Mary, collecting, jewlery

Mary collects materials like everyday house hold items and objects like broaches, drawings of small toys, photos of insects displays, Tupperware and small objects with holes in them like some kitchen cutlery.

She uses the materials in her art work, mixing some of the materials together in the jewellery and sculptures. By using these objects in a visual response to other artists work she admires and respects.

Mary used the Tupperware she had collected to make art work in a response to a beautiful broach she had researched. She was wanting to experiment with colour and different materials. Mary has also used wool and fabric in her jewellery sculptures.

Mary has collected glass cases over a period of 6-7 months for an exhibition she was working on. Using the glass cases she played and experimented with space and presentation, placing small wire objects inside a large glass case.

With her jewellery she also experiments with positioning and presentation on the body. By using the same necklace she places in different positions on the models bodies which creates a feel of stature in the character.

I have two experiences that come to mind with displayed art work. My experience at Te Tuhi gallery was good looking at large scale photography. It then led onto a part of the gallery which was being used exhibit the artist exploration of space. I guess my thoughts are slightly negative on this piece because i didn't understand the idea, context or achievement behind the art. To me it looked like parts from a incomplete building site. I couldn't understand what the artist was trying to achieve. Maybe I will one day?

Another experience I have is every time I go to a Marae. ever since i was little iv been fascinated with the carvings, paintings and tukutuku panels on the inside and out of the marae and some times want to climeb them lol. Now that i am older i still fascinated if not more' looking and touching the art cearfuly, but now iv started wundering why the carver had chosen those poticular designs or who could a poticular figure be of? Iv just become more cuerious on the context behind the art because i want to know the history of the marae ,which ever it might be. Im interesed in what designs mean and think the carver must hold information of our history. Im glad i like these things because i feel by learning these things ,will make my art stronger.