I seem to have gone from looking at this year and thinking I need to make some big plans, to being suddenly flat out. Don’t know how that happens!
Firstly there is our yearly Winter Sale which we are doing in a slightly different way this time, opening up the studio to showcase the space and classes as well as ourselves as jewellers. This is really cool, but I didn’t really consider how much work we would have to do to make the studio presentable! We spent the weekend painting, sanding, cleaning and decorating, but there is still more to do if we want it to be as nice a venue as The Paramount. I have’nt even thought about the state my desk is in. Plus I need to make some jewellery for the sale.
After that we have six new classes starting in the same week. Yay!
Then I’m taking part in a group exhibition at Toi Poneke Gallery which will open on the 17th of August. Just to mix things up a bit I’ve decided to make a costume, though a very jewellery focussed one. So that’s going to be another challenge, not only the work but the organisation that goes in to putting a show together. It’s actually really fun, and the artists are amazing so that will be a must see.
Then suddenly it will be Christmas (I know, it’s the first of June and I’m thinking about Christmas!), my busiest time of year.
Think I need a lie down.
xx
Annie
05.14Open Studio
Cameo Necklaces $140
This year instead of Winter Jewels we have decided to host an Open Studio evening in our workshop. It will be a chance for those interested in learning to make jewellery to find out about classes, meet the tutors and see the space. I’m also hoping some of our current and past students will display a piece or two of their work.
I will also be selling my jewellery and showing my idea boards and drawings, as will Vaune and the rest of the Workspace crew.
If you would like to come along for a glass of wine and a chat, (perhaps even a little present for yourself) send me an email at bustercollins@gmail.com and I will send you an invite.
xx
Annie
05.03Toi Poneke
Toi Poneke (used to be known as The Wellington Arts Centre) is a Wellington City Council funded enterprise. It’s home to 30 or more artist studios, heaps of offices and tenancies, rooms you can hire by the hour (including Music Studios), an art gallery and the all new Hub.
It’s also where my studio is, they sell my work in the foyer and they employ me part time too! Suckers! Hee hee just kidding.
It’s a really sweet set up, lovely community, networking kind of vibe with tons of support for artists and heaps of cool people. The new manager Katherine Field is a great example of what can be achieved by the tender age of 24 if you have an amazing work ethic. She started as a receptionist and moved up through the ranks, finishing her degree at the same time. Absolute legend, I love that girl.
Here are some of my favourite artists at Toi Poneke right now:
Stephen A’Court http://www.photoboy.co.nz/ is an incredible photographer. His exhibition last year “Body” in our gallery was beautiful and astounding.
Audrey Slater http://www.myspace.com/audrey_quattro has a funky, retro look to her work. She uses collage combined with obvious skill in painting to make cute, sweet and scary pieces.
Elisabeth Vullings http://www.elisabethvullings.co.nz/ is sadly no longer at Toi Poneke, but she was there for ages and her work is amazing
The Hub (awesome phone camera pictures below) is a new space for meetings, talks, resource and information sharing etc etc. Vaune and I use it to drink cups of tea and read the paper.
For info on Toi Poneke, if you need a studio or a room or you want to give or attend a seminar, email artscentre@wcc.govt.nz
04.30Workspace Studios
My Bench at Workspace
A little bit about Workspace, the jewellery workshop I started with Vaune Mason in 2006.
We both felt when we graduated the need for a studio to start our own practice, but what student can afford to blow 6 or 7 grand on tools? So we figured if we pooled our resources, then slowly built up a good tool collection we could provide a studio for emerging jewellers to rent on a day by day or more permanent basis. And so Workspace was born.
Over the years we have revised and refined our business, adding night classes, seminars, exhibitions and intensive workshops to our plan.
We now have 8 permanent renters ranging from serious graduates to hobbists with huge passion. We have 9 student desks that are used for classes and day rentals and we have been able to buy some of those big tools that are hard to justify buying if you’re the only one using it (like my favourite – the guillotine). I think most jewellers are total tool monsters, Vaune and I are obsessed!
It’s very cool running Workspace and Buster Collins, there is great contrast between working alone and having a business partner. With Vaune around I don’t have to do everything by myself! I think it also helps that we work well together.
We’re planning an Open Studio evening on Friday the 11th of June so people can come check out the space, get info on classes and perhaps buy something pretty while enjoying a glass of wine. If you are interested in coming flick me an email, or check out workspacestudios.co.nz.
xx
Annie
04.27Buster’s back baby!
Welcome to my new site!
Sterling silver tusk earrings, $80
I’m going to be updating this page with news, upcoming events and images.
Feel free to leave a comment or link up with facebook, twitter, stumble upon etc.
Special thanks to Simon for all his help!
xx
Annie