For HANDSHAKE6 I nominated Gabi Shillig (Germany) as my mentor due to her practice of spatial intervention. Gabi is Professor at Universität der Künste, Berlin, and is the co-editor of the book Artistic Interventions in Urban Space which has been a strong influence on my developing practice concerning jewellery beyond the body and the gallery.
instagram: @simon.marcus.swale Instagram:@jewelleryforfences
Simon Swale’s posts:
CONTACT: THE ART OF SKYPE
Contact! First- you need to coordinate times. Luckily Dunedin and Berlin are exactly 12 hours apart so there was no miscommunication or awkward absences for our first Skype. This was my first fear- bungling the meeting time due to getting the time difference wrong…...
Tentative Gestures: Knowing Space and Place
Simon Swale / Gabi Schilling Mentee / Mentor Dunedin, New Zealand / Berlin, Germany … My recent work looked towards the flow of material culture in the age of globalisation. Thinking about American brand cigarettes: Swiss based multi-national, African farmed tobacco,...
New Beginings
Amazed, excited, nervous…. Handshake 6… New people, amazing talent, Iris Eichenberg, Bloody hell…. First gathering and workshops- Presentations- wow Diversity and depth Creativity and clarity Inspired. Rene push/pull Reflect, analyse, reflect... Iris Listen...
Simon Swale’s images:
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‘Regular Chips’ Bracelet. Stainless steel and brass. 2019., 200x125x95mm
‘Jewellery for Fences’ Brass, enamel paint, acrylic and plastic. 2019, 35x90mm + acrylic label.
