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!

Pocket Guide to New Zealand Jewelry

photo of A.Preston's kiwi via Velvet Da Vinci

The Pocket Guide to NZ Jewelery show opened this month in San Francisco.  Curated by Damian Skinner the show starts at Velvet Da Vinci and then travels to SOFA in Chicago.  I am very much hoping it makes a local loop once it returns.

"You're going to like New Zealand and its people. American troops that have preceded you have made plenty of firm friends and thereby paved the way for you. You'll soon feel at home, particularly if you remember from the beginning that you have plenty to learn, especially from New Zealanders themselves. No warnings are needed by any man of common sense and good will."  Pocket Guide 1943

The idea was to use the Pocket Guide given to US service men on R&R in New Zealand during WWII as the premise for a show to introduce NZ jewelry state side.  The 124-page catalog goes on to explain it in full.  If you are not lucky enough to be in SF at the moment, you can read some of Skinner's thoughts along similar lines here, and here and here on paua dreams,

The artists include are: Anna Wallis, Jane Dodd, Jason Hall, Peter Deckers, Fran Allison, Warwick Freeman, Areta Wilkinson, Alan Preston, Renee Bevan, Lisa Walker, Peter McKay, Lynn Kelly, Octavia Cook, Andrea Daly, Pauline Bern, Niki Hastings-McFall

Velvet Da Vinci, San Francisco

January 13 - February 28