to home 

Monday 30 August 2010

“Oh Silver darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                     "It's natural behaviour to explore the main street first when visiting a town for the first time.  But once you have become familiarised, behave like a fox terrier and explore the nooks and crannies of the side streets.  There are wonderful treasures beyond the main street.  The same thought can be applied when buying jewellery. Mainstream is nice but contemporary jewellery has the edge. Go suss out the original, sterling silver jewellery.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.            email me at ..... 

Monday 23 August 2010

“Oh Silver darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                     "She voted gold because she says that she's a gold person. He voted sterling silver because he loves the qualities of sterling silver. She voted recycled objects because they're given a second life.  He voted copper because it's hard wearing with plenty of backbone. She voted enamel and glass because it's colourful and bold.  The politics of jewellery and jewellery design goes to the polls. The outcome - coalition jewellery and mixed media jewellery is the governance of jewellery design today.   It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.            email me at .....                      To JSArt Home 

Monday 16 August 2010

“Oh Silver darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                     "Puss in Boots had soft leather boots, Elvis had blue suede shoes, Cinderella had the glass slipper, Dorothy had beautiful red shoes and Kiwis have gumboots. We have been up to our ears with rain this August that gumboots have been our footwear of choice. So put your boots on, your sterling silver Kiwiana earring gumboots that you wear on your ears. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.            email me at .....                      To JSArt Home 

Monday 9 August 2010

“Oh Silver darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                    "If sterling silver was a wine it would be a Riesling. Intense selection of grapes carefully handpicked from the vineyard, to wine of distinct varietal character in the bottle. See here the tasting notes of three classic Rieslings 1.- light and fragrant, with hints of honeysuckle and spice over crisp green apple fruit. 2.- it packs a cool and zingy punch with its notes of lime, mandarin, mineral and emerging toasty notes. Exciting stuff!  3 - with notes of ginger, mandarin, a smoky flinty undercurrent and quite considerable sweetness cut by its zesty acidity. Sterling Silver - It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.            email me at .....                      To JSArt Home 

Monday 2 August 2010

“Oh Silver darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                    "Ain't no grey gonna hold my body down. In the following week another birthday looms. There's no glum and gloom ahead, everything is shiny and that shine is silver. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.            email me at .....                     To JSArt Home 

Monday 26 July 2010

“Oh Silver darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                    "My heart leaps up when I behold a rainbow in the sky. My eyes sparkle when I behold a cloud with a silver lining. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.            email me at .....                      To JSArt Home 

Monday 19 July 2010

“Oh Silver darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                    "The Tumbleweed Necklace has evolved. First inspired by wind blown dune grasses tumbling along the sand of an ocean beach, to a length of silver wire wrapped around and around a star shaped core to create the focus of the necklace. Now the silver Tumbleweed Necklace takes the ocean with it as tiny blue glassy beads are entangled within. Beautiful. From flora and ocean to silver and blue glass. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.            email me at .....                      To JSArt Home                         

Monday 12 July 2010

“Oh Silver darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                  "What now! The premium New Zealand Jewellery Show has come and gone. Gone but not forgotten. Ahead the Whitianga Scallop Festival 2010 is waiting in the wings. What comes around goes around and silver is flying on the back. It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.            email me at .....                     To JSArt Home           

Monday 5 July 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                  I'm saying thankyou. Thankyou to everyone that came to the New Zealand Jewellery Show in appreciation of New Zealand made jewellery. I especially thank all who supported me and my work and wishing that much pleasure is received from your special purchase.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.            email me at .....                      To JSArt Home 

Monday 28 June 2010

“Oh Silver darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                    "I'm going to be a matchmaker at The New Zealand Jewellery Show . I'm going to help people find their soul silver. This weekend thousands of people and thousands of jewellery pieces will come together at  SkyCity to bond and go home together. See it, love it, buy it. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.            email me at .....                      To JSArt Home

Monday 21 June 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                  "It's the longest day of the year and there's fresh broad beans and garlic at my table. No time hasn't suddenly sprung forward by six months but I am sowing seeds and bulbs now, in anticipation of reaping their fruits in the months ahead. And in the jewellery studio the seeds of innovation and ideas are being sown and come spring and early summer the sterling silver jewellery of new style and design will adorn  the bodies of people everywhere. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.            email me at .....                     To JSArt Home     

Monday 14 June 2010                                                       

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                  "Hands pressed over silver, the silver fern brooches.  Lips kiss silver, the silver fern pendants. Blood, sweat and tears. The patriotism of brotherhood, a united nation.  The sweat of toil, giving all right up to the very end.  We can do it. The tears of joy, we did it. The New Zealand All Whites at the Fifa World Cup.  Go hard and shine like silver.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.            email me at .....                     To JSArt Home    

Monday 7 June 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are have you been?"                                             "I've been at the annual Manaia Art & Craft Show.  Here quality work all handcrafted by New Zealanders were on display for sale. There were leather bags and belts, paintings, ceramics, glass plates and platters, garden art, fabric placemats and woven woollen rugs, woodware, sheepskin boots, fashion dress and sterling silver jewellery all fit for a queen. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                      To JSArt Home 

Monday 31 May 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                 "What does Serena Williams and Venus Williams have in common. Just as Venus's tennis skirt blows up in the breeze to reveal flesh coloured knickers so does Serena's long hair blows back in the breeze to reveal sterling silver earrings. There is an element of surprise and delight. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.            email me at .....                      To JSArt Home

Monday 24 May 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                  "I've been making chains. So what's in a chain - a connected series of sterling silver links as decoration or for a practical purpose. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                       To JSArt Home 

Monday 17 May 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                   "I'm cheering. Give me a S, give me an I, give me a L, give me a V, give me an E, give me an R. SILVER. Sterling silver jewellery, cheering for the best. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                      To JSArt Home   

Monday 10 May 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                  "The dullness and dreariness of winter will soon be upon us. But there is a bright shinning silver light ahead. The NZ Jewellery Show 1- 4 July Auckland SkyCity will brighten the body and the soul. Be there. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                      To JSArt Home    

Monday 3 May 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                 "People with silvereyes are walking about everywhere as they gaze upon people wearing sterling silver jewellery. There's silver in the eyes of the beholder. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                      To JSArt Home 

Monday 26 April 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                  "Between the covers of a book there is a story to be told. Black text upon white paper and a colourful narrative unfolds. Between the casings of a locket there is a story to be told. Illustration or symbol upon silver plate and a colourful narrative unfolds. Sterling silver and enamel locket, see it at the NZ Jewellery Show coming soon. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                      To JSArt Home 

Monday 19 April 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                  "The success of silver is when somebody wants another one of what they've had before. Perpetually yours, the silver chain. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                      To JSArt Home 

Monday 12 April 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                  "I'm going to the annual Puhoi Art Exhibition. The jewellery cabinet took a road trip to the Centennial Hall where it was set up with a display of my original handcrafted pieces. The Kowhai Pod Brooch, the Gloria Bead Necklace, the Red Shoe Pohutukawa Ring, the Koru Colours Pendant Necklace, the Retro Caravan Necklace, the Cliff-hanging Pohutukawa Pendant Necklace, the Black Poppy Pendant Necklace, the Tumbleweed Neckchain, the Parachute Pods Neckchain, the Long, Long Linked Neckchain and Earrings - Pukeko, Nikau Frond, Pohutukawa, Pohutukawa Bead Florets, Rewarewa Leaf, Lily, Koru Colours and Flax Spears will all be there for sale. The Puhoi Art Exhibition 2010, 17 - 25 April. Be there. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                      To JSArt Home 

Monday 5 April 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                 "I'm seeing seed pods of the pretty Crucifix Orchid maturing; their slender form expanding into a bulbous capsule as the seeds inside develop. As the peak of ripeness is achieved, the rustic colour pod explodes releasing the feathery seeds to the wind. As the peak of ripeness is achieved, the rustic colour pod explodes releasing a seed of inspiration in the brain. Out of this is borne the Parachute Pod Neckchain made of copper and sterling silver. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                      To JSArt Home

Monday 29 March 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?                                               "It's disappointing to hear that the silver NZ dollar will not be lining the pocket of a NZ songwriter. Instead loyalties earned from a song chosen to promote an international rugby tournament being hosted in NZ next year will go to an Englishman.

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                      To JSArt Home    

Monday 22 March 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                  "With the autumnal angle of the sun lowering, the sun reflects a silvery glow upon the ocean. Today, Little Barrier Island looks like a cake placed upon a silver platter. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                        To JSArt Home

Monday 15 March 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                  Food - Chocolate - Chocolate Fish.  Jewellery - Silver - Silver Earrings. Wild. Wild food jewellery. Paeroa Wild Food, Wine & Art Festival this Saturday. Be there for sterling silver & enamel earrings themed on chocolate fish. It's all that you want it to be". 

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                        To JSArt Home

Monday 8 March 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                  "Silver is the light at the end of the tunnel. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                       To JSArt Home  

Monday 1 March 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                 "I've been responding to a question of curiosity. On a certain day past, Jim on the radio asked the listeners 'what were we doing at precisely 1.08 pm on Thursday 18 February 2010?'. I said that I was creating an original piece of jewellery that I intend to enter in the NZ Jewellery Show Awards being held at the SkyCity Convention Centre Auckland, in early July.  It's all that you want it to be". 

Monday 22 February 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                 "I'm going to the Arts Circles at Hamilton Gardens and I can't be late because it's a very important date and I'm taking my silver jewellery with me. Feel like Alice falling down the rabbit hole and peering through the looking glass. Arts Circles at the Lakeside Court promises to be a day of surprises, innovation and the extraordinary.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                       To JSArt Home 

Monday 15 February 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                  "Andy Warhol loved silver. His factory was often referred to as the 'Silver Factory' because  it was covered with tin foil and silver paint. Warhol would bring in silver balloons to drift around the ceiling. Silver the choice of legends. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                        To JSArt Home

Monday 8 February 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                 "I look forward to the Orewa Beach Boulevard Festival and Market Day on this Saturday. This festival is to celebrate the opening of the boulevard which has taken several months to construct. There will be a dance party, live entertainment and music, clowns, stilt walkers, and amusements rides for the children. I will be there with my stall and selling my original handcrafted sterling silver jewellery. Jewellery, so perfect for a celebration  Cruise on down the boulevard and get your kicks on the Hibiscus Coast Highway mile of stalls. It's all that you want it to be"

Monday 1 February 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                  "I look forward to reading the latest edition of the monthly magazine "Wallpaper". Here art, photography, architecture, design,  interiors, travel, beauty, lifestyle, fashion and jewellery are canvassed and critiqued. It thrills me to see the value placed on quality jewellery as a item that is very much part of living, lifestyle and culture. It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                       To JSArt Home 

Monday 25 January 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                  "I'm going to the Matakana School Hall to partake in the annual Warkworth, Wellsford Hospice Art Exhibition over the long Auckland Anniversary Day weekend. Be there for your original, local handcrafted sterling silver and enamel jewellery. It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                       To JSArt Home

Monday 18 January 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                 I've registered as an exhibitor for the NZ Jewellery Show to be held in Auckland on 1 - 4 July 2010. Lots of sterling silver jewellery to be made till then. It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                       To JSArt Home

Monday 11 January 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                  "It's summer holiday time and work still goes on in the studio. Listening to "Matinee Idle" on the radio, it takes me to another time and place. The retrospective chatter and music is all good fun and a little bit crazy and my smile and laughter is as brilliant as the silver jewellery on display in the studio. It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                      To JSArt Home  

Monday 4 January 2010

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                 The long hot summery weather continues and peoples' skins are tanning to a golden brown. All the lovelier to wear sterling silver jewellery upon. Summer and silver going good together. It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                      To JSArt Home 

Monday 28 December 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                 It's the last few days of 2009. I'm reflecting upon the year's silver sensations and looking forward to even more silver sensations in 2010. It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                       To JSArt Home 

Monday 21 December 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                 "I'm contemplating the human Christmas Tree. There's a lady over there in a pretty dress and shoes, sterling silver earrings and necklace, sterling silver rings and bracelet, sterling silver chains and bangles. A sterling silver brooch and a sterling silver clip in her hair. Her eyes sparkle, her smile is broad and gleaming, She has glimmering highlights in her hair and shimmering blush of cherry on her cheeks and on her lips. There's a lady over there and she's dressed up for Christmas. It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                       To JSArt Home

Monday 14 December 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                    "I've been counting down the twelve days of Christmas.                                                                            On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a silver eye in a silver fern tree.                                On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me two silver earrings. On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me three silver chains. On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me four silver necklaces. On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me five silver studs. On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me six silver bangles. On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me seven silver brooches. On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me eight silver cufflinks. On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me nine silver bracelets. On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me ten silver rings. On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me eleven silver pins. On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me twelve silver buttons and a silver eye in a silver fern tree.         It's all that you want it to be" 

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                      To JSArt Home

Monday 7 December 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                 It's going around and around. Like a sterling silver ring, necklace, chain, bangle and bracelet it all goes around and around. Hey it's come around to summer again. Wear original sterling silver jewellery to celebrate and make the most of summer. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                      To JSArt Home

Monday 30 November 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                  "I'm off  to the Left Bank Arts Festival. Left, right, left, right, left. Originally located on the banks of the Waikato River in Hamilton, The Right Bank Arts Festival reverts back to it's original name, The Left Bank Arts Festival and will relocate in Garden Place, it's new home. The Left Bank Arts Festival will take place on Saturday 5 December. For sterling silver jewellery for Christmas - be there! It's all that you want it to be".  

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 23 November 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                   "I'm going to the Grey Lynn Park Festival on Saturday, the hottest event of the season. There'll be everything from art to sterling silver jewellery to zigzag mustard on hot-dogs. Let it shine.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home 

Monday 16 November 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                 I'm noticing the difference. At first glance from a distance, apples are apples. Stacked up in their places of purchase, be it a commercial supermarket or a happy market fair, apples are apples.  At first glance from a distance, silver jewellery is silver jewellery. Laid out in their places of purchase, be it a commercial department store or a happy market fair, silver jewellery is silver jewellery. But come closer and realise the differences. There are different apples colours, different apple flavours, different apple textures and different apple uses. And come closer and realise the differences in silver jewellery. There are different silver jewellery designs, different silver jewellery textures, different silver jewellery styles, different silver jewellery uses. We are fortunate to have choices. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home    

Monday 9 November 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where are you going?"                                                 I'm going to Art Beat 09. Art Beat, Heart Beat, Art Beat, Heart Beat, Art Beat, Heart Beat, Art Beat, Heart Beat, Art Beat, Heart Beat, Art Beat, Heart Beat, Art Beat, Heart Beat, Art Beat, Heart Beat.  Art Beat 09 Cafler Park Whangarei  14 November 10 - 5.       It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home 

Monday 2 November 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                               I'm pondering. Why put art in the garden when a beautiful landscaped, designer garden can stand alone? Because, there may be symmetry and complimentary flow between a lovely garden, a painting, a sculpture and a piece of jewellery. A painting may bring the outside in, sculpture may allow one to savour the moment and a piece of jewellery may allow one to carry the experience upon them on one's own body. Kumeu Art in the Garden this weekend. See the roses, smell the roses, pick the roses. See the sculpture, smell the paintings, pick the jewellery.

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 26 October 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I'm celebrating the unofficial start of summer. New Zealand Labour Day, public holiday, long weekend, a time when a mass evacuation of the cities occur and everybody heads for the beaches. It's the start of the silver weather when the landscape is fresh and crisp, the sea is clear and cool and the sun edges a cloud with a silver lining. And in the jewellery studio a silver necklace with colourful retro caravans is being made to adorn the body of a summer go-getter. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 19 October 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been reading the newspapers. Here it states that silver and silver hues extended its reign as the most popular choice for car and truck paint across the globe this year. Silver has been the top colour for nine straight years. Take a rainbow with silver placed at the end. It is clear to see how compatible silver is alongside any other colour. Silver is also a popular and obvious choice for jewellery. Silver jewellery worn with bold or subdued colour is a visual compliment. Silver car and silver jewellery and all the colours of the world - how cool is that. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 12 October 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been chaffed by the NZ Birdland series on television. I see beautiful birds bejewelled with their own natural adornments. Their colourful and vibrant plumage are set in ruffs, frills, crests, bands, quiffs and tuffs. Further feather embellishments are emphasised with splays, flares, fans, ruffles and pouters. Hooray for the jeweller who bedecks our much less ostentatious human bodies with exotic jewels. Exquisitely made rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings, tiaras, hair pieces, brooches, pins, bracelets, bangles, cuffs, cufflinks, studs and chains worn to be seen and admired. Jewel up and strut around like a bird in paradise. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home   

Monday 5 October 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                               "I've been making my way around the Kowhai Festival Artists' Studio & Gallery Trail. This self drive trail covering Matakana, Mahurangi, Leigh and Pakiri features sterling silver jewellery, sculpture, paintings, photography, ceramics, pottery, mix media art, and bead art. Another chance to do the trail is on Sunday 18 October. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 28 September 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been listening to birdsong. I'm reacting like Sir Joseph Banks, naturalist with James Cook, who, while at anchor off the coast of New Zealand in 1770, wrote 'This morn I was awakd by the singing of birds......their voices were the most melodious wild musick I have ever heard, almost imitating silver bells....'. Silver is all around. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home                 

Monday 21 September 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I'm excited about going to the Pirongia Craft Day. The main street will be lined with market tents, the main street will be lined with NZ made crafts, art and produce. The main street will be lined with sterling silver jewellery - earrings necklaces, brooches, rings cufflinks.  See you there on Saturday 26 September. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 14 September 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been matching colours. Silver and violet, silver and indigo, silver and blue, silver and green, silver and yellow, silver and orange, silver and red, silver and white, silver and black. Silver the great colourist. Contrasting and complimentary add original sterling silver and enamel jewellery to your life. "It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home 

Monday 7 September 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've embraced spring. Like colourful, spring bud burst upon trees, like new season sterling silver and enamel jewellery upon people.  "It's all that you want it to be". 

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                      To Home                                                                                                                               

Monday 31 August 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been to the Scallop Festival. As gold is to scallops and silver is to oysters so as sterling silver contemporary jewellery is to fashionable people.. "It's all that you want it to be".  

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home 

Monday 24 August 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been writing Haiku.                                                                                                                            Silver Fern tree of our land                                                                                                                      forest, bush gardens                                                                                                                                And fashion lapels.                                                                                                                                   I'm saying that New Zealanders' and people who love New Zealand have embraced the Silver Fern as a patriotic emblem and are wearing sterling silver, silver fern brooches. "It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home                                                                  

Monday 17 August 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been writing haiku. Haiku is an old Japanese poem form of 17 syllables set in 3 lines. The lyric depicts a point or brief period of time bearing importance and influence to a single topic or theme.                         The sea motionless and flat                                                                                                                     Casts bright silver shine                                                                                                                           The jeweller surges                                                                                                                                 I'm saying that I have a brand spanking new piece of silver plate in my hand, inspiration in my head and I'm ready to create. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home  

Monday 10 August 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've just seen a scene in which the theme occurred exactly both realistically and artistically  Recently a southern right whale was seen swimming near Omaha Beach. There was sunshine, blue sky, Little Barrier Island, blue sea, surf, sand and seashells to set this awesome sight. Exactly like the sterling silver and enamel  pendant I had previously made, a colourful image of sunshine, blue sky, Little Barrier Island, the whale, blue sea, surf, sand and seashells. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home  

Monday 3 August 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been to the Food Show and along with crowds of foodies, munched my way through a tasty selection of food samples. But drawn like a magnet  to sparkling silver light, I laid my eyes upon a familiar sight. To a sterling silver pair of earrings that I had created hanging from the ears of a woman in amongst the multitude of people.  Sterling silver earrings, original and handmade, they stands out from amongst the crowd. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home 

Monday 27 July 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I'm inspired by the native birds visiting the studio garden. Here, kereru are gulping down berries, tui are sipping nectar. Hear the soft swish of kereru wings and the happy chortle of tui song. Of sterling silver and enamel, people are wearing kereru and tui earrings from their ears.  "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home 

Monday 20 July 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                I've come from the first Auckland held NZ Jewellery Show. The organizers are happy, the exhibitors are happy, the buyers are happy. In the aftermath, I'm back in my studio. My head is down and the soldering torch is hot making more sterling silver jewellery for the next customer. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home 

Monday 13 July 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "It's national jewellery week. This week is the run up to the NZ Jewellery Show to be held over the weekend at SkyCity Convention Centre. From awesome to zany, there's a fantastic piece of wearable object art for you there. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 6 July 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I'm imagining one million sparkles. With 100 participating contemporary, emerging and traditional jewellery designers showcasing their work at the NZ Jewellery Show at the SkyCity Convention Centre Auckland on 17 - 19 July there will be some gleam and glitz. From Ag (silver) to Z (zirconium) one million inspirational lights very shine. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 29 June 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been tagging. Tags are single or multi word keywords that I attach to an item listing on  jsartnewzealand on Etsy - jsartnewzealand    in the listing process. Tags help buyers find my items on Etsy. For example in my listing for the Poppy Field Pendant Necklace, the tags I have used to guide the buyer to this item are - jewelry, necklace, pendant, chain, sterling silver, enamel, red, black, poppies, one of, new zealand, flowers, original, exclusive.  "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home  

Monday 22 June 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "The southern hemisphere winter solstice is here. Wear sterling silver jewellery to replenish the diminished light. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home 

Monday 15 June 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "Of endearment values close to the heart, something original and handmade is priceless. In the post this week a handmade card arrived. On the front page was a colourful, original, hand painted, abstract piece of artwork. Inside was a  thankyou note from the children, teachers and families from the Manaia Kindergarten. thanking me for being a stallholder at the Art and Craft Exhibition which enabled them to raise funds for their new vegetable and flower gardens. The note continued to say that they will be working hard on building and planting over the next few months and they look forward to eating their own produce. There is indeed something very special and satisfying in producing your own goods for yourself and for others to enjoy. From silver beet to silver jewellery, making it makes it happen. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 8 June 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I'm into caravans. There are 101 uses for caravans. There are mobile homes, holiday homes, food vendors, drink vendors, retreats and studios, garden sheds, spare rooms, guest rooms, play houses, surgeries and health services, road shows, libraries, community services and anything else in which a caravan can be put to good use. Caravans are kiwiana. My latest sterling silver and enamel pendant is a little picture postcard holiday scene. The blue sky, the hills, the green grass, the jandals, the beach, the pohutukawa tree. And parked right in the middle is the roundish bubble of a retro New Zealand caravan. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 1 June 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I love the way that shopping has become so diverse. I took my wares of sterling silver jewellery up to Parua Bay on the Whangarei Heads for the annual Manaia Art & Craft Exhibition. Here in the community hall I set up my display with other artisans. Crowds of people came and once again it was a win, win, win situation for all - the local community, the artists and crafters and the buyers. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home

Monday 25 May 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I'm ecstatic about my new online shop. Take a look jsartnewzealand on Etsy - jsartnewzealand               "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home    

Monday 18 May 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "My favourite advertisement on TV at the moment promotes a huge hardware and homeware store using the slogan "big is good". And yet a miniature puppy so tiny that it fits into the palm of the hand is the star of the show. In the bigger picture a piece of silver jewellery no matter how small is up there with the rest of the players. "Big is good but small is even better".                                                                                       "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 11 May 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I'm baring against the sudden grizzly weather. Pewter grey is the sky, stainless steel are the temperatures and lead shot rain continues to fall. But the silver lining is that sterling silver stays warm when worn against the skin. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 4 May 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been gathering feijoa fruit which have been dropping like bombs. Did you see the one that was bought for $1000 because it was shaped like a kiwi bird. Feijoa fruit, bottle green skin with a tinge of silver bloom. Anyone want to buy a sterling silver pendant shaped like a kiwi for $1000?!!.   "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 27 April 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been walking through a silver field of red poppies. In the language of flowers, red poppies symbolise consolation and with ANZAC Day upon us again, am reminded of our war-time history as I make this special pendant necklace. Take a sheet of sterling silver, over-laid with an outline of 23 silver poppies, fill each poppy with red enamel powder. Heat and watch the red enamel powder flow like blood ."It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home

Monday 20 April 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "Silver, silver shinning bright in the shadows of fading light. The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting longer and the brightness of sterling silver shines stronger. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 13 April 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been thinking gold. This time the golden hues of the autumnal season. As the Indian summer slowly moves on, the parched colours of summer heat remain behind. Green leaves turn to yellow, gold, red and brown. Lovely inspiration for a sterling silver leaf pendant with rich, warm enamel colours. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 6 April 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been thinking in a contemporary fashion. The N.Z. Jewellery Show and Awards are on in July. I've filled in the forms and paid the entry fee so I'm in. The trick is now to make a piece of jewellery to the highest standard of workmanship, that is conceptually driven and which demonstrates an innovative use of materials.  "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been counting sheep 924, 925, 926, 927  928, 929.....Hundreds of sheep herded down the main street of Te Kuiti in the Great NZ Muster Past Jack Orchard, Gifts from the Sea, Cottage Wines, Taupo Lavender, The Belt Man, Jeannette Switzer Silver Jewellery & Art. Past 117, 118, 119, 120, 121 stalls All part of the Great N.Z Muster Festival.  "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 30 March 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been to the Country Fair up in Kerikeri in the winterless north. I packed my overnight bag including my jewellery box filled with original, handcrafted sterling silver and enamel contemporary jewellery. Here I laid out my array of pieces for all the locals and tourists to see and buy if they so desired "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                       To Home                         

Monday 23 March 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been positively, creatively thinking gold. TheNewDowse Gold Award 2009 is calling for designers to create a significant work in gold that will become a part of TheNewDowse's permanent collection. Entrants are asked to submit a maximum of three A4 drawings of the proposed design. The paper and pencils are out and I am drawing. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 16 March 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been to a fine line gallery in Sharp Road, Matakana to see the "Landed" exhibition. See painting, sculpture, mixed media and a cabinet full of beautiful sterling silver and enamel jewellery.  "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home      

Monday 9 March 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I'm at the Estuary Art Gallery at Orewa exhibiting in the members exhibition 'Colours'. Here I have let my enamel work loose. See colourful rainbows, prisms, landscapes, pohutukawa trees, koru swirls and Gloria Beads all set on sterling silver. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 2 March 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been to the Right Bank Arts Festival in the beautiful Hamilton Gardens. Paris his its Left Bank which is one of the city's most romantic districts. This is the Paris of another era; the Paris of artists, writers and philosophers. Hamilton's Right Bank is the city's annual showcase of creativity; the Hamilton of contemporary sterling silver jewellers, sculptors, painters, printmakers and craftspeople. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 23 February 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been to the Kaiaua Food & Wine Festival. Good food, good wine, good music good weather, good ambience and people looking good dressed in original, handcrafted sterling silver jewellery. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 16 February 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                I've been on the Old Warkworth Bridge and it's the bridge that leads to everywhere. Every Sunday morning market stalls are set up with an eclectic array of produce, art and craft for sell. Get your New Zealand, original, handcrafted sterling silver jewellery here. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 9 February 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I'm saying that roses are red, violets are blue, silver is cool, made just for you. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 2 February 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I'm telling you how to wear earrings. My earrings may feel like part of your body. These earrings are comfortable, lightweight, and do not drag or stretch the earlobe and you may want to wear them continuously. But the dressing of your ears is a daily ritual. Earrings are the last thing to put on and the first thing to come off everyday and this ensures that they never become entangled in your hairbrush and that you will never loose them amongst your clothing.  Earrings are concealed from the wearer, unless you are looking at your own reflection, but remember that a person face to face to you or near you, sees them. Though small and intimate they make a statement and their design may indicate a bit of  your personality  Earrings give highlight and accent to your face and just like lipstick and mascara, they accentuate and focus the viewer onto your face. It's recommended to own several pairs of earrings for like clothing you may like to wear something different everyday and also let people see a daily difference.   "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 26 January 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "It's the height of summer with day after day of hot sun filled days. People are looking fantastic in silver; minimal clothing and tanned skin against sterling silver jewellery.  "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home    

Monday 19 January 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                I'm back in the studio. It's head down and tail up Summer and silver is my comfort zone and refreshed and inspired, I'm working on a series of new work that's better than ever.  "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 12 January 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                I've taken a road trip and mixed business with pleasure and enjoyed wine, silver, sun, song, surf, good company and visited neat places. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                         To Home

Monday 5 January 2009

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                I've celebrated the New Year with silver and champagne. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                       To Home

Monday 29 December 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I'm celebrating the twelve days of Christmas. On the fifth days of Christmas my true love gave to me five silver rings, four silver bangles, three silver pins, 2 silver earrings and a necklace made of sterling silver.  "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                       To Home

Monday 22 December 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I'm celebrating the longest day. All the more daylight in which sterling silver jewellery can shine. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                       To Home

Monday 15 December 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 Pandora would not have been amused. A sign in the window of a bead shop in a small popular township had this to announce. "We stock genuine fake Pandora beads" Cheeky, bold and brazen but honest about being dishonest. Then seeing someone wearing Pandora design jewellery and thinking, is it the genuine article or a pirated look alike? The originality and exclusiveness is lost. So authentic, original, handmade one-of sterling silver jewellery is a sure thing. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 8 December 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                I'm seeing green Christmas trees ignited with red bearing many treats. I'm making silver necklaces highlighted with green and red, my signature pohutukawa design necklaces. Go give yourself or someone a treat.  "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 1 December 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been to the Pohutukawa Party to celebrate the arrival of summer. The weather was invited and came to the party in perfect condition. The sun beamed all day with a silvery brilliance. The people dressed down to dress up. Jandals, shorts and skirts, cool collarless, sleeveless dresses. tank-tops, singlets, halter-neck and strapless tops. All bare and minimal, just right to show off beautiful sterling silver chains and necklaces. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 24 November 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been to the Grey Lynn Park Festival. Neat moments were had strolling amongst hundreds of stalls looking at all there was for sale. Cool moments were had from half a pineapple, eating from it, its fresh diced pineapple flesh topped with ice-cream. Fantastic moments were had sitting on the lawn listening to the live music. Scrumptious moments were had eating a chip of freshly picked sweet strawberries. Golden moments were had leaving with a lighter purse but knowing that something better had been purchased. Priceless moments were had having bought an original New Zealand made sterling silver piece of jewellery "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 17 November 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been to A & P Show. A certificate awarded to the batch of the best lightly risen scones. A ribbon awarded to cute orphaned lamb. A sash awarded to the handsome hand-reared calf. A bouquet awarded to the heaviest pumpkin. A medal awarded to the first class laying pullet. A rosette awarded to the creamiest jersey milker. A cup awarded to the best of breed goat. A trophy awarded to the clear round equine jumper. And silver for the punters when they buy beautiful silver jewellery from the A& P Show stall. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 10 November 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been to the polls. Who did I vote for? National or Labour, blue or red, male or female, left or right, gold or silver. Sterling silver gets the tick. Now some support from a coalition team will add strength and body to the party. I pick enamel and copper to fill the seats. Looks promising, trusting and experienced. Sterling silver jewellery you are a winner. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                  To Home

Monday 3 November 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I'm backing a winner. The Melbourne Cup race is on tomorrow. I'm picking the silver horse. Hi ho Silver. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 27 October 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "Silver! the secret weapon against bacteria. I've recently heard on the news that more frequent outbreaks of infection are occurring and also the concern over the ever increasing resistance of antibiotics to some microorganisms. There's been talk of reconsidering the use of some old remedies to help combat this problem. The antiseptic properties of silver have been know for 3,000 years. Doctors were using silver and silver compounds as disinfectants and for burn treatments towards the end of the 19th century. Our great grandmothers also knew about the secret properties of silver. They used to place a silver coin the the milk churn to keep the milk fresh.  When the first antibiotics were discovered, the old household remedy was quickly forgotten. For the last 50 years antibiotics have been practically the only treatment prescribed in the battle against pathogenic bacteria and germs. In time some microorganisms have meanwhile developed a resistance to certain antibiotics resulting in the medication being no longer effective.  Silver, the secret weapon against bacteria ."It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home   

Monday 20 October 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've adjusted to daylight saving time. From sunrise to sunset to sunrise, there's more silver light. At sunrise there's sunlight of silver, from sunset there's silver moonlight. From sunrise to sunset to sunrise, it's a great time to wear sterling silver jewellery. Sparkling in the brilliance, you look sensational. Shimmering in the luminousness, you look sensual. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 13 October 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                I've been rewriting old love poems. Roses are red, violets are blue. Sterling Silver & Enamel Jewellery handcrafted for you. Sweet. Roses are red, violets are blue. A rosy, posy necklace made for you. Neat.  Roses are red, violets are blue. Passion petal earrings especially for you. Complete.  "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home

Monday 6 October 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been collaborating. It's all about composition, compatibility, contrast, compliment and coalition. It is the coherence of silver and copper. Like swedes and carrots, shirts and cardigans, salt and cayenne pepper, sandpipers and chaffinch, sage and chillies, snowdrop and calendula. Silver and copper, the beautiful juxtaposition. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home

Monday 29 September 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been to Pirongia. Last Saturday, for one day only, this one pub, two cafe town transforms to a market stall tent city. The main-road is closed to all vehicles and becomes a pedestrian paradise. This the Pirongia Annual Craft Day is a New Zealand handmade, homegrown shopping spree. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                       To Home  

Monday 22 September 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "A whisky set valued at $25,300 has landed in New Zealand. Presented in a handmade leather gun case, it features two bottles of Scotch and eight sterling silver drinking cups, an oak and sterling silver engraved pen and a leather-bound sampling register. The whisky has been rated by experts as among the best produced. It's all about the silver.  "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home 

Monday 15 September 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "In the sport of it all. The All Blacks versus Australia to win the silver trophy, the Bledisloe Cup. The Silver Ferns versus the Diamonds in the New World International Netball Series. The scalpers greed for silver as they rip off the ticketless fans in the Warriors versus Roosters match. Silver versus gold for popular contemporary jewellery choices. It's all about silver. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home

Monday 8 September 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I'm saying, Hey take a silver soliloquy. A picture, a theme, a scene, this pendant necklace of sterling silver and colourful enamel speaks. It's sound of silence communicates an interior monologue. Up there from the limelight neckline, it projects a soapbox soliloquy. Alone or regardless of any hearers, the pendant necklace of sterling silver and colourful enamel, this picture, this theme, this scene always speaks. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                       To Home

Monday 1 September 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I'm saying, Hey take a silver sojourn. A pendant necklace of sterling silver and colourful enamel is a picture, a theme, a scene, a destination. Come pay a visit. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home

Monday 25 August 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been looking into the spiritual qualities of silver. Silver has often had spiritual or mystical qualities attributed to it. The Incas of Peru called it ‘the tears of the moon’ because they were struck by silver’s strange gleam. The ancient Chinese believed that a silver locket hung around a child’s neck would ward off evil spirits. As a mineral, silver is said to mirror the soul, helping us to see ourselves as others see us. It is also said to strengthen the connection between astral and physical bodies and enhance intuitive and psychic energies. Silver is considered to be a conductor and communicator. It is said to improve speech and bring public speaking eloquence. Silver is related to the moon, and moon energies. As the moon controls the rhythm of the sea, silver is said to soothe, calm and restore emotional balance.  It is also said to draw negative energy from the body and replace it with positive energy. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 18 August 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been looking about on the internet and I spotted a jar of mustard and a jar of marmalade with sterling silver lids. How posh, how neat. After consuming, you wouldn't want to put that out in the recycle bin. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home

Monday 11 August 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been drinking red wine poured through a sterling silver funnel. While dining at a friend's place I was offered a suburb red wine to drink. Before the second glass, the host got up and poured the wine through a sterling silver funnel into my glass From suburb to supreme, the wine tasted so much better - aerated and coming in contact with sensational silver. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                      To Home 

Monday 4 August 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I look good in silver. Wearing silver says that I am hardworking and ambitious. What does colour say about you? Red - outgoing, fiery and energetic. Orange - self-confident and dramatic. Pink - flirty and fun. Green - Easy going and laid back. Blue - reliable and calm. Black - dignified, stylish and mysterious. Yellow - sporty and spontaneous. White - dependable and conservative.  "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home  

Monday 28 July 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been singing in the rain, the rain, rain, rain, rain; rain, rain, rain, rain, rain, rain, rain, rain, rain, rain. Yes we've had rather a lot of it lately. I've found some lyrics to a song called Silver Rain                                 

Blackened days and silver nights, golden lanterns flaming lights, the blur of things and fight of dreams, the pain and tears and lack of faith, a thousand stars a thousand stars, chants and runes and secrecy, I came as the lamb and return as the lion, tonight it burns and burn it will. Walk in awe the path of the wand and the moon, a rain may come and tears may fall. Night draws near in fullest glow, the warm night wind too, to caress your face, demon comes as angel and angel comes as demon, with wings of gold and wand in hand, build your temple with cunning and with a demon strength, silver rain silver train consecrate my heart, tonight I'll hail upon hail the daughter of night, send they winds, tears and rain in all thy might. Walk in awe the path of the wand and the moon, pain may come, and tears may fall.

That' rather dreary. This song, also called Silver Rain is more cheery.

Come let yourself be, come see the possibilities, let love take over your pain and heal to the river of the rain. Girl, come and be still, free your mind and your body will be well and keep this melody tucked away in your heart for you and me Oh, yeah, let my love erase your pain, sun gonna shine, gonna shine again then we'll dance in the silver rain, can you feel it? (come on and dance in the silver rain) its gonna be alright, tomorrow you'll live your dreams in the sunlight, can you feel it? (reach up and touch the silver rain) make you feel brand new, the silver rain is falling let it get all over you, silver rain come, come with me, cast your cares and your worries to the sea and when, the day is gone and will dance into the setting sun Oh, yeah, cause only love can set you free, oh yes it can, oh yes it can, so take my hand and come with me and we'll walk in the silver rain, can you feel it? come on and dance in the silver rain, its gonna be alright, tomorrow you'll live your dreams in the sunlight, can you feel it? reach up and touch the silver rain, make you feel brand new, the silver rains is falling, let it get all over you, let it get all over you all over you let it get all over you, silver rain silver rain. Oh, yeah cause only love can set you  free, so take my hand and come with me and we'll dance in the silver rain, can you feel it? come on and dance in the silver rain, its gonna be alright, tomorrow you'll live your dream in the sunlight, can you feel it? reach up and touch the silver rain, make you feel brand new, the silver rains is falling, let it get all over you, all over you, can you feel it?  "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home  

Monday 21 July 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've written a poem. Montana Poetry Day was celebrated on Friday and throughout the whole of the country people were writing, reading, listening, singing  and reciting poems. Here's mine.                             It's All That You Want It To Be                                                                                                              Dream                                                                                                                                                    Of being here there and everywhere                                                                                                        Of doing this and that                                                                                                                              Of having it all                                                                                                                                         Wear                                                                                                                                                      A piece of paradise                                                                                                                                  A sterling silver necklace                                                                                                                         That takes you to the seaside                                                                                                                   Or under a blooming pohutukawa tree                                                                                                     Or to a flowering garden                                                                                                                          To somewhere over the rainbow                                                                                                               To wish upon a star                                                                                                                                  It's all that you want it to be.

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home   

Monday 14 July 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I'm pondering this - Without art the crudeness of reality would make the world unbearable. This quote from George Bernard Shaw is given as a guide or challenge to artists entering the upcoming Objective Art Awards 2008 hosted by Manukau City Council. I can approach this from two different angles. First by considering the material of my object art piece and second by considering the message or statement made by my object art piece. The material, sterling silver as purchased from the supplier is in a semi crude state. But in the process of creating a jewellery art piece it goes through a rough, snaggy, lustreless, carbon and flux stained object, one would not want to wear the piece at this stage. I can take a theme, something rude, blunt, offensive and indecent and interpret this into an object art piece utilising sterling silver as the material. But because of the process of refining and finishing the sterling silver metal into a smooth, polished beautiful object, one would want to wear it because it looks so awesome. But in reality would either of these ideas make the world unbearable? Without art the crudeness of reality would make the world unbearable. Strong words, can I come up with a winning object art piece that fits the criteria? "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home 

Monday 7 July 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've seen the winning piece. I recently saw a photo of the prize winning brooch of a recent national jewellery exhibition. Some of the materials of which it was made repulsed me but it also forced me to think objectively about the object. Part of the criteria set by the judges was that they were particularly interested in work that was conceptually driven and which demonstrates an innovative use of materials. This brooch fulfilled that criteria. Making a piece of jewellery that is not conventional has many advantages for the artist. It pushes the boundaries of creativity and may develop new or different methods of skill and technique with the use of material other than that normally used. It can be fun, challenging and pleasurable for the artist in creating something outside the norm. It may contribute to the nations cultural identity and offer a particular message or statement. It gives the opportunity to work along side the haut couture of jewellery designers.  It allows the viewer to be challenged and may take them out of their comfort zone. It places a value on items and materials which may be regarded as useless and worthless and integrating these with precious metals such as gold and silver is a thought provoking concept. It can raise the profile of the artist. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home 

Monday 30 June 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've entered the exhibition. At the art exhibition, the art is coming off the wall onto the body. In the modern day art exhibition there are more than paintings being exhibited. Sculpture, ceramics, photography, multimedia and jewellery are all considered for display. In the "Off the Wall Art Exhibition" in Whangarei during July, five of my sterling silver and enamel jewellery pieces are there on the wall to see. Here's hoping that they will be taken off the wall and onto the body. Contemporary , handcrafted, original sterling silver jewellery is more than just jewellery; it is wearable art, collectible New Zealand object art pieces. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home 

Monday 23 June 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I'm getting ready for the ball. In the fashion boutique I choose beautiful party ball dresses to try on. There is a one shoulder chiffon dress, a strapless organza dress embroidered with flowers, a silk satin dress with beaded bodice and a full  skirt organza dress covered with beads and sequins worn over a two net petticoat. All lovely and look stunning. These dresses are ornate in themselves but there is room to compliment with special sterling silver jewellery. Wear rings, bangles, bracelets, neckchains and necklaces. Rings may be bold, bracelets and bangles moderate, but keep neckchains and necklaces fine, feminine and delicate The dress is the feature and the neckwear the accent. Be the belle of the ball. I go for the silk satin. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 16 June 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been to the National Fieldays. Talk about Sex and the Country. Everything about rural life is hot - farming and lifestyle blocks, the views, fruit and veges, milk and cheese, cows and kereru. And so much more like sterling silver and enamel gumboot earrings original and handcrafted by Jeannette Switzer Jewellery & Art. These are edgy, fashionable and quintessentially New Zealand. Wearing it well with wit and humour. A collectible New Zealand object art piece.  "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 9 June 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been preparing for the Dunkley's Great New Zealand Craft Show. A high standard of stall presentation is expected, so fabric and trimming to line the walls of the stall booth were suitably selected for the 3-day duration of the show. Just like setting a dinner table with silver service or adorning your body with sterling silver jewellery to compliment your attire. The finishing touches notably make a difference. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 2 June 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "With the cost of everyday living rising substantially of late, there maybe no economy in art and crafts anymore. People motivated by price will shop at low-cost, budget outlets. So art and craft has a new role in the modern household or to those wanting individuality for their body - to provide relief from the mass-produced sameness.  "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 26 May 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "My eye catches the cool and sophisticated man pictured on the DVD cover. Its David Bowie on his Black Tie White Noise album. I begin to fantasize. David Bowie dressed in his suave dark suit, white shirt and black tie would look fantastic with one of the Dress - Black Tie brooches pinned onto his lapel. Likely but unlikely. Unlikely that David Bowie would ever be wearing one of the Dress Black Tie brooches pinned onto his lapel. But likely, that if he ever did, The Dress Black Tie brooch would look totally fantastic pinned to the lapel of David Bowie's suit.  "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home     

Monday 19 May 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been listening to the radio where it was said that recent immigrants were surveyed asking them as to why they liked and chose to live in New Zealand. The majority said because of the laid back lifestyle. Immediately the "Dress - Black Tie" exhibition came to mind with the image of the brooch of the silver tie, the silver jandals and the beach   "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 12 May 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been reading a publication on good living. In it I see that slender high heel shoes are at the pinnacle of fashion right now. Why not wear a silver high heel close to your heart. A silver brooch with a silver or enamel high heel shoe from the "Dress - Black Tie" exhibition looks good  It's contemporary, original, collectible New Zealand object art jewellery. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 5 May 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I'm at the "Dress - Black Tie" Exhibition. A collection of ties, dresses and high heel shoes may indicate a gathering together for some special reason, possibly a party. Here ties, dresses and high heel shoes are symbols of sophistication, celebration, achievement, success and worthiness. New Zealand has much to celebrate. At last our artistic and cultural identity has emerged and so our music, theatre, film, writing, sport, fashion and art have developed as our own and now we can say we begin to understand who we are. We celebrate. Much of our cultural identity has been determined by our landscape and environment. Take the pohutukawa tree that adorns our northern coasts during December and January with lasting displays of bright red or crimson flowers that place it high on the list of the world's most spectacular trees. So this brilliant splendour inspired Bruce Mason  to write the play 'The Pohutukawa Tree". Bruce subsequently walked down the red carpet to become our most successful playwright. The silver fern or ponga has truly been embraced. In a bushscape its clean, green, glossy fronds and black diamond trunk is easily recognisable but it is the silvery undersides that have been adopted as our "silver fern" emblem. The Little Black Dress is fitting, classic, timeless, and an example of good design.So is the black singlet. Both are termed icons but unlike the Little Black Dress, the black singlet is a casual piece of clothing worn by stereotypical, working-class New Zealanders with its roots stemming from the farming community.  Many of these hard working Kiwis will dress up for the party. The nikau palm is the most southern naturally growing palm in the world. Its tall, statuesque image is a popular subject in many New Zealand contemporary artworks. See it in the rich glazes of Morris and James Pottery and Tileworks. See it as copper clad sculpture in Wellington's Civic Square. Our Silver Fern netballers look fantastic on the court in their Little Black Dresses. See how the sport of netball is featuring on free to air TV in prime viewing time slots. Walk on the wild side. Leave the conventional pathway and tread a track through tough undeveloped land. Just as our native grasses and plants have been landscaped into our domestic gardens so Split Enz  and The Flight of the Concords have embedded into the mainstream environment. Our mild climate, good living and long stretches of sandy beaches has made life a beach. Our laidback, easy going attitude has created the jandal, the high heel and black tie of freedom and casualness. Who are you? where are you? what do you represent? Often prominent New Zealand characteristics such as flowers, plants, mountains, islands, waterways are used as logos or symbols to portray a region or place. This region, the eastern Rodney District uses the 'kowhai coast' as catch phrase and image to promote its tourism sector. Over time New Zealand has built an image, created a style, developed its own character. A medley of all sorts of things, some which are original and unique to us and others which are not unique to us but have adapted and adjusted to our ways have come together and stood out to say that this is New Zealand. Now we can say we have done this and we are doing that. We are making our own wine and drinking it. We celebrate.  "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home      

Monday 28 April 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've marked it on the calendar, Monday May 5. This is when the "Dress - Black Tie"  exhibition begins. This is one of the many events in the Matakana in May, celebrating the harvest. Visit this page for the complete programme of events. www.matakanainmay.co.nz, "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home

Monday 21 April 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I'm delving deeper into its point. "Dress - Black Tie" what does it mean? New Zealand has much to celebrate. At last our artistic and cultural identity has emerged and so our music, theatre, film, writing, fashion and art have developed as our own and now we can say we begin to understand who we are . We celebrate. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 14 April 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "A while ago, we were invited to a celebration. The invitation arrived by post on the finest of stationary. It did look posh. The party goers were asked to dress "Red Tie", Bond themed.  It is nice getting dressed up but the thought of seeing him attired in a penguin suit the same as all the other men seemed dull. This party was to be stylish, sophisticated, classy and edgy. Nothing but the best. And James Bond in a suit and red tie, well that's not so James. Ideas were researched and soon inspirations were put into action. Taking an oblong of sterling silver, sawing out a knotted tie shape, soldering onto a backing, filling with red enamel; so the 'Red Tie' was born. He, in a short sleeved, opened necked black shirt with the "Red Tie" pinned on looked cool and smart like someone in a James Bond movie. He and the tie were eyed and noticed. From here the "Red Tie" merged into black and so the "Dress - Black Tie" exhibition  began.  "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 7 April 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I'm having fun creating the pieces for the "Dress - Black Tie" exhibition. It's a bit of a riddle. When can you wear your most comfortable and casual clothes and still wear a formal black tie? When can you wear an open necked shirt and still wear a formal black tie? You can with a sterling silver and enamel black tie brooch. It's fun and edgy and  "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 31 March 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been preparing for the exhibition. "Dress - Black Tie" a contemporary look at sterling silver and enamel in the theme of ties, dresses and high heel shoes  Silver is the new black, coming to this website soon and part of the Matakana in May Celebrations. "It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 24 March 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've enjoyed the Leigh School Carnival, an annual fundraiser for the primary school. Heads you win, tails you win, heads I win, tails I win. The flick of the silver coin has made both of us winners. For the fine wine and art auction, three pieces of beautiful sterling silver and enamel jewellery were submitted for auction. Let the bidding begin  Going once, going twice, third and final time. Sold! A silver portion for me, a silver portion for you. "It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home 

Monday 17 March 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been to the wedding. Three pairs of silver cufflinks were preparing for the wedding. They each put on a brand new crisp shirt with permanent creases ironed down the sleeves. Next a good suit jacket was slipped on over the top where each of the silver cufflinks shone out from beyond  the jacket cuff. All this was attired by three men who made their way to the church. Each pair of cufflinks bore a design which was relevant or symbolic to the man. The cufflinks with unfurling fronds were linked to the groom for he was to start a new life as a married man. The cufflinks with the mountain and the sea were linked to the groomsman for he was sound, solid and true like a familiar landmark or best friend. The cufflinks with the rainbow and surf were linked to the father of the groom for he had experienced many things like comings and goings, rising and falling, highs and lows and all the surge of life's colours. And so the  three pairs of cufflinks gathered at the alter and each shone as part of the big picture. "It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 10 March 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I'm wearing browns, golds, oranges, all autumn colours. The sun still shines warmly over the land but there is a greater toastiness in its light. Three pairs of copper, leaf earrings have been purchased. Is the autumn season having a psychological influence? But what of silver? There is an almost blinding blaze of silver in the morning sunlight as the sun, at its autumnal angle, spreads its rays over the Omaha Bay serene waters. Another silver necklace inspired by silver in nature, in the making. "It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home 

Monday 3 March 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been to the Right Bank Arts and Craft Festival at the Hamilton Gardens. There are two silver owls which were especially made for the 2007 Right Bank Arts and Craft Festival at the Hamilton Gardens. The owls were purchased by a lady who perched them from her earlobes. For a whole year this lady loved and cared for her silver owls and she carried them on her almost everywhere. At the next Art and Craft Festival at the Hamilton Gardens, the lady and her owls were there. 'Oh, hello again', she says. 'These lovely owls are one of my favourite things'.  "It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home  

Monday 25 February 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I'm looking out the studio door, to the north. Between the trees I see a silvery vista . Is it the sea, is it dew, is it smoke, is it mist, is it haze, is it cloud, is it drizzle, is it surf , is it sand, is it spindrift, is it silver? Then I look out the studio window to the south. Between the trees I see a silvery vista. Is it the sea, is it dew, is it smoke, is it mist, is it haze, is it cloud, is it drizzle, is it surf , is it sand, is it spindrift, is it silver? No, it is shrouds and shrouds of bird netting. The grapes are ripening in the vineyards. Autumn is here, the harvest is near. Time to pick some handmade, original sterling silver jewellery for the winter season  It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home   

Monday 18 February 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been flicking through a book of poems by Janet Frame. One poem "The Family Silver" was one of the first I read. It talks of the path of glaciers and geological time. The family silver is used as an allegory, a simile for these our natural earth treasures which are cherished and held dear. It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 11 February 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been keeping within the square, staying traditional and conventional. A red love heart, an old symbolic symbol. Fill a red love heart into a square. Sometimes you don't need to look beyond the square. Red love hearts on silver squares make a lovely valentine necklace.  It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home    

Monday 4 February 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "When does togs become underpants! It seems that when togs are worn on the beach they are togs but when togs are worn down the street they turn into underpants. Oouh! Boundaries have been set. Take a silver ring worn on the finger. A silver ring when worn on the beach is a silver ring. A silver ring when worn on the street is also a silver ring. Cool! There are fewer boundaries with sterling silver jewellery. Looks good any time, any place. It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 28 January 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "There is a crack in the studio floor. It is big enough for a silver earring to fall through. All fingers and thumbs the polishing is nearly done. Oops! flip and slip. There is a silver rosebud under the studio floor".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 21 January 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "Whilst swimming in the sea this morning I dived and plunged and rolled amongst the surf. A surf that had a bit of surge and power to it but not too strong to cause fear. Regular and even the waves collected then tumbled. Pure and silvery white their ebullient frill surging all around my neck. Hey there's an inspiration for a necklace. See silver everywhere.  It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 14 January 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "If my heart were silver, a shadow of grey dulled it on Friday when I first heard that Sir Ed had passed away. But the grey was like a cloud that had passed over and soon my silver heart shone as I reflected upon his great life and all the wonderful things that he had achieved. Loved and respected, never to be forgotten. Celebrate. Aim high, shine. It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 7 January 2008

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "Silver is in the eye of the beholder.  It's all that you want it to be" 

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 31 December 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "The year is at its end      And tomorrow we wend     Into 2008    And may your plate       Be laden with silver.  It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 24 December 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been hearing Christmas songs.

Silver bells, silver bells
Its Christmas time in the city
Ringeling, Hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas day

Silver bells and other things, rings, necklaces, brooches and earrings. Always for Christmas. It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home          

Monday 17 December 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I drove to Mangawhai and on the way I passed a road called Silver Hill. Silver is seen in many things. It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 10 December 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been fascinated by the frenzy of celebrity. Everyday my eye glances above the kitchen window sill out to Little Barrier Island. But recently my eye is caught by an obstruction. No, more of a thing of prominence. One dozen swan plant seedlings, borne off the same parent, planted on the same day, growing in the same soil, with equal sunlight and equal watering. But one, only one, has risen, excelled about the rest. Does this explain the David Beckham phenomenon. The one with an alluring aura, the chosen one, the superstar. The one who sits in the silver chair with a silver spoon in his mouth. The bright shinning silver star.   It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home 

Monday 3 December 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "Lost your head? King George V has once again been decapitated. The stoners seem to consider this statue a tempting target, taking great glee in seeing his head roll. But this figure of Oamaru stone is no mere monument, It is so very valuable because of its rarity, its history and its symbol of respect and reverence. Headless and incomplete it is like an ear without an earring, a neck without a necklace, a finger without a ring, a cuff without a cufflink, an arm without a bangle, a breast without a brooch.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home 

Monday 26 November 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "The last time I wore my famous blue raincoat it was torn under the shoulder. No surprise because it has had its share of wear and tear. I can't remember what came first, the blue raincoat or the Leonard Cohen CD with the "Famous Blue Raincoat" song; but when the two came together my blue raincoat was now always the "famous blue raincoat". One rainy day I wore it to art school and fellow student, Richard laughed and cheered. He clicked on and made the connection with my blue raincoat and Leonard Cohen's "Famous Blue Raincoat". Some things have a stand out from the crowd association like James Bond and diamonds, like silver and Jaguar cars, like Coco Chanel and fashion and like sterling silver jewellery and contemporary art object. It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home 

Monday 19 November 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been to the annual Grey Lynn Park Festival. Hundreds of stall-holders came together to display and sell their goods and thousands of festival goers came to enjoy the day and maybe buy. Variety and diversity was the theme of the day. Here I bought a beautiful flower, an everlasting flower of sterling silver which I will wear all summer long and into the autumn, then the winter and also the spring. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 12 November 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "Who decides and when does one decide that something is deemed for the discount bin? Years ago I bought a CD 'The Great Maria Callas' for a heavily reduced price of only $5 from a large music store chain. One's trash is another's treasure. And yet now three nights ago, I watched on TV a programme 'Maria Callas - Thirty Years Ago'  which was full of excel, emotion and tragedy. A decade ago I listened to a similar radio series which also documented her life and career. It appears that there are people who revere her and do not value her any less because of her downfalls and also because trends and fashion have moved on. I've seen  bling come and go and I've seen things of quality take a temporary dive in popularity. If some extraordinary, supernatural phenomenon occurred and Maria Callas came back to life now as she was then, she would be a rock star. Every single ticket to her live concert performance would be sold out and she would be in demand. Some things rest for awhile and lay dormant. Things that are memorable and that have moved us never die. Classic contemporary, retro return, sterling silver survivor.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home                                                                                      

Monday 5 November 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been doing the brain teaser in this week's Canvas Magazine. Question 4. Admired for its silvery translucent seed pods, what is the garden plant Lunaria annua better known as? No hesitation. Answer, honesty. Of course I know. There is a lovely pair of silver earrings in the studio, honesty inspired, full lunar shape, with layered texture that just tinkles the silvery light back at those who admire them.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 29 October 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been reading the newspaper. I see a beautiful happy photo of a school calf day. A young girl with her prize winning lamb pose for the photograph. Both are smiling and have sparkling eyes. But the lovely lamb's silver sparkle speaks a thousand words. They say 'I love you people, I trust you people, I am but an animal and like all animals have the right to be on this earth'. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home                                                                                                                    

Monday 22 October 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been singing the praises of this year's bird of the year, the grey warbler, or Riroriro This diminutive little songbird is as big as she is small. With a voice of a diva she delivers an aria for all to hear. Shy and flittery she will be heard but seldom seen. As a young girl growing up in a rural landscape, the wild neighbouring bush was home to the grey warbler and I will never forget here when I first heard the crystal, clear, tuneful, wavering melodic song. I had to wait until I was in my forties to see this tiny bird for the first time. A trinket, a treasure, a favourite thing, the beautiful silver bellied grey warbler that now nests in my studio garden. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 15 October 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "It's an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. The dentist to whom I'd paid my silver dollars to for the care of my teeth, had returned the custom. Silver earrings polished and bright like a beautiful smile catches the eye. Silver for silver, a fabulous buy. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 8 October 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "It was all determined by the toss of a silver coin. This was to resolve a dark matter concerning the wearing of the shirts. Black is black and navy blue is a resembling hue. But when both seen tangled in a scrum on the TV screen will look very much the same. In the end the black lost and so became grey. And indeed it was the end for the blacks for their inner and outer demeanour remained grey. Every grey shirt has a silver lining even if this one is a long time coming. This shirt is still in the laundry. It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 1 October 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                I've been anticipating the blooming. From the moment when bulb flower spikes burst up from the earth, one knows that there is much to look forward to. There is much to be done before the prime event, the planning, the preparation, the build up, the growth, the coming altogether, the coordination. Just like for a special occasion the unwrapping of the fine silver and setting the table with only the best. For the special do - the shopping, the buying or the ordering of the outfit. At the party it is all intended to be seen. A debutant come out, all eyes are drawn to the belle of the ball. When it is all over, the dress, the jewellery and the silver are packed back into their boxes, till the next time when it happens all over again. And the sterling silver again will be not the least and not the any less grand or ostentatious.  It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 24 September 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been to the Pirongia Annual Craft Day. Pirongia, a quiet, picturesque village with a hotel, cafe, community hall, public toilets, church, fire station, art and craft gallery and neat homes with beautiful gardens. And once a year it is the place to shop and all roads lead to Pirongia. Dozens and dozens of crafts people and fresh produce growers come together to erected their stalls along the main street verges and display their product  A dedicated team of volunteers work hard to ensure a Pirongia Paradise Day and once the market place is set, the road is closed to all motor vehicles and the punters swarm in. Hundreds and hundreds of shoppers come. They do more than just buy. They are supporters of New Zealand made. Thumbs up to all. Keep New Zealand's grass roots culture and identity alive. It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 17 September 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I'm undressing for summer. For two consecutive days the sunshine is blazing, the barometer is rising, the thermometer is escalating, the breezes blow mild. Two layers of winter woollens have been discarded. Step into jandals. Think about the first seawater plunge. Test the ocean temperature with the toes. Get naked with silver, wear sterling silver jewellery against your skin. It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home  

Monday 10 September 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been saddened by the death of a great tenor. My handkerchief is damp after wiping away the tears that welled up in my eyes. We grieve, we pay tribute and we also celebrate. I heard a great statement today, it was 'that Pavarotti's voice was likened to bright gleaming silver'. It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 3 September 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I'm proclaiming a new season. Officially spring arrived on the 1st, but hints, run-ups, prerequisites and trailers were showing days if not weeks beforehand. The horizon is bright with silver. Shepherds' delight, the silver shroud of dawn lifts to brilliance as minute by daily minute, sunlight and sunrise advances. Silver caught in cobwebs sparkle in dewy droplets. Hark the silver notes. Birds perched on branches and wire open their throttle throats and burst into a ballad of song.  Wake up, the winter hibernation is over.  The early bird catches the worm. The early shopper purchases the silver.  It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 27 August 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I'm seeing the beginning of the golden weather, a kowhai tree laden with gold. Hanging like a pendant the tui bird zipping nectar, balances like a pendulum. From flower to flower it moves. Sleek and opal black the bird's iridescent hues shimmer green, blue and aqua. Adeptly bold, sway within the blossom fold. Silver white the filigree neck feathers glint, silver white the throat crest bobbles with every swallow. It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home 

Monday 20 August 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been primping it, I've been flaunting it. There is silver in fantasy, there is fantasy in silver. A designer captures an idea and embellishes it. A model launches it on the runway and lets it fly. Its showy, its splendiferous silver. The runway gives you wings. The Catwalk Arts 2007.  It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home 

Monday 13 August 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been to the jazz and blues festival. Suck in air. Through harp, saxophone and trumpet deliver. Pronounce with an exhalation of breath, silver sound waves waft. Silver does jazz.  It's all that you want it to be." 

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 6 August 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 Birthdays come and birthdays go,                                                                                                            The passing of years regularly flow,                                                                                                          But a sterling silver jewellery gift,                                                                                                              May give that special someone a super lift.                                                                                              It's all that you want it to be.

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 30 July 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I'm relishing in a silver spangled morning. The high tide is a spring and soddens the crusty dry silver foot of the dunes. Three face moon on the western horizon, white moon, blue moon, silver moon, will be full tonight. Heart is as light as a ballerina. Sand sprinkled sand shoes twinkle and skip to avoid the rising surge of spindrift and silvery surf. The sun is thrown open like a balcony window and a crescendo of silver glare streaks along the ocean. The eyes squint because all is so silvery bright. The influences, inspirations and dissemination of silver. It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 23 July 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been making a movie - Searching for the Silver Suite. Synopsis - The silver pendant was beautiful. It hung from a silver chain close to the pretty woman's heart. But the soul of the pendant was distressed and at a loss for it sensed that it was incomplete. Superbly set in a stunning silverscape, we follow the pendant's search for the matching pair of earrings that would complete the ultimate adornment suite.                          Title - Searching for the Silver Suite                                 Director - Sterling Silver                                    Cast - Silver Pendant, Pretty Woman, Silver Earrings, Silversmith, Silver Brooch, Silver Rings, Silver Stud Executive Producer - 925                                               Screenwriter - Stg                                             Wardrobe - Contemporary Silver                                   © - Silver Jewel Studio                                     It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 16 July 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                I've had my umbrella turn inside out. Everything was at the mercy of the wind. It blew and blew at a horizontal 180 degree angle. It flew and flew at a rollicking 180 kilometre wind speed. Lain prostrate, the rain was driven flat to a 180 degree sheet. No sleep tonight, the storm is on a rage. 180 tin drums beat upon the roof in a never ending drum roll. 180 thundering hooves gallop upon the roof in a never ending equine stampede. 180 held breaths. 180 freezes of anxiety. 18 sheets of corrugated iron and timber framing is picked up like a handkerchief and sucked high into the air. And dropped. Victims to the elements are taken out. 5 days and five nights of power cut. Buckets, pots and BBQ's. What's on the menu tonight - defrosting food. Batten down the hatches. Ride out the storm, the lid on the silver jewellery box stayed closed. When it was all over never again to see the first pink blossom of spring. Never again to taste the almonds of autumn.

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home    

Monday 9 July 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I'll be with you in a second. Have you got a second? A second in time can make or break. In a second the concept is seeded. In a second the decision is made to do it. Second by second the seconds build to minutes, to hours, to days, to weeks, to months and to years. In that time every second developed us, strengthened us, formed our plans and strategies. Then the final seconds arrived 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. The second that started the match, the contest. The second of climax, the second of thrill and excitement. The second of equinox, the deciding factor in which one crosses the line to be declared the winner. A second of victory. A second of defeat, the sense of disappointment, loss and failure. But it takes a second to lift up your head. A second to reflect that we've come much further then when we first began. A second to know more now then we did, for now we did the best that we could. Just as well a second comes round again. For it takes a second to decide to do it all again. A second to begin again. A second that may give a second chance. Much is seen in a second. The first glint of sunrise, the twinkle of an eye. The sparkle of silver, the drop of a tear, the silver lining around a cloud, the final fade of sunset, a silver moon beam. It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home                                                                    

Monday 2 July 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been comparing cats and the similarity to silver. There's more to cats and silver that meets the eye. Will look you in the eye, eye-catching. More than a streak of tabby fur or the shine of a pendant. Domestic cat or felis silvestris catus has silver written all over it. The domestication of the wild. Begotten from the wilderness, excavated, extracted from the earth. Tamed, refined and groomed to look sleek, swelt and suave. Adores being pampered, stroked and rubbed, is the focal point of admiration. Is comfortable, gives you comfort, loves sitting on your body. Is charming, has charm  is lucky and a good luck charm. With nine lives, will last for maybe nine generations. Purrfect, good vibrations, good for you. The cat has class. The silver has sophistication. Sophisticated cat, classy silver. It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 25 June 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been cheering. What's silver, walks on water and comes from behind? The slipstream spewing from the back of NZL 92. Spit and polish the silver cup. It's on the move.  It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 18 June 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                I'm warm though its freezing. Silver is cool but not cold. A week before the shortest day and brass monkey weather settles in.. The blue air dissipates and stimulates an eruption of shivering upon the skin.  Recoil! the smooth surface contact inflicts a steely bite. The silver jewellery exposed upon the cushion, emits a slight chill at first glance. But look and warm to it. The curve of form  is shapely, cosy and softening, the variation of texture flashes scintillating sparks, layer upon layer the build up of dimension gives a vein of identity. Next to the skin the heat exchange begins. Next to the skin silver is as warm as toast.  It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home       

Monday 11 June 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been serenaded by silver quotes and sayings.                                                                                   Sail on, Silver girl, Sail on by. Your time has come to shine.                                                                    All your dreams are on their way. See how they shine - Paul Simon.                                                         Make new friends but keep the old ones; one is silver and the other's gold. - Proverb                               Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold. - Maurice Setter                            Come live with me, and be my love and we will some new pleasures prove. Of golden sands, and crystal brooks, with silken lines and silver hooks. - John Donne. It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 4 June 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been flicking through the fashion magazine. Looks like gleaming metallics are shimmering on the international runways this northern spring. Fancy gold chain mail dresses or space-age silver frocks? The magazine gives some styling advice - Top-to-toe spacewear created for the catwalks doesn't translate well to the street. Instead, allow one piece to shine and keep the rest of your outfit low-key and matte. My advice, a piece of sterling silver jewellery is all you need to shine like a star.  It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

 

Monday 28 May 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been striding through silver doors. Doors open and doors close.  The door to the Norsewear Art Award has closed. The door to the commission has closed. The door to the submission has closed. The door to the exhibition is ajar and will close on the 31st. Doors close and open. The door to the National Jewellery Awards is open. The door to the Catwalk Art Awards is open. The door to the great shopping store is open. Opportunity knocks. Knock, Knock! Who's there? Silver. Silver who? Sterling silver jewellery. It's all that you want it to be."

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 21 May 2007   

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've got things ready for ya. The gladies are blooming. The tuis are raucous. The monarch butterflies are fluttering. The fantails are twittering. The silver is shinning. The studio is open. So where the bloody hell are ya. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 14 May 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been reading. On a silver coloured page of the book 'il design della gioia - Il gioiello fra progetto e ornamento - Jewelry between design and ornament', this one quote has great impact. 'Design, architecture, sculpture, decorative art, fashion and ornaments, not to mention sociology, psychology and ethnology, come together in jewelry and contaminate one another on a level and to an extent unknown in other fields of creativity'  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 7 May 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been making it for the mothers. Sterling silver jewellery to celebrate them. Silver flowers for her hair. Silver leaves through her ears. Silver shells around her neck. A silver feather on her breast. Silver kauri bark around her finger. Silver ripples around her wrist. Silver kiwi bird above her ankle. Silver stars upon her hips. Whatever, its her forever. It's all that you want it to be" 

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 30 April 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've erected the sign, distributed the brochures, posted on the internet, informed the newspapers. Art in Paradise 2 exhibition is on. The studio door is wide open and the silver jewellery is shinning. Come on in. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 23 April 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "This week I honour and remember. A plate of silver in the hand, what is there to make. How is it to be made. Roll it, saw out a petal shape, melt down a centre capsule,. Forge the soft petal shape, snip out a stem, make up a pin, a hinge and a catch. Solder it all. Pickle, smooth and polish. For whom is it made for. Why is The Silver Poppy made. Lest we forget - ANZAC Day. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 16 April 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I'm going sailing. The America's Cup Yacht Race is starting. On April 16 the challenger elimination series starts. Emirates Team New Zealand, NZL 92 will be racing at just after midnight NZ time, at 2.10 pm Spanish time. A yacht of sterling silver, a brooch or a pendant with silver sails full, has got to be lucky. Close to the heart, a brooch or a pendant of a yacht of sterling silver with silver sails full is somewhat patriotic. I'll make one for you. Support the sailing with silver. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home  

Monday 9 April 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been autumnal. There's red, gold and brown on the ground. Beautiful autumn leaves tumbling down. There's silver in the form of a leaf. Silver leaves for the hair, on the ears, around the neck, pinned upon the lapel. There's red, gold and brown on the silver. Silver leaves with autumn colours. Silver and enamel in the form of leaves. For the hair on the ears, around the neck, pinned upon the lapel. It's all that you want it to be.

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 2 April 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been bird watching. Two tui birds, beauty on the ears. With silver beak and silver breast. Throat patch and neck frill enamel white. Aerial acrobat and variable songster. Two tui birds, sterling silver on the ears.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 26 March 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been getting ready for the Carnival - the Easter Sunday Leigh School Annual Gala. Look out for silver in the Art Auction. Bid silver for silver and help raise funds for the school. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 19 March 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been to the birthday party. So many birthdays in March to celebrate. Happy birthday silver hair accumulants. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 12 March 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been captivated by the mountain. On a clear day in Auckland  if standing on the steps of the War Memorial Museum or the summit of Mt Eden or in a sail boat on the Hauraki Gulf, look north and see in the distant horizon a double peak. This is Mt Tamahunga, Matakana's prominent mountain. Rising 439 metres its twin peak mounds have an allure that seems to want to take you there. Artists are inspired. Photographers take pictures. Poets write. Tourist operators entice. Walkers of Te Araroa - The Long Path (a hiking trail the length of New Zealand) hike the 8 km section. Cafe clientele sip and take in the view. Locals call it magic. And now with the prototype complete, the real construction of the sterling silver and enamel crown for Tamahunga is the next phase of my adoration of this mountain. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 5 March 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been constructing a crown. The village of Matakana lacks a public lavatory. Some of the locals decide that no ordinary design would do, so a flash fabrication is planned for the public pans. But so fancy is the facade that the budget blows out like an unforgivable fart. To fundraise is the motion and on the weekend Matakana is Kingdom for a Day. Food, wine, festivities, frolic, music and art will entice the people to spent a penny or two. The Queen and the Mayor will lead the parade and amongst the kings, knights, lords, ladies, princes, princesses, a maiden bears a beautiful crown made of silver. It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 26 February 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been on a working holiday. The silverware carefully packed and southward bound to the Hamilton Garden's Summer Art Festival we went. The Right Bank Arts Festival our destination. Nestled amongst 120 stalls, site 49 set up upon the Rhododendron Lawn. Popped up the umbrella, sprung open the table, throw the table cloth over and place down the silver. Let the exchange of silver to silver begin. Coffee, sandwiches, icecream, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a bed to sleep in, snacks and a bottle of wine. Like a ring or a necklace the cycle goes on and on.  It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 19 February 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 The beautiful strains of the Auckland Symphony Orchestra and the magnificent voice of Dame Malvina Major resounds throughout Whitmore Road on Saturday evening. Let the annual Matakana Charity Concert 2007 "A Carnival of Music with the Stars Under the Stars" begin.. Food, wine, buskers, chatter, auction and raffles, the pre-show delights. The money bucket, rapidly filling with the sale of raffle tickets. A rice-paper scroll tied with a silver ribbon, declares a prize of a sterling silver pair of earrings or a sterling silver pair of cufflinks. I hope the prize winner may find something to his or her liking..  It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 12 February 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                            "I've been to Animal Aid 07 at the Matakana Country Park  The purpose of the day was to support the native bird emergency care fund and the animal sanctuary for rescued animals. My silver jewellery and art stall was there amongst others to help make the day a success. The days before, I was busy making a pair of sterling silver morepork earrings. On their completion, they flew in on silent silver wings and settled into the silent auction stand. Their black and yellow enamel morepork eyes were so irresistible that they quickly wooed a buyer. The silver had turned into helpful dollars for the native bird emergency care fund. It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

 

Monday 5 February 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I may look externally stunningly sterling but internally I am tarnished and wounded through to heart and soul. The popular little open air market at Matakana House in which I have been part-taking in for months now, is under threat. Local politics and the outcome of a Resource Consent process will decide its survival. In the meantime there is a hole in the charity bucket of the local Hospice for they are also losers.

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 29 January 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been to the wedding and silver was all around. There's silver on the invite that said we have much pleasure in inviting you. There's silver on the saxophone that was played at the service. There's names written over silver painted river stones that were laid on the table that showed you where to be seated. There's silver in the little draw string pouches. Silver sugared almonds and silver foiled chocolates and a little heart note that said thank you for coming and sharing our happy day with us. There's silver bows on the parcels that said best wishes and congratulations. There's silver on the coffee maker, the toaster and kitchen gadgets. There's quality silver sheets and silver glaze on the beautiful M & J platter. There's silver from the first quarter moonlight that lit the warm summer sky. Love is all around and it can be said with silver. It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

 

Monday 22 January 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been part-taking in local art exhibitions. One at Puhoi Village to help raise funds for the upkeep and maintenance of their beautiful historical hall and one at Matakana, also a fundraiser, for the Warkworth and Wellsford Hospice. Buildings and bodies like silver, tarnish and deteriorate  through exposure to certain elements and time. Every body and everything has special qualities. Wear it well and every single day show off your fine silver.  So make every day the best day possible.  It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

 

Monday 15 January 2007

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I came to a virtual stand still because of a broken link. And now the chain connection has been resoldered and once again silver words and silver pictures can be uploaded onto the silver screen. But in reality the silver cycle never stopped. In the exchange from silver to silver, hand to hand everyone got what they wanted. So fast was the spin that some favourite new season's pieces never got launched into cyber space. The temperature is rising, the rocket is bolting, the surf is up, the summer is sizzling and the silver is shinning. It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 18 December 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been blinded by the bling of Christmas. By the radiance of ribbons, stars and streamers, baubles and bows, tassels and tinsel, decorative paper and cards. All in the seasonal sensation of sociality. When the shinning clinking coins and the flashing holographic credit cards are rested and all the presents and parcels are opened, sterling silver is again on top. The star of the soft parade, forever fashionable, elegance rules. Shine on you subtle silver. It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home         

Monday 11 December 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been counting down the twelve days of Christmas.                                                                            On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a silver eye in a silver fern tree.                                On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me two silver earrings And a silver eye in a silver fern tree. On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me three silver chains, two silver earrings and a silver eye in a silver fern tree. On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me four silver necklaces, three silver chains, two silver earrings and a silver eye in a silver fern tree. On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me five silver studs, four silver necklaces, three silver chains, two silver earrings and a silver eye in a silver fern tree. On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me six silver bangles, five silver studs, four silver necklaces, three silver chains, two silver earrings and a silver eye in a silver fern tree. On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me seven silver brooches, six silver bangles, five silver studs, four silver necklaces, three silver chains, two silver earrings and a silver eye in a silver fern tree. On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me eight silver cufflinks, seven silver brooches, six silver bangles, five silver studs, four silver necklaces, three silver chains, two silver earrings and a silver eye in a silver fern tree. On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me nine silver bracelets, eight silver cufflinks, seven silver brooches, six silver bangles, five silver studs, four silver necklaces, three silver chains, two silver earrings and a silver eye in a silver fern tree. On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me ten silver rings,  nine silver bracelets, eight silver cufflinks, seven silver brooches, six silver bangles, five silver studs, four silver necklaces, three silver chains, two silver earrings and a silver eye in a silver fern tree. On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me eleven silver pins, ten silver rings, nine silver bracelets, eight silver cufflinks, seven silver brooches, six silver bangles, five silver studs, four silver necklaces, three silver chains, two silver earrings and a silver eye in a silver fern tree. On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me twelve silver buttons, eleven silver pins, ten silver rings,  nine silver bracelets, eight silver cufflinks, seven silver brooches, six silver bangles, five silver studs, four silver necklaces, three silver chains, two silver earrings and a silver eye in a silver fern tree.         It's all that you want it to be" 

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home 

Monday 4 December 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been listening to the weather forecast. The first official day of summer has passed and the start of the silvery shining summer is loitering. Like a ring, the cycle goes round and round and El Nino is having its turn. Predictions are that of every ten days in December, four will be of matt silver, two will be of gloss and matt silver assimilation, three will be of polished silver and one will be of serendipitous silver. The weather may determine what to wear but whatever the dress, emphasize the silver.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home 

Monday 27 November 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been busy as a bee, sowing seeds for the harvest and savouring the smell of the roses. The studio garden is in full production. Roses, daisies, blossoms are blooming and the silver wings of honey bees whir in top thrust to carry away the collected pollen. In a stage of their life cycle, the silver pin head eggs of monarch butterflies dot the under side of swan plant leaves.  The equinox wind is wicked and has dislodged a silver eye's nest and sent it tumbling to the ground. Oh what a treat, an intricate sculpture of architecture and design. Interlaced and woven the silver strands of horse tail hairs, the silver parachute seed heads of thistle flowers, the grasses and lichen dried to a silver sheen. In her studio, the contemporary jeweller inspired by the way it is, goes about her business.  A quartet of baby hedgehogs with silver tipped spicks rummage at the edge of the undergrowth. Look, study the undergrowth, the down-under, the underneath there are treasures to behold and plenty to be found. Silver is all around.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home

Monday 20 November 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been singing in the rain. The Saturday sunrise submerged. It rained slugs and snails and it blew sheets and sails. Outside all was splashed and saturated. Sadly the shopping stampede was of no consequence. Most of the shoppers chose to stay inside to consume soup and toasted sandwiches. As promised, Siobhan still came. For the silver stallion earrings were bespoke.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home            

Monday 13 November 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been simulating my own silver TV ads. Have you seen the one with the four business men in the elevator exchanging black briefcases. Black is black. Black is the car. Four lovely women around the table, never without their handbags. Hers is greige, hers is grisaille, hers is taupe. Hers is silver. Silver is silver. Silver is the jewellery. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home 

Monday 6 November 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been adding colour. Silver and enamel is the new black. Silver and enamel has symbiotic  interaction with colour. Silver and enamel is the fashion. Silver and enamel is red, white, blue, green, pink, orange and black. Silver and enamel is the dress. Silver and enamel is the accessory. Silver and enamel is the compliment. Silver and enamel is the element. Silver and enamel is the part that makes the whole. Silver and enamel is the complete look. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 30 October 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been defending my silver pohutukawa leaf brooch. How can this New Zealand pohutukawa leaf be described as an Australian gum tree leaf? When it was plucked from a living pohutukawa tree and set before me like a life drawing model or a still life piece for a study of all its features. How can this leaf be faulted as being too large. Pohutukawa leaf in its maturity is not diminutive. Have they not seen. Have they not walked in the native, nature of Wenderholm, Tawharanui and Buckleton Beach amongst the mature stands. Have they not stood within the shadow and looked up into the silver canopy. Have they not relaxed in the shade upon a litter of dry fallen leaves. Have they not picked up a leaf and caressed it. Cradled it in the palm, see that if laid from the base of the index finger to the heel of the palm that there's little room left, see that its width spans two fingers, see that its length extends beyond the middle finger, see that the species is Metrosideros excelsa. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 23 October 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 'I've been shopper spotting. The kiwi icon in the triangle may not mean much to some local punters. If the goods do what  they want, it looks like what they want and the price is right, its bought. Where it comes from or who made it, just doesn't matter. But oh, how good does it feel when a shopper buys your very own New Zealand made product. The kiwi is king and the sensation is supreme and the silver is stacking. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home 

Monday 16 October 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been formulating the Je Switzer Code. There on the back of the pendant, a stamped impression    j  a custom stylised text, engraved onto the sterling silver which many an anagram unfold - glisten lives  And there on the back of the brooch, the same stamped impression   j  executed with a hardened steel rod that engraved the sterling silver which  many an anagram unfold - rising ever. And again, there on the back of the earrings, the same again stamped impression    j  the rod handle with a 360 decorative twist that engraved the sterling silver which many an anagram unfold - live et girls. Yet again, there on the back of the cufflinks, the same stamped impression    j  the handmade mark of the maker that engraved the sterling silver which many an anagram unfold. - sing veriest. But now, back to chapter 44 of the Da Vinci Code, the book that I am reading.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home 

Monday 9 October 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been waiting for the silver ring of the telephone. But the silver strains never sounded. And so the supreme prize in the Rodney Art Awards was not mine. Hey, I've still won. The accumulation of participations, exposure and experiences sells the silver. You see her silver. You say 'have you seen her silver'. You slipped her silver flyer into your handbag. You searched the web and hit upon her silver. You read her silver story in the newspaper. You visit her silver studio open today. You see her Citroen with the silver signage. You see she's exhibiting here and she's exhibiting there. Her silver is inscribed in your memory. You wear her silver. My trumpet is silver and I blow it.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home 

Monday 2 October 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been recreating beautiful children's drawings into lasting, cherished jewellery treasures. With flashing, flaming torch and a sprinkling of solder picks, whimsical pendants and brooches are cleverly made. The young artists with paper, colour pencils and loads of enthusiasm have drawn a little picture, a lovely gift for me and you. Pageants of people just like you and me. They are your sisters, your brothers, your mother, your aunty, your uncle, the whole of the family. They have button noses, marble eyes, skew-whiff smiles. The green hair, a single worm like thread, bears a princess crown of kitten like incisors. They have stick figures and block bodies. They have four hearts painted on the chest or one huge heart to enclose you with in. So disproportional on paper yet totally in perspective in their mind's eye. Lasting, cherished silver jewellery treasures.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 25 September 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been attracted to, mesmerised and intrigued by a scarecrow. Eyes wide, pupils dilated, like marbles black and yellow. Wings extended, feathers spread, tail fanned. Talons open, claws sharp, beak ready. The quail had long been picked clean and only a sun bleached wishbone remained. The sparrow, a meatless meagre morsel was pecked at, spat out and left for maggots, ants and worms to clean. The silence of a still life painting, the motion of the chase, the hunt. A dappled hovering marvel captured in a frame. The silver moth a flutter. Beautiful and eye catching. It's blue and copper markings illuminated. Fatal attraction. The Plight of the Silver Moth. See it at the Warkworth Sheepworld Scarecrow Festival on now. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Tuesday 19 September 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been modelling my wearable art again. The show at Tuakau was a prize-winning success and The Silver Queen took first place in the Jewellery Category. Jewellery as adornment may decorate all parts of the body and often when worn, is seen as an accessory or a compliment with something else. So a jewellery outfit was created that had immediate visual impact and be regarded as the outstanding feature and the fabric garments be the accessories.. The Silver Queen with alpine daisy and koru hairpiece, native clematis brassiere, starfish earrings, dolphin necklace, starfish hip chain, kiwi fence calf chain, crustacean arm bangle, flat rock arm bangle, pohutukawa floret ring and sea surf ring made up the total package.                                                                                                                                             The Silver Queen loves plants and the ocean,                                                                                         The Silver Queen wears flowers in her hair and starfish on her hips,                                                     The Silver Queen wears a necklace, rings, bangles, earrings all of sterling silver,                               The Silver Queen wears her brassiere on top because its gleam loves to be seen.                         Shine on you stunning silver, it's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 11 September 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been given a salsa recipe that's hot! Take a batch of scarecrows, handfuls of art trail, cups of cafes, grams of exhibitions, bottles of vineyards, glasses of wine, plates of good food, bowls of produce, pinches of book launch, garnishes of guided bush walks, a drizzle of olive oil, a serving of a Grand Charity Ball, seasoning of flowers and praise, lashings of village day entertainment, slices of history celebration, litres of kayak canoe showdown, a dollop of guided beach horse riding, a portion of fun walk, a grating of an acclaimed film screening, heaps of accommodation, sprinkling of tapestry decor. And silver spoonfuls of Silver Jewellery & Art. Sample it all at the 37th Kowhai Festival, Springtime Salsa Celebration.                It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home 

Monday 4 September 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been flying with the butterflies. The studio door closed today behind the wings of a silver butterfly. First flight debutant. What a beauty.  Silver wings etched with pattern, with markings of copper streaks and sky blue enamel swirls. Spring is here and necks are beginning to bare. Lovely resting places for butterflies with sterling silver wings etched with pattern and markings of copper streaks and sky blue enamel swirls. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home 

Monday 28 August 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been preparing for the wedding season. The bell pealed, calling all guests to be seated into the pews. Two-thirty on a Saturday afternoon at the little church in Matakana. Stride out in silver, be seen in silver, a dress up silver dazzle day. Chains circling necks, pendants presented on breast bones, earrings dangling from ears and earrings pinned through earlobes, fingers threaded through rings, hairpieces highlighting hair, cufflinks peeping out from jacket sleeves, brooches blazing from lapels. A special occasion sterling silver day.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                      To Home

Monday 21 August 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been setting the table with silver and basking in the alfresco sunlight. One door has closed and another has opened. Ten steps further up the path, under the pergola, across the pavers and into the front garden. Find tables laden with treasures, things old and new, some useful, some quirky, some pretty and some with got to have charm and character. Pick them up, turn them around, try them on. Grab a coffee, stroll under umbrellas, around easels, sit awhile on outdoor tables, critique the paintings, be drawn to the shine of sterling silver. Swing to the music and the Saturday sway of mainstreet Matakana.   Discover the trove. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home

Monday 14 August 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been making sterling silver, silver fern earrings. A commission request, at last forced me to shed my inhibitions over crafting our very own national emblem. An image is an image and one as iconic and  authentic as the silver fern has its own specific characteristic form and shape. Many versions have been illustrated, so difficulties were felt in being able to create my own unique interpretation. An apple is not an orange so why make the fern look like something that it is not. The emblem is modelled on Cyathea colensoi or creeping tree fern so mine like the hundreds of ferns designed prior to mine, will be frond shaped. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                       To Home

Monday 7 August 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been super modelling. It was all fun and fantasia at the Warkworth, Wellsford Hospice Catwalk Arts Show. A transformation of everything and anything into clever, creative and stunning outfits. A revived lease of life for many materials with a new interpretation to the conventional purpose and function. Amazing things can be done with glass, glitter, sequins and beads. To buttons, ties and all things in a sewing basket. To astelia blades and flax, driftwood, shells and paua pieces. To papier mache and mosaic tiles. To fabric of all colours, texture and description. To teddy bears and feathers. To dried leaves, fake flowers, willow branches, lichen and nikau husks. To shower curtains, table cloths and dressing gowns. To toilet roll inners, incontinence pads, and insemination equipment. To baubles and bottle tops. To Roses chocolate wrappers. To CD's, records and cassette tapes. To foam chips, polystyrene, balloons, ping pong balls and plastic. To lycra, silk, ribbons and lace. To felt, cardboard, wood and wool. To cones, hula hoops and jig saw puzzles. To paint and glue. And to sterling silver.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home 

Monday 31 July 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been to the rehearsal. Excitement is simmering, enthusiasm is smouldering. It's just days before the Warkworth, Wellsford Hospice Catwalk Arts Show. And tickets for the awards night have long sold out. Every step taken this week will be that of a model walking on an imaginary catwalk. Whether wearing the silver soled gumboots or the silver topped possum fur studio bootlets or the real thing - the high heel silver supreme shoes, I will be walking the walk. Be it through the paddock, across the lawn, down the garden path or weaving between the trees in the orchard, be it in the kitchen, down the hall, along the studio, across the dinning room and into the lounge, I am walking the walk. Ready, steady, go strut your stuff. Walk forward, stop at the end, step to the left, step to the right, turn, walk on, swing those hips, pause in the centre, step to the left, step to the right, look to the right, look to the left, hand on hip, hand on thigh, final twirl and off. Hope that the shine radiating from my silver themed costume over shadows my stage fright nerves. Shimmer silver, sparkle silver, glisten silver glitter silver, twinkle silver in the bright stage lights. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home  

Monday 24 July 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been writing a poem on International Poetry Day.  

Raining Silver                                                                           

Raindrops fell                                                                                                                                      And collected in the centre                                                                                                                       Of a nasturtium leaf                                                                                                                                 A bubble of a gem                                                                                                                                  A puddle of a jewel                                                                                                                          Beautiful liquid crystal.                                                                                                                            Look deeper into the magnifying glass                                                                                             Beneath this huddle of water                                                                                                                See the leaf's veins flow with silver

Inspiration fell                                                                                                                                        And collected in the head                                                                                                                       Of a jewellery artist                                                                                                                                 A shape of a leaf                                                                                                                               Formed in sterling silver                                                                                                                      Beautiful shinning earrings.                                                                                                                   Look closer upon the silver surface                                                                                                        See two raindrops have fallen                                                                                                              Never to dry droplets, of enamel glass.

 It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home

Monday 17 July 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "It wasn't a split second or a melting moment, nor a New York minute, but a silver tri-dolphin day. It was a perfect midwinter's morning and in a brisk beach walk state of mind. Omaha Bay surf was surging, the sandshoes were striding, the sun shone silver and silver bobbed upon the water. A pod of dolphins with silver fins frolicked just mere metres off the shore. Back in the studio the morning story came on over the radio. It began, 'I have always known that in another life I was - or will be - a dolphin. I'm silver and grey, the sleekest thing on fins, with a permanent smile on my face. I leap over and through the waves. I choose a passing yacht to dive under and hear the shouts of the children as I emerge triumphant close to the boat'. Alex, The Making of a Champion by Tessa Duder continues on and the making of a feature chain commences. A length of silver wire is cut, drawn, rolled, forged, snipped into lengths, shaped soldered, linked. A pod of sterling silver dolphins leap and dive around the neck.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 10 July 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been observing the significance of colour. Certain colours speak volumes.  A red card presented to a player on the football field means disgrace, blown the chances, you are off. The silver headed coach with dark eyebrows and an edge of darkness at the hairline roots, appears charismatic and sophisticated. But a plume of mystique flows from those wavy locks. Is it a splash of cosmetic silver or genuine seasoning of salt and pepper? The identifying outfit worn by the members of a sports team while playing can be any colour that you want it to be. The strip also supported by the fans is often  adorned, adopted and emulated. A combination of red, white and blue, may fly but what does it mean?. It is the order and design that define the true nationality and patriotism. The jubilant, victorious champion team cloaked in red, white and green and today embellished with gold.  The gold medal is the supreme prize, an award to the ultimate winner. The silver medal is the next best. But not good enough to some who react with bitter disappointment and under achievement and quickly slip the medallion into the pocket without showing a trace of appreciation. Then again, sparkling silver rejoices in why we did it, and marks where we have been and how we got here to this point. Sparkling, shimmering silver for the celebration and glory. In the end when all is said and done it is the silver flakes that will rain down all over. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                      To Home

Monday 3 July 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been silver dreaming. Page 011 of the New Zealand Classic Car Magazine, July. It reads 'Classic Bling'. The Jaguar XJ, pure silver.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                       To Home

Monday 26 June 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been given a silver opportunity. Matakana Village on a Saturday sizzles. The Farmers' Market basket is full to the brim with fresh local produce, the barista continuously serves coffee, the baker's bread is devoured as soon as it comes out of the oven, bric-a-brac from the al fresco curio stalls are picked over, the Rusty and the House are open for lunch and a cold drink, St Leonard's doors are open for a quiet sit and a prayer. All the parking spaces are full and there's people everywhere And now Jeannette Switzer Silver Jewellery & Art is amongst it all. Every Saturday till 26 August in the Studio 19 Matakana Valley Road. The venetian blinds have been raised, the ranch slider pushed open, the art is hanging and the jewellery is sparkling. Come on in.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 19 June 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been keeping my feet warm. Matakana, south of the winterless north is cold this winter. The silver Frost siblings Jack and his sister Dew, have visited and left their icy calling card. The numbing and whiteness they inflict to the toes, almost stop the silver jewellery from being made.  The current special project is a challenge and working for hours and hours at the bench had almost cast the feet to silver. Walk on through the wind, walk on through the rain. The Matakana in May - Art in Paradise Exhibition was a success, so a treat for the feet was splurged upon. Silver topped, possum fur ankle boots do the toasty trick.  And the Warkworth Hospice Catwalk Arts will have its special, sparkling, silver jewellery hot feature. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home       

Monday 12 June 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've had 24 hours of silver extreme. The shine and the tarnish and the survival between. It started on Sunday when Beatrix showed in that splendid silver fern sequin gown. She swirled, swayed and wowed them and was considered supreme. Silver slumber, silver slumber, silver full moon rising, single slow strobe glide across the sky. A night of subtle moon beams and silhouette shadows. Its dawn and no pure silver flute song of the tui is sounding. The wind is hissing amongst the trees and screaming and shrieking across wide open spaces. Squally rain bashes like shot against iron and pane. The clock radio shuts off with no warning. No power supply on this miserable morning. No solar sunrise rays stride down the hallway, get set for a steely grey day. A longer sleep in between silver sheets bears no guilt on the conscience. No daily showering today, its cold so shouldn't make much of a stink. Silver striped socks, silver soled slippers and a silver spun hand woven sofa blanket is snug. The espresso machine is stagnant but a speedy gas camp primus with a silver saucepan atop makes a hot cup of coffee  Silver steam is rising and the sugar is stirred in with a silver spoon. There's slaughter in the garden. Newly silver zippered monarch butterfly chrysalis look battered and bruised  A pretty planter pot is smashed, gates swing open, debris is strewn and the back door slams. The story is simple, keep the survival kit stocked, the silverware spic and span, stick to the plan and there will be shining silver behind the dark, threatening clouds when disaster strikes. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                      To Home

Monday 5 June 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been dancing with the stars. But it is not the twinkle toes, or nimbleness of feet, or brilliant technique that capture the eye. Nor the performance spin of the oscillating couples dancing their way around the dance floor. It is the lure of the luminescence, the allure of the illumination; the swing and the sway and the strobe light twinkling of the silver that really shine. The Viennese waltz has grace but the neck chokers are more scintillating. The cha cha is cheeky but the chains do the shimmy. The tango is erotic but the bangles have more spangle. The paso-doble is raunchy but the pendants have more sparkle. The quickstep is skippy but the flickering rings have more. The jive is jazzy but the earrings are glittering. The rumba is hot but the bracelets are burnishing. The foxtrot is erratic but the necklaces are flickering.  Silver, silver on the floor is the fairest of them all. It's all that you want it to be".   

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                      To Home

Monday 29 May 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been admiring apples. Apples are legend. It began with Adam and Eve and the apple. Later, stories bearing apples were told such as Dianah and the Golden Apples, William Tell, and Newton's Apple. Bobbing the apple and snap apple, old fashioned games that were played. Proverbs and sayings are laden with apples; apple of my eye, the big apple, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, an apple for the teacher. sweet as apple pie. People name themselves Apple and are naming their children Apple. Businesses, companies and logos cropped the apple. Apples in the beginning, apples now, apples in the future, apples for the end. There's more than just an A for apple. There's apples for adornment, apples in paradise. My Sterling Silver Apple Necklace is your unique apple. Pick mine.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                      To Home

Monday 22 May 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been waving farewell to a little kiwi, away on its OE.  Kiwi snugly wrapped in a bubble wrap blanket then placed in a cardboard travelling case,. Tie the string, stick on the stamps and labels, fly away to London. What will the little kiwi see and do there? the Wellington Arch, Buckingham Palace, the changing of the guards, 10 Downing Street, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, The Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, see meat eating ravens, sit on the grass in Hyde Park, ride on a red double decker bus down Brompton Road, shop at Harrods, cruise upon the Thames. Take good care of kiwi, lady, whose breast that its pinned to. Shining feathers, slender beak, gleaming eye and sturdy feet, silver kiwi brooch is much more than an image, its a yearning, a memory, a comfort. It's close to the heart. It's home. Kiwis can fly.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home

Monday 15 May 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been celebrating the number twenty-five. 25 eggs in one basket, 25 coins in a fountain, 25 birds upon a wire, 25 kilometres there and back, 25 pages in a chapter, 25 chapters in a book, 25 flowers in a posy, 25 trinkets in a box, 25 presents under the tree, 25 years of motherhood, 25 years of being a daughter, 25 years of marriage, 25 people in the family, 25 birthdays, 25 greeting cards, 25 candles on the cake, 25 balloons at the party, 25 dishes on the menu, 25 chocolates on a plate, 25 songs to sing to, 25 tunes to dance to, 25 charms on a bracelet, 25 inches of necklace, 25 millimetre long earrings, 25 links in the chain. The number is 25, the name is sterling silver, cool is the colour, the reason is the occasion, gorgeous is the look, fabulous is the feeling, forever is the anniversary. Sterling silver jewellery is the pleasure. Go celebrate it with sterling silver. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home

Monday 8 May 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've seen silver described as the indispensable metal. From 3000 B.C. in Asia Minor and the Greek Islands, serious silver mining began. The discovery of the "New World" in 1492, especially of Bolivia, Peru and Mexico, saw a boom in the world production and trade of silver. 1876 to 1920 represented an explosion in technological innovation and exploitation of new worldwide regions of  U.S., Australia and Europe. In the early part of the last century, advances in bulk mining methods, refinement of extraction techniques and  improved ore separation and electrorefining allowed for increased production worldwide and ultimately an increased output of refined silver. Silver in the home, silver on the body, useable, wearable silver. The price of milk, the price of silver, the price of gold. Supply, demand, and investments.  The lure, the temptation, the reward, the need. Tantalizingly close to getting them....... Two pieces of precious metals lying in a box in the confinement of the jewellers shop display cabinet because it was essential to have them there 14 days before mother's day or Christmas, or Easter, or father's day or that special occasion. Silver thread and golden needles cannot mend....... Yes its wanted and everyone's wanting it now but do it safely, look after the precious metal miners. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 1 May 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been sprucing up the studio. Making the windows gleam, doing the hoovering and shooing out spiders spinning a web for cosy winter inhabitation. Making things spic and span for the spanking new silver that is moving in. Working soap suds and soft bristle brushes, the final buff for the debut showing. Hammering in picture hooks, suspending the satin mounts, hanging the silver artware. Arrange, rearrange, curate, colour co-ordinating, pondering the position.. Look good in silver. Art in Paradise Exhibition 5 - 28 May a Matakana in May Celebration.It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                      To Home

Monday 24 April 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been proclaiming the exhibition. Ringing the silver bells, beating the drums, shouting from the rooftops, sounding the trumpet. Inflating the balloons, whirring the whirlers, wetting the whistle. Picking up pamphlets, dropping them in boxes, marking on the map, pinning up posters, erecting signs in public places. Fingering the keyboard, editing the web, feeding the outbox, and pressing send. Art in Paradise Exhibition 5 - 28 May, a Matakana in May Celebration. Leave the lacklustre, get to Matakana for the silver. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home  

Monday 17 April 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been celebrating Easter. On Good Friday the ingredients were sought and weighted up, the processing had started. Handled with no degree of delicacy, the blob, the mass was subjected to a punch bag manipulation. Shoved, flipped, rolled, slapped, banged, punched up, knocked down. There was no fight just a recoiling, malleable submission. Pierced and pinched into pieces it was laid out upon a slab. Then it was burdened with a cross and entombed for a period of time. And when the door was pulled open it was seen to have risen. All the people rejoiced and celebrated  They took out their silver bread knives, silver plates, silver goblets and decorated their bodies with beautiful silver and had a feast of Hot Cross Buns in honour of the Resurrection.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 10 April 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been taking in the harvest.. Before birds pilfer the pickings with their pricking beaks, the nets are cast, the bangers are set blasting, the gunshots fire and silver streamers of foil that decorate wire and post spin and clacker in the breeze. Silver shrouds of netting, the Easter bride with veils billowing in the wind conceal and cover bunches that hang like jewels. Rubies, garnets, peridots, emeralds all coated with the silvery sheen of ripening bloom. Like the throw of a table-cloth over the dinner table the setting and preparing, the simmering and seasoning to produce the perfect beverage.  To reach the optimal sugar content and acidity balance, the vintners' luck lies in the hands of the weather. Then when no more goodness can be gained the silver secateurs gathers the Matakana vintage in. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                      To Home

Monday 3 April 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been observing silver on the move. For the first time since the 1990's the price of silver has risen significantly. For 22 years Silver Piggy Bank sat very contented and patient on the mantel-piece and gave trend its day. Silver, tucked away, lovely little collectibles, sitting on the back burner, collecting interest, building status. Silver Piggy Bank, buffed up and bright shining anew has earned a bigger share of Paradise. Silver wants to be taken out, be seen on the town, be dressed up, be the icing on the cake, be the finishing touch, be dressed for the part. Bling come tumbling down, all the Trinnis, Dewels and Harriets have worn it out. Bling a frazzled fade. Savour the silver, fathom the fashions, dazzle the individuality. Stepping out, take it out, silver is on the move. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home  

Monday 27 March 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 "I've been to France and back in a day. The Citroen Dyane loaded with silver seashells,  silver river ripples, silver leaves and flowers, silver surf, fishes and birds; some of the images that make up the jewel that is Matakana, to be put out on show at the French Expo. The girl with the French name and the French car and the love of the good life and lovely things is the French connection. The design silverware, original, handcrafted accessory, laid out on the table along with a selection of French cultural fare. Bonjour, cafe au lait to spark off the day. The French Patisserie offer irresistible treats. The croissant that rolled amongst the almonds, the chocolate with a pastry wrap, two pressed biscuits kissed with jam that said "be my sweetheart" from a cut out love heart window. A flute of champagne with lively bubbles. Black stockings on legs trimmed with frilly garters and toes that tipped the chandeliers. The baguette with a smear of pate or a triangle of brie or camembert. And the fruity Beaujolais that followed was swallowed. The Harlequin clown painted onto the face, his pantomime made everybody laugh. The Musketeer with long curly locks and lacy cuffs that covered the handle of his sharp, silver sword. The minstrelsy of music that sang in between. The smooth parade of classic Citroen cars, with silvery double arrow heads shining bright.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

 

Monday 20 March 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been fascinated by a transfiguration.. Silver pin head eggs strategically laid upon leaves. Tiny caterpillars, silver, black and yellow hatch. Bingeing  bites, insatiable chomps, gorging gnaws. What a voracious appetite. Left to right to left to right to left to right to left to right to left to right to left to right, a knitting machine knitting a stretch and grow, roly-poly sweater. Chunky caterpillar, juicy and blubbery fat, has stripped all the leaves. Slithering down the skeleton plant to the underside of a silvery astealia blade, a safe place to hang awhile. Drop into a j. Don't need this sweater any more. Gyrate like a limbless Houdini, ride the sweater up the back, over the head and off. Sealed within a sheath hanging in a quiescent state. Inside an invisible transformation awaits. Break on through to the other side. Drying wings, stretching and strengthening. Monarch butterfly, graceful and light, lifted by the breath of a zephyr breeze, flies away. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 13 March 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been sitting on the right side of the fence. On the fringe of Tawharanui's silver perimeter, a fence secure stands. Built as a stoppage, a stumbling block, a tripwire. Spurn the scissor sister stoat, slitting egg shells like paper to get to the slurpy saddleback, silvereye or stitchbird nog. Snag the pulverising processor possum, making pesto of pohutukawa leaves. Snare the ravenous razor rat, roasting a rack of roosting Black Robins' breasts. Stave off  the wild kitchen whizz cats, tossing up a fresh green skink salad. Stall the domestic dog, with killer instinct incisors that tightly clamp a kiwi. Silver wired fence, structured like a bezel on a ring. The link to survival to a treasure box full of silver heritage. Threatened species on the Tawharanui Regional Park live in safeguard, shelter, seclusion, sanctuary and safety.. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home

Monday 6 March 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                 I've been moving at a snail's pace. On the fringe of Matakana's silver perimeter, a sign elevated on high, tall as the tree tops reads 'You are now on Matakana time'. Stick around awhile, there's no need to rush away, learn of the concept of establishing Matakana as New Zealand's first Citta Slow Town. Maybe stay, open up a little business, no hurry just set the pace. Decelerate, ease up, relax, amble and dawdle. An andante movement, sing to the soothing strains of an unchained melody. Snails and mollusc slowly slither through the mind. Virtual design happening, leaving a trail of silver that will in time become a reality, a beautiful silver neckpiece. Summer siesta, swimsuit clad, day after day strolling the sands of Omaha Beach for the flawless shell, the silvery pink, delicate, spiral collection. The dainty catseyes, precious sea treasures to be set with silver.  Stroll, saunter, keep a slackened pace, soft pedal forwards, smell the roses. Take the time to read the epic advert that fills up the whole of the page. Why hurry when the going is good. Give yourself plenty of time to do what it takes. But never stand still. A rolling stone gathers no moss.  But unfortunately, some snails are crushed or wiped out in the landslide  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home  

Monday 27 February 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                "I've been trying to get my head around it. Oh savage day, the silver of Matakana's eye has been  spoiled.  King George V, monumental sovereign, our town's sculptural statue has been decapitated. Off with his head! his head has rolled, will cost an arm and a head, headless chicken, a man without a hat. Scissioned, shorn, shortened, slashed, sheared, stunted, snuffed, sundered; scythed off at the oesophagus. Sitting on a bar stool loudly slurping the last bubbly frothiness of a creamy soda through a straw. Feel the dare, feel the delight, feel the menace, feel the disgust, lap the gossip, love the attention. Sitting in a cinema - a pin drop scene - inflating a potato chip bag, then bang. . Feel the dare, feel the delight, feel the menace, feel the disgust, lap the gossip, love the attention. Delinquent traits, vandalism, gore and brazenness. The high of it, the slip, trip and hip of it. The ultimate shot, coconut shy, slingshot, bowl him over, bull's eye. King's eye, King pin bowling, a King in One, Hat-trick. Headtanque Thoughtless, senseless, stupid, dunce, brainless.  Sometimes it not all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                     To Home

Monday 20 February 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                  "I've been knocked around like a silver jewellery piece in a tumbler machine. On a morning still as stagnation with the silver sheet of overnight cloud cover dissipating. And the shortening shadows, overweight humidity, climbing Celsius, breathless air and crack and screech of cicada in constant sonic tinnitus. Perfect for an Omaha Ocean, mill pond swim. Oh surprise! all's not what it seems, hidden forces are loose, a switched on washing machine on a sunny sultry day. Going in only up to the shins the rug is pulled out from under the feet. Plonked down on arse, the sand undermines from under the elbows, bum and ankles. Swishing and swirling, ebbing and rising, swilling and surging, bubbling, fizzing and frothing in a silver ocean spa  Now spic and span, bright and polished, all the rough edges smoothed away. Here's to a gleaming silver brooch on a brand new jacket.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home  

 

Monday 13 February 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?"                                                   "I've been into the music. There they were standing on a mountain top singing to the world. Sir silver haired Midge and big Bullfrog with the silver throat. Sitting on a mountain top soaking up the music and a sensational ascension of heavenly wine, food and rhythm.  Boogie-woogie blues, strains of soul, smother over the valley. Matakana Delta blues, Matakana Tupelo blues, Matakana Memphis blues. Two eves before the full moon, meeting eye to eye. Caught in the silver magic.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                     To Home

Monday 6 February 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been"                                                   "I've been enjoying a silver Waitangi Day. Imagine if a hand is like a piece of land and if a ring upon it, made of copper and silver are like the people that live there. Copper, a golden brown metal with its own composition and characteristics. Silver, a sallow sheen metal with its own composition and characteristics. Bonded together, cohabitiing, sharing the hand. The copper gives a little of itself and so to does the silver, this creates a solder that makes a union. Under stress and strain and all its differences, the copper and the silver are butted together eating off the same finger. Together they are striking and are much admired by the rest of the body which is the whole of the world. The body with all of its shoes, and hats and shirts and dresses and belts and ties and pants and coats and handbags etc, etc made of different colours, materials and patterns, make up the people that live there. They say 'Look at the copper and silver, look at how they live together on that tiny little finger. They are beautiful and amazing and stand out on their own. They signed on the dotted line and try to keep it all together.'   It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                      To Home

Monday 30 January 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been"                                                   "I've been on a silver splurge. As it was the province's anniversary day, a supplementary holiday was enjoyed by many. The Warratahs came to town and put on a super show, so many spent their silver on a song. The symposium  was nearing its climax with the auctioneer's hammer crashing bang, bang, bang, so many spent their silver on sculpture. The regatta was under sail, so many spent their day upon the silver water. The cafes, restaurants and wineries were open, so many spent their silver on supper. The silver jewellery and art was on exhibition, so many spent their silver on silver.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                       To Home

 

Monday 23 January 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been"                                                   "I've been to the silver screen and watched movies. The deck chairs had a make over so they were taken on an outing. Sitting under the stars in the open air, on the green grass reclining in comfort. Swifter than the speed of silver sound was The World's Fastest Indian. Simply adventurous, fantastical and silvery scary was Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Listen to the super sonic silver scream in King Kong. Spectacular the sponges, seaweed, and the sharp, sparkling, silver teeth of the sharks in Deep Blue. The sophisticated silver society in Pride and Prejudice. The great silver love story of Casablanca. The silver legend of  The Buena Vista Social Club. Jaw dropping the monumental silver waves and their crazy riders in Riding Giants. The silver psychedelic stoned sixties in Festival Express. And yet the silver hair clasp in the hair of her sitting in front out shone all else all night long. This surely was the Oscar, the Cannes, the Sundance. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                            To Home

Monday 16 January 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been"                                                    I've been at the Sculpture Symposium watching shape and form emerge from stone, metal and wood. Sculptors caked with a silvery shroud of sawdust, stonedust and metallic splinters are busy at work. Silver teeth of chainsaws, gnawing trunk and limb, spit wood chips. Silver grit of angle grinders, gnashing Oamaru stone, make fine particles airborne. Silver shards of metal, snipped away, plummet to the ground. Soon an eagle with silvery eye is flying high, a tuna fish with silvery lips is swimming by, the silvery smoothness of feminine curves are uncovered in her nakedness, the koru of silver fern unfurls .Stupendous.  It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                           To Home

 

Monday 9 January 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been"                                                    I've been surfing on the crest of silver waves. Summer time and the living is easy, slipping into togs and jandals, every day is fine. Walking the golden sand with glittering silver grains that sieve between the toes. The first shivery plunge into wetness and the silver hairs on the arm stand up on end. The silver splashings of breakers balance on the crest of swells then do a forward roll. Between waves silver diamond ripples bob and sparkle on the surface. Hold in the breath, submerge and swim amongst the mottled silver flickering shadows of ruffled water. Ahead the silver scales of sprats and kawhai shimmer out of reach. Half way out to the horizon the silver glint of a pleasure boat's windscreen flickers its own Morse code. Above the high tide mark crusts of silver sea salt lodge on dehydrated seaweed. And when the summer holiday is over silver shell jewellery takes us back there. It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 2 January 2006

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been"                                                     "I've had a Big Day Out. Jerry had something to celebrate, the paint pots were prised opened, the stonemason piled the shingle, the ready lawn was laid and the silver cloth rubbed and buffed. Indeed, everything looked spiffing and one had to squint the eyes from the silvery reflections of the spic and span, clean and gleamness. Gathering at noon, the party began. Full glasses were drunk empty and empty glasses were made full again. Chilled beads of condensed air slithered a silvery track down to leave a wet ring on cardboard coasters. Sparsely clad bodies aired toenails, thighs, cleavage, shoulders and backs and silver soft body hairs glistened. Black/blue ink of a silver fern lay tattooed on skin that covered the scapula bone. Silver jewellery, earrings, chains and pendants, rings and armbangles swayed, throbbed, pulsated, danced and grooved with the beat. Slim silver bodied electric guitars fired shots of arrows in a silver laser light show. Silver streams of sweat torrented down the brow and temples and dripped off the upper lip of the passionately charged lead singer. Like sharpened silver knives, the pangs and vibes of heavy metal music pierced through the hearts. Even the golden spangled Speights star flashed a ray of silver. It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home 

Monday 26 December 2005

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been"                                                     I've had a cracker of a day, a right sumptuous silver celebration. Silver haired mothers, silver and peppered haired brothers, silver frosty haired sisters, silver painted fingernailed nieces, first stubble silver growth on soft chinned nephews, silver earringed daughters, silver chained teens, all having fun at the silver lined family Christmas gathering. Under silver clouded sky, undoing the silver bowed ribbon that tied the parcel. Texting practice on Grandma's new silver cellphone, silver print scratched off Instant Kiwi Lottery, eating summer fruits with silver bloom, all talking with silver tongued eloquence. It's all that you want it to be"

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 19 December 2005

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been"                                                     I've been feeling festive  In this bombardment of red, green and gold embellishment what could be done but to go for sophisticated silver. A galaxy of little fairy lights twinkling on sills and eaves, cherries and almonds set with gooey glazes, baubles and stars strung on pine needles and branches, curiosity evoking parcels  lying temptably underneath, glitter and spray-on snow lavishly caked on shop windows, carols and hymns bursting forth for an annual hearing. Got to compete, got to be neat, got to be a shining part of this enticing adornment. A halo like an angel's is the silver hair clasp, The haste, the pace, the race, the flush, rush and blush of it all, pretty silver earrings cool to the face. To wreathe around the neck, a silver garland of chain or a pendant. A silver brooch titivates on the bosom. The good shirt dressed up for the best with silver cufflinks. Hang off my arm you sexy silver armbangle. Finger entwined with a silver ring. Silver things wrapped up in little packages. It's all that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home

Monday 12 December 2005

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been"                                                     "I've been riding on horseback. Upon a dappled silver beauty with wide silver gleaming eye, pretty head held in graceful stature, swizzle-stick tail that is silver notched and glimmering, curvaceous body studded with sparkling silver and silver rippling mane billowing through ocean currents. Silver streaming through an octopus's garden that is a never ending summer holiday. It's all things that you want it to be".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 5 December 2005

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been”                                                    "I've visited the stained glass windowed gallery and saw religion.  Was it not Sunday and less than a month out from Christmas. The Holy mitre church door painting was open. Strands of beads laid out all around, rosaries of paua, silver, glass and the heavyweight stainless steal cross. Fragmented mosaic Mary's stationed on the wall and lavish seraphic and cherubic angels ascended to the rafters. Bow before the symbolic crucifixes, drink from the chalice of blood red glass, swallow the bread and cheese communion from the supper platter. Revere the gold leaf devotional icons of the Madonna, the stone hands united at the palms and fingertips, the pontifical cross and necklace of sterling silver. It's all things that you want it to be. Go give praise, come and adore them - the art at the  Religious Icons and Reliquaries Exhibition".

from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                   To Home 

Monday 28 November 2005

“Oh Pookie darling! You look stunningly sterling. Where have you been?”
"Well I’ve come full circle, blogging round the block for a year and now I’ve taken off on silver wings and waggling a silver tongue spinning a fantasy fandangle. Last week I was at the preview, celebs and artists combined, all circulating around the glitzy installation. Blinded at first by the radiance, there was no doubt what was the brightest star. The spotlights though brilliant seemed dim, the champagne though sparkling seemed flat, the crystal though clear seemed obscure, the paparazzo cameras though flash seemed faint, the teeth though beaming  white seemed sallow, the eye though twinkling seemed wan. For sure the supernova, the bijouterie object - the silver. In all its greyness, its neutrality, its ash and smokiness, its salt and pepperiness, its leaden and steeliness, its pearl and frostiness, its mouse, dove and donkeyness, its vivid and lividness,  its cool and hotness, its bright and beautifulness. It's all things that you want it to be".

 
from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                    To Home

Monday 21 November 2005

The Rodney District rocks in many ways. As well as having an awesome coastline, some fabulous
cafes, restaurants and music gigs, we also have several talented artists. I spent most of the
day setting my artwork up at the Pumphouse in Takapuna in preparation for a group exhibition
entitled "Rodney Rocks". Fourteen artists have come together from east, west and north Rodney
to present a range of diverse art that allows each artist the freedom to showcase their own
individual style or brand. Some of the specialised disciplines to be seen are mixed media
painting, ceramic art, stone sculptor, clay art, mixed media sculptor, glass art, wearable
accessories and sterling silver jewellery. The whole event was organised by TAFI - The Arts
Forum Incorporated which was formed with the mission to create a local art centre of excellence
and education for the visual arts in the Hibiscus Coast region of Rodney District. Maybe next
year the next "Rodney Rocks" exhibition will be in a suitable venue actually in the Rodney District.   


from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                                                 To Home

Monday 14 November 2005

Cars continuously streamed down Whitmore Road on Sunday and the attraction was to view two
homes listed on the Matakana Coast Exclusive Homes Tour. Eleven plush homes were included in
the trail and owners generously opened their doors to the ticket holding public who were eager
to view some of the newer architecturally spectacular homes in the district. This event
organised by the Warkworth Wellsford Hospice proved so popular that over one thousand tickets
were sold. The Castle, and Takatu Lodge were the two homes on display down Whitmore Road. Both
provide luxury accommodation. The Castle with its circular and semi-circular design offers
sea views and rolling rural landscape from every room. Takatu Lodge is of architectural
contemporary style with luxurious private rooms using natural wood, stone and marble. Please
call into my studio to view my silver jewellery and art if you ever have the pleasure of staying
at either of these lovely homes.
 
from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                               To Home

Monday 7 November 2005

I was very proud to be a participating artist in Albany's Kristin School's first public Art
Exhibition over the weekend. I was most impressed with the professionalism and attention to
detail which made the whole experience a truly successful event. This was achieved by good
planning and well executed organisation and marketing which began quite early in the year. Back
in April expressions of interest were advertised to artists inviting them to participate in the
exhibition. One had to submit photographs of their work accompanied with a brief artist's CV,
a description of each work entered and an entry fee. A selection by the curator was then made.
Art forms including painting, ceramic, glass, textiles, sculpture, jewellery and paintings of
mixed media were accepted. At the conclusion of the exhibition I heard that my sterling silver
neckpiece "Everybody's Flower" had sold and I imagined a parent purchasing this piece for a
daughter as a gift for graduating from Kristin School. I wish much pleasure to the wearer of
this flower.


from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                                              To Home      

Monday 31 October 2005

Today was a perfect day to stroll around local gardens and judge those entered into the annual
Warkworth Garden Club Competition, so my gate was left open to welcome the arrival of Madams
Primrose and Petunia. In want of all things being equal and not to be influenced by the spiel
of a boasting commentary, the gardener was not permitted to have verbal contact with the judges.
So I left them to it and retreated to my studio and continued with the flower earring I was
making. Did the garden's magical aura permeate through them as they stepped down the path? Was
all their senses activated as they moved from feature to feature? Did the scents of orange
blossom, mauve lavender and port wine magnolia overcome them? Were their thirsts quenched
as they gazed at luscious lemon fruits and the forming green nipple sized peaches and
apricots as the virtual reality of homemade lemonade and juicy dripping ripe summer fruits
began to conjure up in their minds? Did the twitter of fantail and the warning bell alarm of
throttle thrush alert them? Did they have to retrieve their sunhats after the acrobatic
maneouvers of low flying tui dislodged them? Were they horrified that a weed or two had managed
to sneak in? Were they repulsed by the stain of birdshit deposited on foliage by the nesting
and roosting birds? Were they delighted at the sight of monarch butterflies twisting and
dancing in mid air? Were they attracted to the gleam of silver pinhead sized eggs laid on swan
plant leaves? Did they think it untidy that the browning foliage of finished bulbs still
remained? Were they disturbed by the irregularity and haphazardness of broad bean plants sown
in no particular order between and beneath trees as part of the herbal lay? Did the tickle of
spider webs irritate them as they broke through their delicate weave? Did they dribble saliva
at the sight of lanky asparagus towering above wild strawberries? Did they see this? Did they
smell that? Did they touch those? Did they hear them? Did they taste these? Welcome to my garden.


from Art in Paradise - till next week.           email me at .....                             To Home