Cleverly assembling knitting needles, willow and a toy dinosaur, this necklace by Rachel Bell won my heart. Her work currently uses fragmentation and the found to investigate how objects and histories can be linked through a methodology of making. Rachel is one of the sweetest people I have met and I can't wait for her next instalment.
2. My husband
Julian is incredibly supportive and encouraging of everything I do. It is safe to say I wouldn't be able to make it without him. When I have deadlines approaching Julian takes me out on "studio dates". We get all dressed up in our old clothes and head into the studio where he helps me make leaves and detailing (my least favourite jobs), then he disappears only to return with dinner. What more could I ask for?
3. My Morris Minor
This British beauty was initially designed to be luxurious and convenient, while maintaining affordability for the working class. My old 900cc, 4-door, split-screen, 1954 original Morrie gets me from A to B on a daily basis. She doesn't have great brakes, runs without a key and spontaneously likes to stop but riding in an old car with character makes even an Auckland traffic jam feel like a Sunday drive through the country.
4. Judy Darragh
I was extremely lucky to be given Judy, one of New Zealand's most renowned and prolific artists, as my mentor through the Artist Alliance Mentoring programme at the beginning of this year. What can I say, she is rocking my world! She is an extraordinary artist with amazing style and gives wonderful advice. Every visit from her is like a hurricane of inspiration.
5. Linda Lopez If You Can't Be First, Be Peculiar sculpture
Linda was a visiting artist from America at Unitec last year. Her work explores our relationship with mundane objects, revealing not only our need for them but perhaps their need for us. With a light-hearted and fresh approach, I find her work to be intriguingly beautiful. I was very fortunate to be able to share studio space with both Linda and Mathew McConnell while they were here.
6. Collection of hijacked black and white family photos
Various themes in my current work have stemmed from a fascination with my family history. Knowing where I come from, and who my ancestors are, has given me a great sense of pride. It was through this investigation that I "acquired" some of my most treasured possessions; this collection of black and white photos. They range from images of my nana and grandad with their first cars and my oma and opa's wedding, to an old aerial map of the farm I grew up on. I remember the first time my nana handed me a brown envelope, she said, "I was going to throw these out, they have spots on them." I was shocked by her casualness towards such wonderful treasures. It is because of this that I am very hesitant to give any back, sorry Nana.
7. Jose Bribiesca rings
Bribiesca rings are definitely one of my weaknesses. They are extremely cool with their chrome architectural structures and sparkly bright coloured perspex windows. He has been making them since the 70s and has exhibited all around the world. I just can't get my hands on enough of them.
8. Books about 18th century European porcelain
I love books, all books,but happen to be slightly obsessed with books about 18th century European porcelain. It is a fascinating rich history, combining technical and industrial innovation with the wealth, excess and drama of aristocratic life, creating some of the most delicate and luxurious objects. I am also intrigued with the idea of experiencing things through books, as opposed to seeing them in real life, and what is lost or gained by doing this.
9. City Designers Market
On the corner of High St and Freyberg Place is this wonderful shop showcasing, and run by, six fabulous New Zealand designers. With a selection of beautiful dresses, tops and coats all lovingly handmade in brilliant colours and prints - the prices are all very reasonable for unique quality goods.
10. Ghost
I think this Academy Award-winning romantic drama is a must see. With a 90s sensibility, plenty of clumsy ectoplasmic special effects and a dreamy soundtrack, you can't go wrong. I only came across this a couple of years ago after trying to explain to people what I did. The frequent response was, "Like Demi in Ghost?" So of course I had to investigate. If ceramics was as sexy as Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze make it out to be, I am sure it would make everyone's top 10 list.
