Process by Handshake4

Artist list

Atkinson Vivien, Flood Mandy, Hanton Nik, Laracy Jennifer, Monson Brendon, Pascoe Katie, Schmid Sandra, Sinkovich Kylie, Smith Nadine, Thomas Caroline, Whalen Kim, Zagrobelna Keri-Mei

Toi Pōneke Gallery brings together original works by the twelve HS4 jewellers who are currently half-way through their two-year mentorship programme. A unique exhibition design by artist Gabby O’Connor extends the idea of process by including works in progress alongside the jewellers’ finished pieces. The gallery becomes a space for experimentation, offering insights into the thoughts and material processes of some of New Zealand’s most exciting jewellery artists.


Handshake4
Handshake is a mentoring project unique to the contemporary art world. It is a space where artists hand-over some of their quality knowledge to those asking for a ‘hand’ and is a two-way project that encourages symbiosis and a ‘give and take’.
The project began in February 2011, is the brainchild of Wellington based artist, curator and tutor Peter Deckers. The idea was born out of recognition of the need for ongoing support for talented New Zealand graduates after completing their jewellery/art study. Handshake reverses the old ‘apprentice’ model, whereby a mentee works for a mentor – here the mentor works more for the mentee through their feedback and support in the development of ideas and exhibition work.
The first iteration of the project, Handshake 1, began when twelve jewellery graduates from New Zealand were given the opportunity to make work alongside their jewellery heroes from around the globe, without having to leave their own workshops. Peter approached these distinguished, internationally established artist and icons, offering them the opportunity to act as mentors in a collaborative two-year project. The result? A lively blog, touring exhibitions, an exceptional learning experience as well as a book.