We’re looking forward to 20/17 – as it’s our year!
It’s going to be a fabulous one.
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Just who was that man? Call me!
An open invitation to the ‘gentleman’ who was responsible for the unleashed dog that ran through my artwork on exhibit at The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability as part of the North Sydney Art Prize and then insulted me by giving me $10 towards the costs of damages.
When I received the news that I had been selected for the North Sydney Art Prize I was ecstatic. As an artist, we invest heavily in our time and own financial resources to create work for both ourselves and the wider general public, to hopefully extend the experience of their world, create beauty, get people thinking and to create a sense of something beyond the economic rationalist view point that seems to have somehow dominated our society.
I was even more excited to find out that I had received the Encouragement Award. All too often an artist life is an uphill battle.
Unfortunately my experience during the first two days that the exhibition has been open to the general public has left me far from encouraged. This is the third installation of this artwork but it is the first time I have observed it being treated with such an incredible lack of mindfulness and respect.
While the installation is slightly problematic in that it is a floor piece and there are a number of works in the room, it is not so problematic that anyone knowingly walking into a space to view artworks as part of the North Sydney Art Prize would not be able to navigate the space in a respectful and mindful way.
While minding the space as a volunteer (of course, artists are not expected to get paid for their time) I have seen adults walk over the work, damaging elements with no acknowledgement of their action or apology. This has also applied to the parents of the numerous children who have run, walked or fallen onto the piece. Parents please hold on to your children’s hands if they are not familiar with appreciating art.
The last straw for me was Sunday when a gentleman allowed a dog, unleashed and in his care to run frantically across the work, scattering the elements widely and destroying many. I took yet another deep breath and remained calm, as accidents happen. People are careless without even realising it. It is an offence to have a dog unleashed in a public space. North Sydney Council officers, where were you to offer him his on the spot fine?
I invited the ‘gentleman’ to help me repair the damage that his dog had created (actually not his, he was minding it for his daughter, and agreed that it was out of control…”so why not leash the beast I thought to myself”). He seemed a man educated in the arts, discussed the similarities that he thought my work had with a work displayed in the new Kaldor Wing at the AGNSW……I made light conversation while taking deep breaths to remain calm…in an attempt to keep him from ‘feeling bad’ about the damage that had been done to my artwork……and then, when it was ‘fixed’ to a level that seemed suitable, he offered, hastily, a $10 note towards the damage that had occurred and quickly disappeared.
I was stunned. Still in a state of shock from what had happened, I took the note but felt deeply insulted.
My work takes a minimum of 18 man hours to install. The elements were made over an intense period of 21 consecutive days working 15-17 hours each day. There are 10,000 elements in the piece. I realise that the Visual Arts is increasingly undervalued and continues to be de-funded but the disregard shown by that $10 left me speechless. If not for the tireless commitment, and financial investment of the participating artists to their practice, the works in this exhibition would not exist for the public to enjoy.
So I invite the ‘gentleman’ to the opportunity of a lifetime, to experience what it is like to be an artist. To, in effect, recreate the commitment and effort it took to create my artwork that was then made available for him and others to enjoy; so that he can be educated in the life of an artist. He will have the opportunity to create his own artwork, learn new skills, experience dedication, persistence and focus.
I offer to take the time out of my life, to make him a commitment over all my other commitments (as a mother, wife, business partner, gallery director, student and artist), to make his experience my primary motivation, to take him on a journey that will open his heart and his mind to the joy (and heartache) of creativity and to the focus required to create an artwork like this. All he needs to do is commit, as I did, to 17 hour days for 21 consecutive days. I will even provide him with a gallery exhibition space to exhibit the resulting work in where he can celebrate his creation with friends, family and colleagues.
I will also commit to giving him $10 to compensate for his efforts in the event that his work is damaged by persons showing a lack of respect for his creation.
Call me.
Signed Bridget Kennedy.
Bridget is a contemporary jewellery artist and a director of Studio 20/17 (studio2017.com.au). Her works are respectfully exhibited within the galleries at 2 Danks Street in Waterloo (2danksstreet.com.au) and elsewhere. Her floor installation “just help yourself why don’tcha” is on exhibition at the Coal Loader as part of the North Sydney Art Prize until Monday 5th August 2013.
Bethamy Linton Celebration Drinks
some nice press we received in the Sydney Morning Herald Sydney Magazine – down the bottom right hand corner!
photos from artist talk and opening – The Nature of Memory by Jess Dare
Melinda Young Celebration Drinks
‘Deck the walls’ Images
Thank you to everyone who came along to our celebration drinks on Saturday afternoon. We were so busy we forgot to take some pics.
We thought we’d show a few images of the festive install instead!
Orange ‘diamond’
‘Forever Plastic’ Online Catalogue Now Available!
Five days left for our ‘Forever Plastic’ exhibition! If you haven’t already swung by the gallery, you can always take a look at our online catalogue here – ‘Forever Plastic Online Catalogue‘.
‘For the Love of COFFEE’ – Opening evening
‘MotherCraft’ Opening – Effie Milos & Melissa Turner
Woah, what a fantastic turnout we had at the ‘MotherCraft’ Opening last Saturday the 8th!
Our festive guests relished the delights on display while mingling with the artists (Effie Milos & Melissa Turner) and nibbling home made quiche! We would like to thank everyone who came along, for a thoroughly enjoyable evening!
Remember, ‘MotherCraft’ will be on display until Saturday the 15th.
Cheers- Studio 20/17
Sheridan Kennedy’s ‘O Tremblant !’
Thank you to everyone who came along to the opening of Sheridan Kennedy’s ‘O Tremblant’ last Saturday !
Kennedy’s wonderfully alive, attention seeking jewels were widely enjoyed!
If you are yet to experience ‘O Tremblant’, make sure to pop on in before Saturday the 1st of September.
transcript from Mel Miller’s ‘Local Colour’ artist talk
A few people have been enquiring as to whether there was a written copy of Mel Miller’s fabulous artist talk. For those of you who missed the talk, or want to review it again, Mel’s kindly posted it on her blog which can be viewed at http://melmillerjewellery.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/local-colour-artist-talk.html.
cheers, bk.
Studio 20/17 is hiring
Studio 20/17 is hiring!
Interested in gaining industry experience in the arts? We’re looking for an enthusiastic part time/casual gallery curator/assistant with a passion for contemporary jewellery. You’ll need to be available to work 2 days a week (one of those a Saturday), be a people person, team player, organised with an attention to detail, and keen as hell to work in the arts. When we say keen, we mean super keen! Some arts administration and retail experience would be great.
Please send your CV and a cover letter stating why you want this position to Bridget or Melanie at gallery@studio2017.com.au
Applications Due by Friday 3rd August
Upcoming Artist Talks in Sydney – THIS SATURDAY
This Saturday 7th July at 3.30pm, Melbourne Artist Mel Miller, will be talking about her current Solo exhibition ‘Local Colour. It’s sure to be really great!! We’re excited!
Gaffa have perfectly timed another Melbourne artist talk at 2pm, just before Mel’s talk. Nicole Polentas and Christopher Earl will be presenting alongside their Exhibition PSYCHOMANTEUM.
Hope to see you all on Saturday!
– Mel
New work in the gallery
snaps of the celebrations of Savage Beast II
Mums going away necklace
Gallery artist Lisa Furno has just delivered some new works to the gallery. The vibrant coloured bold necklaces are titled “Mums going away necklaces” and are created from the retro fabric of her moms honeymoon dress.
Some snaps from Julia’s Opening and the 2 Danks grand opening
Thanks to everyone who made it to the opening,
and thanks to Julia for a wonderful exhibition.
We had a great night !!!
-Mel
Some Christmas showcase opening night snaps
rings for blokes – and more!
Studio 20/17 would like to welcome David Cruickshank to the gallery. David has brought us in a selection of beautifully handcrafted titanium and 18ct gold rings. So if you’re in the market for a special ring for your man, please be sure to check these out. They can be made up in any size within a couple of weeks. We also have an elegant titanium and silver podlike neckpiece, two delicate podlike bracelets and a matching cuff in stock …see below images of a just small selection of the collection – bk.
‘ Fragments of an Expanse’ and ‘On Fluid Roads’ celebration drink snaps
Some photos from celebration drinks (including a gorgeous photo of the two beautiful artists – Szilvia Gyorgy and Jasmine Matus)….and some installation shots. The last day to see these shows is Saturday 26th November – bk.
Sneak Peek – Opening celebration tomorrow night
Bridget is currently in setting up our new exhibition – HandShake. Peter Deckers has just emailed us some images of the works and I thought we would give you a sneak peek of what’s on show.
Don’t forget the celebration drinks are tomorrow night – Tuesday 9th August. We usually have our drinks on a Saturday afternoon but not this time as Peter Deckers and some of the makers are in town for the setup and opening.
The exhibition will be formally opened by Dr Karin Findeis Subject Chair, Jewellery and Object Lecturer, Jewellery and Object, Sydney College of the Arts.
-Mel
Opening night photos from ‘Geometric Note’ – work by Hyun-seok Sim
Thank you Kenny for sending through these images! – bk
Karin Findeis – artist talk last Saturday
Rui Kikuchi – showcase of new work
Anna Davern – New in the gallery
Another chance! (for those of you who missed ‘Artefacts’)
Lucky us! The gallery now has a small collection of work by Penny Snars and Rhonda Dwyer from their ‘Artefact’ exhibition shown in the gallery earlier this year. Here are a few images….these would definately bring a smile to someone’s face this Christmas! – bk
long overdue – a few images from Bundanon
Earlier in the year I was fortunate to participate in an Artist Residency at Bundanon. The landscape there is sublime and the weather was cool and crisp. Here ‘s a few images of work in progress from the series – petroleum polymer series 1 (moss)……to be exhibited in 2011 in an exhibition titled Jewels from a distant future (past). – bk
oops, a bit late…but….
finally a few moments to upload some snaps from the opening night of Profile ’10 ….a big congratulations to Helen Mok, winner of the emerging category, and Sean O’Connell, winner of the general category – Bridget.
CALLING FOR SUBMISSIONS 2011 EXHIBITION PROGRAM
Hi,
can’t believe it’s February already! 2010 is looking great. Lots of things happening here at 2 Danks. We have ART MONTH coming up in MARCH! Brenda may Gallery will be hosting a film night on Thursday 18th March and all the galleries will be opening late. There will also be another Danks St conversation evening taking place on Wednesday 17th March…..in the mean time…..here at the studio we’re planning for 2011 already.
We’re now calling for submissions for our 2011 Exhibition Program. We’d love to hear from artists, and curators working in the area of contemporary jewellery, object and small scale scultpure. Please contact the gallery for proposal guidelines – our details can be found at www.studio2017.com.au.
Download gallery floor plan PDF
– Bridget
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more photos from Feast
Wow, what a great way to end the year! The gift of the Depot Gallery, a wonderful installation of fabulous, fun and inspiring work, ham and champers and a great crowd of family and friends!
2010 is here and I spent a productive day at the studio earlier this week freshening up the space, painting and cleaning for the year to come. We also have a fresh new face in the studio, Michelle Miller, recently graduated from Enmore Design Centre, will be helping out in the gallery on Tuesdays and Wednesdays…………here’s a few more pics from ‘Feast’. – BK.
our new website is up!
When we’re not at the bench or in the gallery, Mel and I have been honing our IT skills and we’ve recently completed our new website. On it you can see some of the gorgeous work by our gallery artists as well as more information about the studio and what’s currently happening in the space…..check it out at www.studio2017.com.au
Happy New Year
The studio is currently on Holidays but Bridget and I are have returned and are preparing for the 2 Danks st opening on the 21st January. 2 Danks st opens with Sculpture 2009.
All galleries will be exhibiting sculpture. Along with works from 8 of the other galleries, Studio 20/17 will be exhibiting work by Mark McClelland in the Aboriginal & Pacific Art Gallery.
Studio 20/17 will showcase work by Bridget and myself. The show is called on.off (referencing the space) and will run from 21st Jan – 7th Feb.
Tim
For those who might have been into the space recently, there’s been a new face. It’s Tim, a high school student from Annandale who is interested in studying Jewellery and Object Design. He approached us to do some work experience a few weeks ago. He’s been busy helping us and making some of his own work. Tim picked a good week (or two) to come in as there is the wonderful JOD exhibition in DEPOT I and DEPOT II – consisting of work by students from all three stages of the Jewellery and Object Design course at the Design Centre, Enmore. A great course (Mel and I both studied there)! So, it’s well worth a vist to 2 Danks St this week for a chance to see more than 700 pieces of contemporary jewellery in one place. The exhibition finishes this Saturday….and of course, there’s also the Christmas Showcase in our studio space to check out.
Graphic designer, Photographer etc…
There is no end to the skills we require. Graphic designers, accountants, sales people, photographer, web designer. Its either this or we outsource to other professionals. As you can imagine in our 1st year of running the studio we haven’t been in a position to outsource.
Its a great learning experience, although the experience always seems to come at a time when there are tight deadlines. As was the case with the Christmas showcase invite and our new studio cards
In my years of playing with programs like Illustrator and Photoshop and doing invites etc. I thought I’d finally reached a point where I had enough knowledge to get by, but as always a new printing company and new ideas mean a new lesson in graphic design.
After many attemps, trips to the printers and sleepless nights both projects were finally completed!!
See below for the Christmas showcase email PDF. If you would like to receive future invites send us an email and we can add you to our mailing list.
thoughts from the Studio…….
Mel has been working hard since she came back from her trip. She has a some beautiful new designs in the studio and we are getting more people through the space…it’s funny….sometimes it’s just so quiet and we wonder where everyone has gone and whether we will ever hear footsteps coming down the hall again (all you can hear is the sound of emery paper and rhythmic sawing)….the great thing about the space, is that during the quiet times we can make, make, make…..and chat, chat, chat……AND THEN we’ll have a day where someone will just walk in and purchase a few pieces all at once, or a complete series of work, or a wall piece…and it all seems a bit surreal….so up and down…. There just doesn’t seem to be any pattern to it….the weather doesn’t seem to make a difference that we can see, and occasionally we’ve put our little kiddy chalkboard out at the end of the corridor (kindly leant to us by one of the other gallery owners) and maybe that makes a difference, it’s hard to tell…….while travelling to work each day, there is that little sense of anticipation and excitement of what might unfold during the coming day at the studio….
Anodising Aluminium
Now for my exciting current project! I am learning the joys of Anodised aluminium.
My last lot of work came back from the anodisers with surface pitting, I was told it was the metal, although the previous pieces I had anodised were from the same sheet and they worked perfectly.
Supposedly there can be variations in the metal in the one sheet, this being the case my pieces have a random chance of working!
I did do some research today and found a site that recommended a bath of caustic soda and warm water to strip back an anodised surface. I tried the bath on the pitted versions. It worked great, I was hoping to clean them up and have them anodised again but the pitting is too deep in each one.
New Work
The Carbon Aftermath
bits and pieces
After being caught up in the distractions of admin around the setup of the space…things like installing a phone line (phew -that was a trial and a half), merchant facilities, bank accounts, machinery setup and location, sourcing of a fridge (to store the milk for our daily expresso coffee), creation of a press release (thank you Tara! – and also for your help with setting up this blog!), design of studio card, design of display units, contracts for exhibitions by invited artists, insurance, door signs, wall signs, lighting, fixing up the door, working out where the garbage bins are (and ladders and air con switches and, and, and!) and having our alarm system installed, we’re almost there and itching to get back to the bench to get stuck into creating some work! We’ll be updating you with photos as we go.