Artist statement
I am engaged in a conceptual, research focused contemporary jewellery practice, frequently exploring philosophical and political themes in my making. Much of my practice is therefore located outside of the studio and I frequently employ less conventional, industrial techniques and processes as a means of responding to the contemporary milieu.
Bio
Simon Marcus Swale is an artist, designer and educator based in Ōtepoti Dunedin. In 2020 Simon completed a Master of Fine Arts at the Dunedin School of Art. Pieces from this work won both a Marzee Prize at the International Graduate show, and the jewellery section at the ECC New Zealand Craft Design Awards. Simon was a participant of Handshake6, mentored by the Berlin based artist Gabi Schillig.
GATES / GATEWAYS
Summer 2021. Time to RESET. But also for some reflection… Hard to believe it is a year since we all first met together for the Handshake introductions and masterclass with Iris and Renee in Auckland. It seems both like yesterday, and a lifetime ago… It was so great to...
MAPPING
Much of my MFA work focussed on considering and exploring notions of space and place. Of finding ways to articulate spaces of the everyday that operate as thresholds and/or places of transition; where land meets water, such as ports, as well as other points of...
In memory of George Floyd and all who have suffered at the hands of systemic racism and violence
It seems to be the nature of contemporary life that history erupts upon the surface of our lives in ever more frequent waves. There seems a volatility in the fabric of society that has created tension and unease. The papered over cracks of history are being torn apart...
LOCKDOWN!!!
LOCKDOWN… What a difference a few weeks make. This is a crazy time…. Just struggling to get any perspective on life at the moment. At least we have art I suppose…. My MFA exhibition was meant to open, basically the day we went into lock down. It is still there in the...
Simon Swale‘s art works:
