Rachael Chapman
Artist statement
With a background in music and performance, works are often built at a flamboyant scale, mostly using found, gifted, or up-cycled materials; questioning the perception of preciousness. “I’m trying to capture and contain energy and that mid-action moment, while reflecting on how the morphology of the human form (through the exaggerated framing of its landscape) affects the wearer’s experience and attitude.”
Bio
Rachael Chapman (b. 1973, Auckland) Pronouns She, Her.
Upon returning to my homeland, Auckland, New Zealand, in 2018, after 23 years living abroad, mainly in London (with work phases in Japan, Israel and Northern Ireland) I embarked on a re-education journey. It began with a Certificate in Jewellery Design from Hungry Creek Arts and Crafts School (Awarded Top Student, 2018 Certificate Course) and culminated with the completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Jewellery Design and Technology with Whitecliffe College of Fashion and Jewellery in December 2022, alongside a Fashion Runway show at the Auckland Town Hall to exhibit works from the final Bachelors Capstone Project.
The experience was transformative. My path is now walked with more certainty. The journey continues in 2023 as a mentee in Handshake 8.
Rachael Chapman‘s images
Bodywear, 2021 – Submission for Advanced Design Paper 2. Materials: Recycled Sterling Silver, repurposed single-use rain ponchos, silver solder, cast white bronze, steel wire.
Floating Ring. 2020 Design Paper 1 – Bachelor’s Degree. Materials: Copper, Blackened Sterling Silver. Dimensions: L.80mm x W.50mm x D.40mm
Neckwear “Before we get Swept Away. 2022 Bachelors Degree Capstone Project. Materials: Steel Wire, repurposed single-use Rain Ponchos, Solder
Wristwear “When in doubt, Make”. 2022 Bachelors Degree Capstone Project. Materials: Steel Wire, heat-treated single-use Rain Ponchos, Solder, Sterling Silver (offcuts)
Neckplate, 2020 Design Paper 1 – Bachelor’s Degree. Materials: Brass, Sterling Silver, Silver Solder. Dimensions for Plate: L.80mm x W.60mm x D.50mm. Chain: L.480mm (Drop 24mm)
For the Forearm: “Adrift in a sea of Consumerism”. 2022 Capstone Graduation. Materials: Steel Wire, repurposed single-use Rain Ponchos, Solder
Shadow Ring. 2020 Design Paper 1 – Bachelor’s Degree. Inspiration for this body of work was taken from song lyrics
“Through the cracks I shine, In the darkness. I’m defined, 100ft tall. My shadow on the wall”
Materials: Copper, Blackened Sterling Silver. Dimensions: L.75mm x W.50mm x D. 5mm
Wristwear. 2021 – Submission for Advanced Design Paper 2. Materials: Recycled Sterling Silver, repurposed single-use rain ponchos, silver solder.
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