Naturally, Unnaturally

A littering of frippery and fakery, jewellery and objects by Lauren Simeoni and Melinda Young

  Winter Neckpice and Red Droplet Brooch

via Masterworks Gallery 

Naturally, Unnaturally opened last night at masterworks and was such an exciting show.

This collaborative show is exciting, surprising, playful and beautiful, all at the same time.  I declare, it is NOT to be missed.  The display was fantastic and made me feel like I had indeed died and gone to jewellery heaven.  The makers, Lauren and Mel, were both present and that was just the icing on the cake for me.  I even got to wear one of the necklaces for the evening.  Gosh darn it, it was FUN.

But wait, there is a very interesting story about the collaborative process that should not be overlooked.   Metlab blog has a great interview posted here.

Fragmentation and the Found - Rachel Bell

#21 - Rachel Bell 

image courtesy of the artist

Rachel Bell has been working on a new project called Fragmentation and the Found.  She is documenting it here, and it is very exciting.


The project will be shown later this year in the Masterworks THINKspace.  According to the Masterworks website, this is what Fragmentation and the Found is all about, 


I liken my process of making to that of a Situationist on derive or a post-modern hunter-gatherer - collecting fragments from the surrounding environment and reconstituting these in the studio into new forms.
I am currently in the midst of my Masters project, the working title being: Fragmentation and the Found in the Production of Contemporary Jewellery . Within this I am investigating how objects and histories can be linked by a methodology of making that utilises fragmentation and the found.
These objects are informed by a number of concerns: post-modernism, Dada, Situationism and absurdist logic, object theory and history, experimental and conceptual art of many forms, domestic handicrafts and social politics.
The results are sometimes attractive, sometimes not. Often they are awkward and unsettling. Sometimes they have a clear use but other times are ambiguous. This pleases me! 

Scout reports back on Pocket Guide to New Zealand Jewelry Show

Renee Bevan "Favorite Varieties" Brooches

via Velvet da Vinci Gallery

Kate Taylor a former wearer in the Broach of the Month Club has moved to San Francisco.  I told her the Pocket Guide was not to be missed.  Here is what she had to say about the show:


I had THE most amazing time last weekend when I  went to the Pocket Guide to New Zealand Jewelry exhibit. I had no idea it was going to be as amazing as it was, and i'm trying to get back there today to spend more time there as I was a bit rushed last time. Ray was with me and we were both astounded by the volume and uniqueness and often comedy in the work.. plus the co-curator who is Mike was there and was super excited telling us about it! ... We need to start a campaign to get the show to NZ as there are NO plans for that which is about as bad as Flight of the Conchords being famous in the US and not in NZ!


You tell 'em Kate!