Graduate’s art opportunity

Recycler in residence

Whitireia jewellery graduate Vanessa Arthur is this year’s recipient of Toi Poneke’s Deblyn artist- inresidence award.

The 29-year-old jeweller, with an eye for turning used and unwanted materials into ‘gems’ of wearable art, comes to Toi Poneke after completing a Bachelor of Applied Art at Whitireia.

‘‘To go from graduating to having a workspace I can go straight into and to also have the solo show to work toward – it’s an amazing opportunity,’’ says Ms Arthur.

The residency is a joint venture between Toi Poneke Arts Centre and Deblyn Property Investments.

It includes a rent-free studio for nine months, business mentoring and funding for materials for a solo exhibition at Toi Poneke Gallery at the end of the residency.

‘‘Another bonus to having a studio at the centre is that I’ll be surrounded by other artists and a wider arts community,’’ says Ms Arthur.

‘‘It’s a great space and creative hub.’’

Although her medium is jewellery, Ms Arthur says it’s anything but delicate – describing her work as bold and colourful.

‘‘I use a lot of reclaimed material from places like Trash Palace and second-hand shops.

‘‘ People don’t see the value in these materials and objects anymore but I can see their potential.’’

As well as continuing themes from previous work, Ms Arthur will explore renewal and decay within the city, consumer culture and the decline of design styles.

‘‘I enjoy blurring the lines between old and new.

‘‘Celebrating the imperfect and impermanent, changing how people perceive everyday objects and materials.’’

To follow Vanessa Arthur’s progress during her residency, or view her latest work, visit vanessaarthurjewel.blogspot.com.