subliminal infiltrations

A very Subliminal Infiltration of the Masterclass Sessions by Kristin D'Agostino - 13FEB12

2012-02-16T12:03:00.002+13:00

Sharon and Raewyn did a very subliminal infiltration of the JEMposium Masterclass sessions by wearing Kristin D'Agostino fungi. Only one comment from another jeweller: 'Are you both wearing the same brooch by coincidence?' 'No, we are not', said Raewyn. Way too busy and to take incessant photos like someone else in the room, so we only have this one taken at the very end of the day.

De-breif at The Establishment with Tara and Jhana.

Lynsay Raine wearing her fabulous 'Fuck This, Fuck That' Zoe Brand necklace. It is such a cool necklace. Cool and Awesome.. and a whole lot of other words that basically are summed up with cool and awesome.

Sharon Fitness Subliminally Infiltrates Day Three of JEMposium - 12FEB12

2012-02-16T10:58:00.004+13:00

The day of the floppy and wobbly invasion..

Six floppies in a row.

Nadene in 2 flat blobs, Kristin in Colin, Debbie in Jumping Jack Flash.

Twin Floppy Poppies.

Sarah Read in Renee Bevan piece of sky and Kristin with Colin (the waterfall).

Floppiness invading the streets of Wellington.

The opening Bartley and Company opening of Pepeha: Lisa Walker, Areta Wilkinson and Sofia Tekela-Smith.

Sharon was surprised to see something she had written about Lisa a year ago in the booklet of things about Lisa.

Way too hot inside so we all hung out in the courtyard.

Four floppy geeks.

Nadene Carr Infiltrates Day Two of JEMposium and the Pin Swap Soiree - 10FEB12

2012-02-15T21:18:00.001+13:00

Day Two of Jemposium included four intense sessions followed by the Pin Swap Soiree at Havana Bar and the opening of Wanna Swap Your Ring - Atelier Ted Noten at Photospace.

Sinead Jury and Lynsay Raine wearing Nadene Carr.

Marcel Van Kamp who was standing in for Ted Noten did a lolly scramble after his talk. It was no longer a case of 'Ooh you have a piggy ring!' (that was so yesterday). Now a select and very special few became owners of a Yellow Van Ons Ted Noten ring and it soon became the item to covet.

Eloise Wearing Sharon Fitness and one of my favourite Lisa Walker brooches.

Lucy Pierpont wearing Nadene and Lucy, Lynsay wearing Nadene, Sharon and Sinead, Kerre wearing Jacqui Chan

Kristin eating chips and wearing the most admired Nadene of the Day - she's on to a winner there.

We got a bit silly while we were waiting for the pin swap to start. Here Renee is dipping her David Bielander Shrimp in the shrimp dish.

And then taking a bite which fueled a quick round of 'Do something silly with your jewellery':

Sharon brushing her hair with her Nadene and pretending to be Dr Evil.

Nadene listening to her Nadene pendant.

Lucy looking for her third Nadene eye.

Raewyn placing her vintage Nadene in an appropriate spot.

And Fran taking advantage of a whole in her Ross Malcolm.

Finally! The Pin Swap box arrived.

This fueled a frenzy of 'Who did you get?' which was a brilliant way to get to meet some new people and go on a hunt to find the maker of our pins. Ann Culy got mine.

Sharon wearing her Michelle Wilkinson brooch.

Jacqui Chan wearing her Kristin D'Agostino.

Vivien Atkinson wearing her Fabrizio Tridenti (lucky lucky!), Kathryn Yeats wearing Nadene and Nadine Smith wearing a brooch who's maker I cant remember, but also wearing her rather clever leg mowing pendant.

Thanks to Tuatara brewery, we had a great time at the Ted Noten opening. All the piggy rings have gone now, much to the disappointment of all those who lack a miss piggy ring.

Cath Dearsley Infiltrates on Day One of JEMposium - 09FEB12

2012-02-14T22:01:00.000+13:00

Day One of JEMposium included the only free time of the weekend, so after breakfast buritto's and coffee at Sweet mother's Kitchen we ran to Photospace Gallery to get our selves an Atelier Ted Noten piggy ring so that we could be cool like everyone else.

This is the ring I swapped for my little piggy.

Checking out Sarah Walker-Holt's installation at Thistle Hall. Very impressive and really engaging original work.

Things got pretty crowded at the opening evert at the NZ Academy of Fine Art.

Kristin, Cath and Sharon wearing Kryptonite

The Masterclass Session exhibition.

Nadene and Debbie in Kryptonite with Victoria McIntosh

The Masterworks owners team infiltrating with Peter Deckers brooches.

Our very lovely Australian Jewellery Geek friend Zoe Brand sporting miss piggy ring and inverted peace sign next to Lynsay in Sinead Jury squashed beads, Cath Dearsley Kryptonite and miss piggy ring. A very big thank you to JEMposium sponsor Tuatara, who make the bestest beer, for keeping us hydrated all weekend! Awesome!

Contemporary Jewellers Infiltrate Wellington on the first to JEMposium related show openings - 09FEB12

2012-02-14T20:33:00.000+13:00

Contemporary Jewellers from around the country and around the world descended upon Wellington for the weekend of 9 - 13 February for JEMposium and its accompanying shows, starting with the newest incarnation of the Handshake show at Toi Poneke and Der Tiefenglanz, a Karl Fritsch/Gavin Hipkins collaboration at Hamish McKay.

Jhana Millers had her gold card on display for the opening, carefully watched by a security guard. It was nice to see such a legendary piece of gold in the flesh.

Eleven of the twelve Handshake apprentices attended this event, so for many of us this meant meeting for the first time. Sadly Gillian couldn't make it to Wellington, but she did send two fantastic necklaces (seen on left).

Very exciting to see Liesbeth den Besten at the show.

Handshake Mentor Lisa Walker checking out the box of fake sushi brooch by her Mentee Sharon Fitness.

Jewellers en masse on Cuba Street dashing between shows

The Karl Fritsch/Gavin Hipkins show included a multitude of black and white Gavin Hipkins images added to and subtracted from by Karl Fritsch. A truly refreshing approach to adornment.

Clare from Melbourne and Renee Bevan in serious discussion, perhaps about their pink Atelier Ted Noten Miss Piggy rings.

Six Handshake Mentees after dinner. L to R: Nadene Carr, Sharon Fitness, Jhana Millers, Sam Kelly, Debbie Adamson, Lynsay Raine.

Lynsay Raine Subliminally Infiltrates the Manon van Kouswijk, Fabrizio Tridenti and Ted Noten opening at Objectspace - 08FEB12

2012-02-14T08:00:00.000+13:00

This will be the last Subliminal Infiltration by Auckland Jewellery Geek Lynsay Raine as she is about to fly one way to Europe via Talente. We will miss her dearly and hope that she returns to her Geek family one day.

We found 3 lovely jewellers at the bar next door on our way to Objectspace. Renee was wearing her new Manon van Kouswijk flouro sticker necklace.

Cath fell in love with quite a few of Manon's necklaces.

Lynsay's ring in conversation with Fabrizio's ring.

The cutest little pendant on wheels ever.

Perhaps by chance, a very awesome bike was parked outside that was quite similar aesthetically to Fabrizio's pieces.

Raewyn and Cath both sporting Yellow Lynsays.

Sharon and Christine both sporting grey Lynsays.

Eloise running out of frame with her pinkish Lynsay.

A very Subliminal Infiltration of 'Jewelism' at Fingers 07FEB12

2012-02-08T15:14:00.002+13:00

A very small Subliminal Infiltration of the 'Jewelism' show by Sharon and Cath wearing Raewyn Walsh

Nadene turned up unadorned due to a spot of confusion, so Cath and Joey decked her out in Bunny Poos and a handy red ribbon

Shelley Norton wearing Nadene Carr's Broach of the Month brooch next to Nadene and Fabrizio

Manon checking out the cool egg poacher and syringe pieces between 2012 Francoise van den Bosch winner David Bielander and 2010 Francoise van den Bosch winner Lisa Walker - talk about most excellent product placement!

Sharon thought this installation was just perfect and wanted to glue it all together, stick a pin on it and call it a brooch

Fingers openings have this curious Gorillas in the Mist kind of thing going on with all those glass panels. Who is that mysterious man in the distance? Everyone was hoping that Ted Noten would make an appearance, but nobody was entirely sure if they would know it was him if he did, so we started checking out all the foreigners in the room.

The Auckland Jewellery Community Subliminally Infiltrate the Wallace Arts Trust very fine art establishment - 31JAN12

2012-02-01T12:41:00.000+13:00

A very big turnout by the Auckland Jewellery Community for the opening of RETROSPECT at The Pah Homestead TSB Wallace Arts Centre in Hillsborough.

In 2007, Peter Deckers exhibited a cabinet representing 20 year of his practice in New Zealand at Objectspace, which was subsequently purchased by the James Wallace Arts Trust. Inspired by Peter Deckers prolific exhibition and project inventing habits, Jo Mears had the idea to curate a show based around the Far Sight installation and invite 20 emerging to established jewellers, most of whom had been involved in some of the many projects that Peter had organised over the years (JOC, HandSTAND, HandShake, the SeeHere etc) as a way of giving back to this mentor who has created opportunities for so many new jewellers. RETROSPECT runs alongside JEMposium, the jewellery symposium that Peter has organised in Wellington this February.

Eloise and Jenny checking out Peters work through the magnifying lenses.

Ross Malcolm talking to Brian Wood wearing Ross Malcolm

The very lovely Manon van Kouswijk with Hilda Gascard and Peter Deckers

Raewyn and Nadene were very pleased to discover that Fabrizio Tridente was in the room. Fabrizio's wife Sahaja did a very good job of translating all night

Cath Dearsley wearing a painting of her bunny 'Sooty' by curator Jo Mears as a brooch. Sooty's poos featured in Cath's neckpieces

Some of the Wallace staff had asked Sharon and Jo if they could borrow some cool jewellery for the opening and they were most pleased to see Sir James Wallace wearing their Peter Deckers Moosehead brooch. Rumour has it that he thought it was very special indeed.

The Gregor Kregar installation hanging from the roof of the master bedroom Subliminally Infiltrated RETROSPECT and was blingingly very appropriate.

Becky Bliss was appropriately wearing some spots to match the Far Sight cabinet

Sharon was also in spots and her fantastic Nadene Carr neckpiece. Lynsay Raine wears Sharon Fitness ring and Sinead Jury necklace. Everyone I talked to was raving about the wine on offer. Thanks Ara Single Estate!

One of my favourite works in the show 'Brooch and Ring' by Sunni Gibson. Surprisingly we managed to get through the whole night without someone trampling it.

Brett and Rachel wearing a 'g' and a bit of A5 piano from the Platina show

Raewyn Walsh wearing a fantastic new Kvetoslava Flora Sekanova and Jo Mears wearing vintage Cath Dearsley monkey

Andrea Daly trying to hear the noises that Sharon's neckpiece was making

Jo and Sharon's friends Mary, Tai and Keria wearing Sharon Fitness and Sarah Read. Mary told me that she had been having a fantastic couple of days wearing her borrowed Sharon pieces and had received so many comments from strangers including a man at the service station who was most curious as to why she was wearing a 'Rocket' battery brooch. This is exactly the kind of interactions I hope to encourage with my work, so I am always delighted to hear that it actually happens, and delighted to have introduced some more people to the exciting world of contemporary jewellery.

These 3 are all participating in Sarah Read's 'Pass It On' project.

The man from the New Zealand Herald seemed to be having fun taking notes - I wonder what he will say about the show in his article

There was a boy at the opening juggling crystal balls!

Such a beautiful location for a contemporary jewellery opening.

A very good show and an absolutely awesome opening!

Some Handshakers Subliminally Infiltrate the Handshake Show at Masterworks, Ponsonby - 30NOV11

2011-12-01T12:16:00.001+13:00

The Opening of the Handshake show at Masterworks was Subliminally Infiltrated by the 'This Too Shall Pass' ribbons by Handshaker Sarah Read and Handshaker Kristin D'Agostino's Egalitarian Project Fungi Badges and quite a bit of bright afternoon sunshine.

Read more about The Handshake Project here

Sarah Read's brilliant installation consisted of 60 postcards of earthquake ruined Christchurch scenes, all containing a 'This Too Shall Pass' ribbon with coloured safety pin. Here the lovely Caryline Boreham is turning over the card underneath the one she decided to purchase, revealing a golden side. As more and more ribbons get purchased, the future gets brighter for Christchurch. All proceeds from Sarah's project will be given to The National in Christchurch - how very nice!

Shelley Norton and Renee Bevan wearing ribbons

Kristin D'Agostino with Jackson and Craig who is wearing a Fungi Badge on his back

Joey trying to decide which ribbon to buy - she ended up buying both and will give one to her boss

Lynsay wearing her ribbon underneath her see-through black top and also sporting a necklace she calls 'Here's one I fucked up earlier' which is similar to the work she has entered into next year's Talente exhibition in Munich

Renee couldnt help herself and had to see how this Jessica Winchcombe thing worked

Christine selecting her ribbon. She wears a delicious Raewyn Walsh necklace

Renee and Shelley trying on Nadene Carr's fantastic new pieces. Nadene wears an Ann Baynham bird cage

Shelley with Ribbon, Raewyn with Fungi, Kristin with Baby

Two Handshake Mentors (Octavia Cook and Warwick Freeman) up the side gallery with Karl, Renee and Christine, apparently discussing the latest issue of Overview

Becky Bliss's Fabrizio inspired pieces looked fantastic in the setting sun

Sharon was delighted to discover her mentor Lisa Walker's new necklace in the cabinet. "No I wont buy it for you for Christmas" said Joey.

Joey wearing her new Whitireia Auction 'Who Cares' brooch by Yozinzy Nachappa next to Sharon's sellotaped on vinyl installation

Sharon trying on 'The Piece of Broken Chair That I Imagined Lisa Was Going To Send To Me But Didnt'

Sarah Walker Holt who (shock horror!) turned up to the opening un-adorned, wearing her Sarah Read ribbon while eating Noodle Salad C

Cath Dearsley Subliminally Infiltrates Host a Brooch at Masterworks - 05 October 11

2011-10-06T17:05:00.003+13:00

The geeks were very excited to Subliminally Infiltrate the artist talk for the very special Host a Brooch project by Jacqui Chan in conjunction with Caroline Billiing aka 'The National' which has just completed a six weekend cycle, operating out of a converted shipping container in Hagley Park (because the physical gallery space formerly occupied by The National is lost in the red zone).

You can see and read all about this project here:

hostabrooch.blogspot.com

This evenings feature geek was Cath Dearsley, and we each wore something from our own collection. Here Lynsay's Bunny Poo necklace is helping to set up the data projector.

The artist talk was incredibly inspirational and informative. Such a massive project to undertake with so many good results. Host a Brooch not only introduced hundreds of people, young and old, to the world of contemporary jewellery, it also helped them to renegotiate their emotional journey through the earthquake damaged city.

Jacqui constructed sixteen brooches out of materials she found walking around the ruins; construction materials, safety fencing and warning beacons. Each participant was invited to host a brooch for two hours, taking photos of their journey, noticing how the brooch guided them to notice certain things.
Looking at the resulting photos, on the blog and in the THINKspace installation, I cant help noticing the role of photography and how fantastic the range of images are, especially considering that most of these would have been taken by non photographers. Host a Brooch not only introduced contemporary jewellery to these participants, but also the art of seeing and recording through still image.

A palestinian man had visited the gallery a few weeks ago and saw Jacqui's first THINKspace installation which was about the series of brooches she made while living in Palestine for six months. He was so moved by her installation that he brought in the orange flower in the bottom of this photo. Here the orange flower is communicating with one of the brooches hanging on the wall made of orange plastic fencing material.

Nadene's vintage (pre graduation) Cath Dearsley flower also talked to the Palestinian man's flower

Sharon's Deer pendant sniffs our Kristins Kryptonite necklace and Jhana Millers Credit Card Brooch.

Then sniffs out the remnant of drop sheet used during the installation of the Lisa Walker show last year.

Then tries on Cath's Bunny Poo necklace

The Bunny Poo necklace then tries on Lisa Walkers green glittery bone necklace

Ah, there is Cath's Kryptonite series a couple of drawers down

Lynsay's Bunny Poo necklace noticed that Renee was wearing spotty shoes

Renee then noticed that she could see us in the mirror up above

Out the back door, the orange plastic mesh was looking kind of like something from the Host a Brooch project

Sharon, Ross Malcolm, Renee Bevan and Shelley Norton all proudly sporting their Host a Brooch badges - you could say that Host a Brooch has Subliminally Infiltrated the Subliminal Infiltration.

Cath in Kryptonite earrings tries on a Palestinian Brooch

Eloise received many comments on her Sinead Jury necklace which looked absolutely stunning on black. I want one!

After dinner at the foodhall, I couldnt help but notice how the Host a Brooch badge had attracted itself to the carrot and orange juice glass

Subliminally Infiltrating with Unnatural Tendencies at Fingers - 03 October 2011

2011-10-04T11:06:00.000+13:00

The Auckland Jewellery Geeks decided to Subliminally Infiltrate Fingers, the home of the New Zealand Bone Stone Shell movement, wearing the plastic fantastic work of our lovely Australian Jewellery Geek friends Melinda Young and Lauren Simeoni at their exhibition 'Unnatural Tendencies'.

Melinda and Lauren subliminally infiltrated the Fingers balcony with plastic poppies to replicate the fake plastic blooms over the road at the newly revamped Auckland Art Gallery.

It was a very rainy afternoon. Lynsay arrived looking like a drowned rat with a very wet red puff ball brooch.

Melinda and Laurens show 'Unnatural Tendencies' was huge and took up the whole back wall and the drawers underneath. Such an impressive collection, over eighty pieces on show!

Melinda Young looking on as Eloise tries on Renee Bevan's fantastic silver plated balloon necklace.

Nadene and Lauren Simeoni reminiscing about the black rubbery piece that Nadene made at last year's Unnatural Naturally workshop which was the launching piece to a whole new body of work.

There was a bit of a frenzy to try things on when the price lists finally arrived.

Sharon wearing Melinda ring, Lauren puff ball and Melinda pipi. Just cant get enough it seems...

Joey wearing Zoe Brand and trying on the collaboration Melinda and Lauren brooch that we bought.

I was also quite tempted to buy this lovely yellow string which launched a conversation about everyone thinking I was a brooch wearer not a necklace wearer - so I will have to start wearing my necklace collection and put up pictures of them on my other blog.

Cath could not decide which necklace to buy. Wearing three at once wasnt helping her decision much.

She ended up buying this one which was my favorite. New Fingers shopgirl Georgina was wearing a very large red puff ball.

Kristin and Jacqui Chan discussing the very cool Host a Brooch project that she has just completed in conjunction with The National in Christchurch.

Four geeks in a row started a spat of silly photo takings:

(Lauren, Melinda, Lauren, Melinda)

Five Laurens and a Melinda

Green Puff, Orange Puff, Red Puff, Puffs on display.

Lynsay's red puff ball which was still very wet got a little hungry and started attacking the popcorn and nibbles.

We all went out for dinner after the opening and had a thoroughly good evening. We love the Australian Jewellery Geeks!

Sharon Subliminally Infiltrates the 20th Annual Wallace Art Awards 05 September 2011

2011-09-06T15:40:00.000+12:00

Sharon and Joey were heading off to the 20th Annual Wallace Art Awards at the Pah Homestead, so decided to wear their Floppy Poppy and John brooches to this very fine art VIP event. On the whole, not many jewelleries being worn by anyone - contemporary or ordinary. Luckily there were a few past and present Broach of the Month Club wearers to brighten things up.

On the way down Patiki Road, we were horrified to hear Chris de Burg's "Lady in Red" on 95bfm (a first for them we believe). Little did we know then that we would find Bronwynne doing a Lady in Red impersonation above an air vent during the speeches.

Joey and John went over to have a go too.

Such a lovely venue, but not purpose built for listening to endless speeches. Ex Mayor John Banks and his wife escaped the room early - must have got too hot in there for him.

Shortly after the air vent jollities, we were delighted to hear Bronwynne Cornish's name called out! She won the developement award and a 2 month residency in Vermont, which by chance is the one she was hoping for if she was going to win something. Super. Here we are, standing next to the paramount award winning piece by Akiko Diegel.

Christine wearing Victoria McIntosh and Fran Allison, Eloise wearing Lynsay Raine.

Shortly before meeting these two we were passed by Auckland Mayor Len Brown who stuck out his hand for a little finger wobbling action with Floppy Poppies, saying 'OOH, this is nice'. Never to let a chance like this go by, Joey asked Mayor Len to put the train service back on to Helensville. He loves trains.

Here is Richard Orjis admiring First Runner Up Emil McAvoy's lovely picture of our dear ex prime minister Helen when she was a spring chicken. It was one of my favorites of the show. Richard's fiance Harry was very taken by Floppy Poppies and got a nice surprise when he saw Joey wearing John in the conversation circle next door. I must say, I was disappointed to find 2010 Broach of the Month wearer Philip not wearing a brooch. I suppose not everyone will catch the adornment bug.

Such a lovely old building. Thanks Auckland Council and James Wallace for spending all that money to create such a fantastic venue!

The Un-Subliminally Infiltrated Fingers Grad show 01 August 2011

2011-08-02T13:56:00.000+12:00

The Geeks had not planned to do an infiltration of the Fingers Annual Graduate Show, but on a whim I decided to document it anyway, because by golly these girls have done well already.

Kvetoslava Flora Sekanova was in this year's Talente, Jessica Winchcombe is in the Marzee Graduate Exhibition in the Netherlands (Sarah Walker-Holt would have been too if her work hadnt been stupidly sent back by NL customs) and Flora and Sarah are both finalists in the New Zealand Jewellery Show's Contemporary Jewellery Award.

Well done!

This year's graduates were selected from Hungry Creek, Whitireia, MSVA and Unitec.

You can view the full catalogue online here

The rare luxury of space as the exhibitors take up all the back wall cabinets

Yang Zang did some large scale stitched fabric pieces, Flora made some very large scale but apparently very light brooches and a very yummy paint dipped pendant.

Sarahs pieces are absolutely fantastic. I want one!

Lynsay Raine wearing a miscellaneous love heart.

Raewyn Walsh wearing Yang Zang

Sharon Fitness wearing Yang Zang.

Funny how when non infiltrating we still managed to subliminally infiltrate a bit.

Jessica Winchcombe striking a pose

Wine girl, Octavia Cook was wearing the most fascinating necklace that looked like double happy fire crackers. Nice.

New Zealand Contemporary Jewellery Subliminally Infiltrates The Jewellery Salon and EyeCatch at Objectspace 28 July 2011

2011-07-30T13:26:00.003+12:00

When given the invitation to wear as much New Zealand Contemporary Jewellery as possible you get a whole bunch of jewellers and fans of jewellery wearing a whole lot of goodness.

As the EyeCatch curators pointed out, looking at this picture you cant help seeing Audrey Hepburn, but actually this picture was taken four years previous to that famous image. Lavender Sansom was seen at the time as wearing far too much jewellery and I guess that can be said of a number of people in this post, but oh what fun we had checking out everyone's lovelies.

This event is to raise awareness and funds for a Kobi Bosshard Master of Craft show next year at Objectspace. If you know anyone who owns a Kobi, let Objectspace know. This picture shows Kobi wearing Warwick in Sydney.

"Piss elegant" (my new favourite Kobi saying).

Even though we were all wearing our most fabulous, there was a bit of Kobi envy going on when you found someone wearing Kobi - and there were quite a few.

Chris is wearing her brand new Victoria McIntosh pill necklace and Renee Bevan hydrangea puzzle. Al wears Gavin Hitchins. Apparently Al talked to someone who bought a Kobi in the New Lynn train station in 1964 because there was a train carriage going up and down the country selling art and jewellery at the time. Fantastic!

Alan Preston went all out

Eloise wears Kate Barton, Robyn Singh (whatever happened to her?) Andrea Daly, my favourite Lisa Walker hose, and Cheryl Sills.

Fran Allison wears Fran Allison, Sharon Fitness, Jacqui Chan and Ross Malcolm; Sharon Fitness wears Shelley Norton, Renee Bevan, Raewyn Walsh, Lynsay Raine, Kristin D'Agostino, Sharon Fitness and her Cath Dearsley Flying Rocketship (on her back)

Lynsay Raine wears Gillian Deery, Cath Dearsley, Raewyn Walsh and Sharon Fitness.

Lynsay pointed out that only at a contemporary jewellery event like this can you get away with touching everyones chests/breasts and nobody batts an eyelid.

Pauline Bern was adorned front and back with lots of goodies.

Phillip and Jane Clark with some very lovely items including what looks like three Warwicks on Janes back.

The fantastic EyeCatch display walls cleverly allow for spying through the slots into other spaces. Here I catch a wave from 2011 Talente jewellers Rachel Bell and Flora Sekanova

Rachel Bell wears a brand new Rachel Bell that still has wet glue and Alan Preston Kiwi

Aerial shot, clockwise from left, Nadene Carr, Sarah Walker-Holt, Renee Bevan, Gillian Deery and Lynsay Raine

Sarah wearing Sarah, Renee wearing every NZ pendant she owns

Even the wine girl was wearing a whole lot of lovelyness. She is a Hungry Creek student called Eileen, maybe she will be famous in a few years (you saw her here first!). Who knows... So many new graduates are getting really big breaks now with invites into great shows and even getting into Talente. I think this is so cool and cant wait to see who comes after us. Thank you so much to all the people who are making this happen. Super!

Nadene Subliminally Infiltrates Neckware 8 and Smother at Masterworks 06 July 2011

2011-07-07T16:12:00.003+12:00

Nadene Carr had a plan last week and turned up with some lovely cut up silk scarf pins for us all to Subliminally Infiltrate with for the opening of Neckware 8, Victoria McIntosh's 'Smother', Kate Barton Jewellery Box and Matthew McIntyre Wilson's THINKspace.

The second big jewellery show opening in a row at Masterworks - Super!

Renee wearing 'Love, Sunshine and Happiness'

Lynsay chatting with Neckware 8 Selector Rhoda Fowler

Most lovely and surprising neckware award would have to go to Raewyn Walsh for this piece which was admired by everyone I spoke too.

Raewyn and Cath with flags

Victoria telling us about her touring show Smother which looked absolutely grand. Very interesting stuff indeed.

This necklace is made of one 1000 bits of blanket.

Sarah Walker-Holt in front of her neckware piece. Big congratulations to Sarah for being a finalist in this year's NZ Jewellery show in September. Yippee. And to Flora Sekanova and Matthew McIntyre-Wilson and Jane Dodd! Well done.

Sharon decided to play 'Pin the tail on the JohnKey' with her flag.

Gallery Director Oscar who is now one year, two months and one day old did a pretty good job of Subliminally Infiltrating the show - we should have pinned a flag on him too.

Gillian wearing Jacqui Chan (a few of us had a conversation about the way we never say 'Jacqui Chan' in a normal way - always in a kungfu movie kind of way.
I bet she hates that)

This show of 20 selected neck pieces was hung on coat hangers. A controversial move that allowed most pieces to be viewed from all sides. I quite liked it but also wondered if they would have been better suspended on invisible string minus the coat hangers which are more to do with clothes than jewellery I think... but very to do with neck positioning also. Interesting.

Kate Barton's Jewellery Box Showcase. Love that blue one.

Over the shoulder Nadene holder

A very popular brooch this evening was 'Bob and Terry' made by a teacher called Kim from Kaipara College who was really inspired by Joey's Broach of the Month Club wearings, and the fact that she reckons that Joey looks like KW from 'Where the Wild Things Are'. A very sweet and lovely pair of owls.

Matthew McIntyre Wilson chatting to Ilse-Marie, Kylie and Tatjana. Unfortunately I do not have an in-focus shot of his fabulous THINKspace installation, but he is standing in front of his beautifully woven neck piece.

Subliminally Infiltrating International - an ongoing project by Chris and Al on their Big Arty Europe trip

2011-06-19T18:45:00.005+12:00

Last year's Broach of the Month Club wearer Chris and her husband Al are on a big art trip around Europe including a bit of time at the Venice Biennale. They kindly offered to do some Subliminal Infiltrating along the way.

The Hong Kong Art Fair - Chris wearing Raewyn Walsh

Al and Chris with Michael Parekowhai's guard at the Palazzo where the NZ exhibition is in Venice.

Sharon's Wind Wand, Al and the Bull

My VW mechanic Frank (who is also Michael Parekowhai's mechanic) told me this morning that he saw the beautifully carved grand piano that was black at the leaving NZ party being painstakingly sanded down to be painted Red before it left for Venice. Frank was sworn to secrecy because Mike P (as Frank calls him) wanted it to be a surprise for people seeing the show in Auckland and in Venice. Super.
You can see more of Mike P here.

Clockwise from top right: Cath Dearsley Bunny Poo necklace, Kristin D'Agostino Aligator Goo pin, Sharon Fitness Wind Wand and Nadene Carr green link on black white and grey necklace (sorry Kristin and Nadene what do you call these?) all adorning a Michael Parekowhai Venice Biennale 2011 Bag.

The same naughty jewelleries now adorning a 'Free Ai Weiwei' bag given out at the Vernissage opening at the Giardini Venice.

Ted Noten's Biennale installation in the Glass Stress Show on the island of Murano.

Chris wearing Nadene and Kristin at the Pinakothek der Moderne in Munchen.

Some rings Al and Chris saw in a gallery in Munich.

Karen Michaud Subliminally Infiltrates 'Eye Catch' and Lynne Kelly at Objectspace 10 June 11

2011-06-15T12:10:00.000+12:00

A few geeks were down with the flu tonight, but Karen Michaud still managed a Subliminal Infiltration of 'Eye Catch: Jewellery & Photography' curated by Warwick Freeman and Octavia Cook

Renee playing incognito, running past the camera with bunch of flowers.

Karen's friend Dave wearing a Karen leaf, watching for pooping birds

Cath in front of Fran Allisons "How to make a necklace from a dress", wearing flower forest brooch

Cath again and stripy, furry Raewyn wearing a Karen Flower

Kristin wears Jackson and a leaf

Jackson, Kristin, Leaf, Flower Forrest, Cath

Incognito Renee hiding behind catalogue in front of photogram by Areta Wilkinson and Mark Adams

Karen wearing "Spikey but Nice"

Kristin's husband Craig wearing a leaf on his cloud. Craig has declared that he wants to be a subliminal infiltrator too.

Peter Deckers Infiltrates The See Here Infiltrating Masterworks 08 June 2011

2011-06-09T14:20:00.001+12:00

Oh what a night! The Geeks decided to Subliminally Infiltrate The See Here Masterworks show with some Peter Deckers and a Sunni to celebrate the visiting Wellington jewellery geek community which ended up being a Bootcamp reunion, Handshake jeweller meeting and BOM retrospective spectacular.

The See Here not so Subliminally Infiltrating the Masterworks Gallery window.

Jhana Millers telling Raewyn about Matthew McIntyre-Wilson's Ratbags.

Lynsay and Kristin investigate Vivien Atkinsons installation.

Ross Malcolm in front of his BOM brooch In The Pink's South Island roadtrip photo with Renee and Sunni.

Raewyn infiltrating Kelly McDonald's installation with her Peter Deckers brooch.

Sharon's PD Moose Head infiltrating Tara Brady's work that has pictures of Peter Deckers in it.

Sunni Gibson's flash bench with sold sticker and Raewyn's wine glass

The 2010 Brooch of the Month Club retrospective show in the THINKspace.

The lovely Sunni Gibson wearing a Peter Deckers

Bootcampers Karen Michaud and Tara Brady enjoying a catch-up.

Not to be beaten, Tara grabs a Peter Deckers to Subliminally Infiltrate with too.

By happy coincidence, Lynsay was in the Rick Rudd teapot show when I walked through and I remembered that our very first planned Subliminal Infiltration was at the yellow Rick Rudd show. Special!

Mary Curtis arrived in her pilates gear so I adorned her with Vivien Atkinson. Shelley Norton wears an Esther Knobel that looks a bit like a Sunni.

Renee wearing Sunni, Sunni wearing Renee next to Sarah Reads work and Shelley now wearing Vivien

Nadine Smith wearing Nadine Smith

Renee and Sharon in Thinker pose contemplating Tara Brady expiration dates

Nadene arrives late and doesnt have a Peter, so Sharon puts hers on Nadene

Sunni Gibson, Eloise Kitson and Sarah Read all wearing Peter Deckers

Renee wearing Nadine Smith, Raewyn wearing Peter and Nadene wearing a scarf

I bet David Hartnell thought I was trying to take a photo of him, but I was actually trying to get a photo of the elusive Cheryl Sills with her Jewellery Box showcase.

Cheryl's work looked great on fluro perspex shelf

The See Here installation was fantastic and we were all very impressed. Most clever award goes to Peter Deckers himself for this fantastic bunch of wonderfulness.

Many thanks to Masterworks Gallery for loaning us a couple of extra Peters to infiltrate with.

Gillian Deery Subliminally Infiltrates Karl Fritsch at Fingers 30 May 2010

2011-05-31T15:07:00.003+12:00

The Geeks were very glad to be Subliminally Infiltrating the wonderful and extremely talented Karl Fritsch.

I arrived to find Kristin and Lynsay devouring Lisa Walkers new book Wearable which was also getting launched in Auckland this evening.

Gillian Deery decided to infiltrate with some of her Masters work which is notable for its dunkings in bright pink and green paint. Lovely!

Octavia wears Lisa Walker muscles and pipis and Renee tries on her incognito pose again.

But then decides to show off her Karl Fritsch, Karl Fritsch, Jane Dodd, Otto Kunzli and Gillian Deery collection. Sorry for the blurry photos - I am out of practice.

New geek Flora in pink Deery.

Matt was lacking a Deery, so Joey helped him out.

Sharon loved this spanner type thing. Fran was so pleased to see that Gillian had brooched it rather than necklaced it.

Flora and Sharon and Joey were complimenting Karl on his black showcase painting and commented how it looked like it should be grafittied. There was a mad scramble for a sharp object and..

'Karl was here' appeared on the glass. Magic.

You could say that Karl Fritsch was Subliminally Infiltrating Karl Fritsch.

Andrea Daly came over shortly after this willful damage and by golly did we all feel like naughty school kids.

Gorgeously presented in the very difficult to work with Fingers cabinets.
Lovely big balls of goop.

I think my favourites would have to be these three rings poking tongues.
So cute!

At the end of the evening when Sharon gave back her spanner thing she put her own Gillian Deery on again. Fran and Flora noted that it was lacking some paint and Sharon said 'Oh I know, it is sooo last year.' Ba ha ha

The BOM Geeks infiltrate John Parkers house with White, Black and Red 22MAY2011

2011-05-27T14:22:00.001+12:00

The wrap up party for the 2011 Masterworks Broach of the Month Club was held at John Parker's house, so to honour this very white, red and black ceramic artist we all dressed up in white, red and black.

This Zebra was already in costume.

Maker and Wearer line up:

Renee, Rachel, Bev, Ilse-Marie, Bronwynne, Rachel, Christine and Al

John has a gorgeous tree filled property in the bush.

I love going to houses where you just cant stop checking out all the artwork.

Note the Michael Parekowhai flowers in John Parker bowl picture.

Jenny, Raewyn, Gillian and Lynsay infiltrating the amazing food selection.

Jenny studied Bev's Mushroom meringues carefully. They were delicious!

Sharon & Joey made a BOM pie. Spot the brooches.

Sharon Subliminally Infiltrated John's house with 'John' the brooch

John infiltrating John's orbs

Cath Solo Subliminally Infiltrates the Lisa Walker Wearable book launch in Wellington 21May11

2011-05-27T14:19:00.004+12:00

"I was too shy to talk to Karl but Dave was rabbiting on to him. Lisa was nice." - CD

Cath Dearsley reports from the field:

Floppy poppies by Sharon Fitness infiltrates Lisa Walker Wearable book launch at Bartley and Company gallery, in that quirkily named Ghuznee street...

Floppy Poppies went on mini break to Wellington with Cath. Sharon was unable to go so she sent her tentacled friend (no not Cath) to check out the magnificent new jewels.

Having arrived geekily early, the gallery filled to that elbow in your drink and nibble level, as the groovier types rolled in later...

Floppy Poppies and Cath had a lovely time meeting Sam Kelly (of 2011 Talente fame...)

Wow check out those brooches!

Dave proudly clutching the spanking new book...

Wearable is an excellent (+ very affordable) new hardback from experienced book producer Lisa. The A4 sized pages each sport a gorgeous photograph of some of Lisa Walker's jewels from recent years. There are additionally shots of installations at various galleries and also those wonderful studio documentation shots that Lisa takes of newly finished pieces. Wearable includes an essay from

Liesbeth den Besten.Yay!

These lovely ladies give you a good idea of the scale of these neckpieces.

The soft Fabric beach ball like piece was my favourite. I think you would feel very cushioned from life blows wearing this.

* Reports of Floppy Poppy being injured later in the evening were unfounded. Dancing in squashed bar that night, floppy poppies did one two many Mexican waves and petal did disappear but retrieval efforts are underway.

a rustling in the leaves 17 May 2011

2011-05-17T09:08:00.002+12:00

Rumour has it that the geeks are about to embark on a new round of infiltrations. Watch this space!!!!

Cath Dearsley infiltrates Subliminal Infiltrations at Masterworks 01 December 2010

2010-12-02T13:38:00.002+13:00

After four months of solid fun and laughter infiltrating other peoples openings we have Subliminally Infiltrated our own THINKspace at Masterworks. This doesnt mean it is the end though - we plan to catch up on some deep and meaningful contextualisations of the project and its effects on the population.

Then we just need to work on our goal of infiltrating the world... hopefully before Bootcamp in February.

Fran and Mary and Yang were our first official visitors.

Quite an eclectic array of wearables from seven very different makers. Some punters are a bit confused and perhaps overwhelmed by the variety of work on show, but then started isolating each maker's pieces and become more engaged with the installation as a whole.

Kristin wears some Cath Dearsley Magic Dust. Tatjana pointed out that there are always plenty of wine glasses in view in these Subliminal Infiltration photos. Perhaps a glass of wine should be added to the THINKspace installation too.

The group jewellery show out the front. Garth was quite taken by Lucy's things. Big ups to Raewyn who sold both of her necklaces within the first 30 minutes. Super.

Lynsay's shoes stole the show again with Martina commenting in a round about way that she might have to kill her for them.

Kristin had to run off to baby class, so Gillian's Mum graciously took up the Magic Dust duties. Gillian

wears the slug. Jillian wears one of her many Gavin Hitchings.

Interesting how many of Cath's pieces have faces.

The Octopus is faceless but does have many arms that were intent on getting in Sharon's hair.

Raine-ing on Unitec's Parade 24 November 2010

2010-11-26T15:43:00.002+13:00

When one is Subliminally Infiltrating, one really should remember to bring one's work along for the Geeks to wear. Naughty Lynsay. Luckily three geeks were wearing Lynsays all day including one geek that was wearing two Lynsay Raine egg warmers, so we just managed to Subliminally Infiltrate the Unitec Grad Show.

First up: Geek and Masters by Project candidate Gillian Deery brightened up Snow White with her new green twist - a very impressive spring leaping.

Chin Chin. Joey was pretending that her number 5 badge was a Lynsay, but it was actually a Fitness/Pierpont collaboration in disguise.

Sharon was quite taken by Yang Zhang's pin and has since done some negotiating to purchase it.

It is so easy to get lost in the Unitec's many rooms and corridors. I quite liked Rachel's big recycled material pieces which were accompanied by a film that I wish I had had more time to watch.

We Subliminally Infiltrated (blocked) the stairwell for a wee while enroute to find photography.

We finally found Nadene lurking in the painting department wearing borrowed Lynsay egg warmer.

Gillian literally wears a Lynsay as they geer up for a jolly night with 2 cups each. The Unitec grad show is always so generous with their food and wine.

Raewyn was unable to make the opening, so Subliminally Infiltrated the town hall instead. Interesting how well this Raine goes with the organ pipes.

The No No No accidental Subliminal Infiltration at the Year 4 MSVA show 12 November 2010

2010-11-16T14:51:00.006+13:00

I got to work last Wednesday and got confronted by some terribly scary smiley fund-a-mental christian pictures on the hallway leading to my office. Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes they said. After screaming 'Aargh!' I ran to my office and scribbled No on some masking tape and slapped it on my shirt. I felt invaded and contaminated, like someone had thrown germs at me. It wasnt so much the "Do you believe jesus christ as your one and only saviour" message with badly spelled bible quotes in english and chinese on the posters that freaked me out, it was more the mass hysteria fundamental happy clappy propaganda thing that overwhelmed me.

Fran coveted thy neighbours No patch and suggested I made some badges to protect the marking team, so I did - these got snapped up like hotcakes, so I made a few more and left them on the ledge outside my office so that people could save themselves.

No No No No Yes Yes No

We were not intending to Subliminally Infiltrate the Year 4 opening on Friday night because not many Geeks were planning to come, so this Subliminal Infiltration took me quite by surprise. In fact it wasnt until Maggie and Amberleigh from Artists Alliance came up to me with a horrified look on their face, desperately wanting to know if I had any spare No badges, that I realised that the Nos were Infiltrating all by themselves. So I whipped out my camera and started documenting. I have no idea whose work we were infiltrating but there was one awkward moment shortly after taking this photograph when there were about 5 Nos in a row when some girls suddenly all turned around and one said "Oh no, they are all wearing Nos"- so maybe it was one of them.

the Artist Alliance ladies

Nadene wanted to join the No club before she had even seen the Yes mob. I gave her one with a warning that she may not want to be wearing after she had seen the offending installation down the hall, but it remained on her cardy all night. They had very nice cakes at the opening.

Mark did a great job spreading the good news about where to find the Nos.

Amy and Philip both came running up to me to get a No badge. I am not sure if they knew each other previously or if they met because of their No affiliations.

Philip's friend Melissa looked much happier with her No on.

I got to meet the new staff member Echo because she had a No on.

Laura wore her No subliminally because she didnt want to offend her classmate. She said her father was confused at first but immediately got the reference after seeing the Yes mob. Laura's installation in the darkrooms was absolutely fantastic and the highlight of the show for me.

Cath and Sharon were trying to take a photo of their twin Floppy Poppies but couldnt stop laughing and laughing and laughing. Ba ha ha! Too much bubbles perhaps.

Strangely nobody asked me for a Yes badge. I did find Dr Peter Shand lurking in the corridor with a Yes postcard in his pocket to be ironic and controversial I suspect. He wore a No badge on marking day.

Nadene Carr Subliminally Infiltrates the Fingers Group Show and Ann Robinson at FHE 07 November 2010

2010-11-11T10:33:00.005+13:00

Ah, the annual Fingers Group Show at Fingers, stangely opening on a Sunday afternoon to coincide with Auckland Art Week. What a great selection of new and exciting work.

I especially liked the new Shelley Nortons so I bought one.

Nadene decided to get some of her graduate pieces on show for this Subliminal Infiltration and by golly did they look fabulous.

We all loved Lisa Walker's new tabloid necklace

Caths collar perfectly matched her frock

New MSVA graduate-to-be Lucy was delighted to be infiltrating as was Kristin Toller (Unitec 2009). It was great to see our friend Ross Malcolm who has been running around in Scotland all year. We love him! He should be a Satellite Geek too.

As the new Ann Robinson show was on next door we felt obliged to Subliminally Infiltrate FHE - a very good show of pods and vessels. Cath decided to subliminally wear the largest circa $38000 Ann on her shoulder.

The Geeks surprise infiltrate Rachel Bell at Objectspace 02 November 2010

2010-11-11T10:19:00.000+13:00

The night before the opening of the Museum Of True History Vault, the Lisa Walker Windowspace and the 'One Brown Box' exhibitions at Objectspace we found out that our Satelitte Geek friend Rachel Bell (who had some work in the Museum of True History) had been selected for next years Talente in Munich. Fabulous!

So we did a surprise Rachel Bell Subliminal Infiltration of Rachel Bell.

She was most surprised and happy.

Here is Kristin getting her autograph - she is so famous!

Sharon Infiltrates Peter Deckers and Lisa West at Masterworks 03 November 2010

2010-11-05T17:22:00.002+13:00

Sharon decided to Sublimninally Infiltrate this opening with things she makes and wears herself in random moments of adornment that are very different to the things she makes to sell. Cath infiltrated that plan though by wearing her new floppy poppies brooch and the ring from the brooch/ring baggie that was in 'The Multitude' exhibition which everyone now loves so long as it is out of its baggie. Am I the only one who loves wearing plastic baggies and safety pins???

Tonight we awere infiltrating the new Peter Decker's THINKspace (which is super super cool!)and Lisa West in the Jewellery Box and John Roy out the front.

Kristin wearing a creature (out of Sharon blob but actually made by Joey) and Christine wearing the box of chickens

The Lisa Walker Stalker Brooch/Necklace 2008

Nadene Carr pulling the string on the vintage fun-ho racing Car

Eloise sporting the longest drink in town giraffe

and here is Sinead wearing Sinead and that girl that makes the vulvic brooches.

Stealth Jewellery Bombing at the MSVA BVA Y1-3 end of year show, 02 November 2010

2010-11-05T16:09:00.002+13:00

Aaah, the end of the university calendar is approaching, so some of the geeks embarked on a Stealth Jewellery Bombing mission to the Manukau School of Visual Arts Year 1 - 3 end of year show wearing Raewyn Walsh.

Gearing up on the roadside

Two students had installations with black light which showed up sharons space invaders fantastically. We all had tremendous fun in a dark cupboard with glowey spots but unfortunately the camera was malfunctioning.

The geeks couldnt resist subliminally infiltrating someones moving image wall projection

These strange wall adornments were a firm favourite - sadly I dont know her name but will endeavour to find out... i think it was rebecca somebodyorother from year 3.

Two Walsh handles infiltrate Darshini's Peacock's mirror

Sinead's work looked fantastic

By chance, the Tuesday night night class was on so we had chats in the workshop. Said hello to my old classmate Ellen (that is her blue sleave in the corner).

Cath was quite fond of our felt whiteboard buffer.

Rare Fungal Behaviour in Australia at Touch, Pause, Engage, Keeper Galler, Sydney 21 October 2010

2010-10-27T16:23:00.002+13:00

Kristin D'Agostino, a few geeks and some lovely new satellite helpers from across the sea Subliminally Infiltrated the Touch, Pause, Engage opening at Gaffa. Sadly I could not attend so I am hoping the infiltrators will add some comments to this post.

Here is what the blog says about Touch, Pause, Engage:

Touch, Pause, Engage offers a glimpse into the Contemporary Jewellery scene in Aotearoa, New Zealand for the Australian community. Known primarily as the call the referee shouts before two rugby teams lock into a scrum, Touch, Pause, Engage is a call to fully examine and interact with jewellery as you encounter it.

This innovative jewellery showcase is designed to reset the trans-Tasman rivalry between our rugby-loving brothers and sisters, and to build new jewellery relationships. The show will be displayed in the Keeper Gallery, at the Gaffa Art Complex in Sydney, and will run from 21 October – 2 November 2010. Opening night, October 21st will also mark the release of an accompanying publication.

Curated by Kristin D’Agostino and Raewyn Walsh, Touch, Pause, Engage, has invited a diverse team of fifteen New Zealand jewellers to submit inventive and inspired works. Although many of the makers’ practices focus on different issues and are expressed in a wide range of forms, the side is fit and game ready. The roster is comprised of talented individuals with varying skills, strengths and experience, but who all share in common the goal of pushing the experimental aspects of their jewellery practice.

Nadene Subliminally Infiltrates Nadene at Masterworks 13 October 2010

2010-10-14T15:41:00.002+13:00

Subliminally Infiltrating your own show is a hard task because not only do you have to make work for the show, you also have to supply extras for the geeks to wear. Rather than using any old pieces lurking around, Nadene went the whole hog and made a new bunch of brooches with words on! These provided endless hours of fun as we could say different things standing next to different people. Marvelous!

look hey

! at

hey you look

Nadenes show looked absolutely awesome with flying brooches and a red sold sticker on one of the necklaces.

at look oi

We were also Subliminally Infiltrating Peter Deckers' installation in the THINKspace where he has bedazzled everyone with laser beams magically pointed at each brooch or ring. It was most amusing watching people trying to figure out how it was done. Here Octavia Cook and Renee Bevan admire Sineads Nadene necklace.

I bet Ilse-Marie and Tatjana wished they were subliminally infiltrating too.

Joeys Me jumped on to BOM wearer Jenny much to her surprise.

Renee was very pleased to be infiltrating too, even if her one didnt have words.

Nadene's whole family turned up to infiltrate - strangely undadorned I might add.

hey you

Chins up, no double trouble here.

The Royal Walsh! Friday 08 October 2010

2010-10-11T15:42:00.001+13:00

Raewyn was supposed to subliminally infiltrate Craig McIntosh at Fingers last week but couldnt make it so the geeks were very pleased to receive an invitation to 'Superstructures' new work by Cheryl Sills and Mia Straka at Royal Jewellery Studio in Kingsland. Hurrah! The Royal Walsh!

This is Kristin's first subliminal infiltration as she has been away in a manger.

Cath wears Raewyn's wine glass and spoon pendant.

Nadene wears a small furry creature that likes to masquerade as hairy armpits or chest hair.

Sharon wears a dark and mysterious caterpillar thingy.

We were most impressed by the two jewellers benches hiding behind the counter and the giant lego block display aids:

I have never been to a Royal opening before. I was most impressed by their flash new cabinets and use of vintage jewellery tools as display ornaments. Jewellery can be such a pain to display nicely and they seem to be great at it.

A geek family portrait at the bar next door. Yay chips and beer.

Cath Dearsley Infiltrates 'Talking to Me' at Objectspace

2010-09-20T14:13:00.002+12:00

Talking to Me: collecting and making, curated by Philip Clarke and starring Warwick Freeman, Andrea Daly, Simon Gamble, Vita Cochran, Emily Siddell, Genevieve Packer and Richard Stratton was a pretty cool show and how could we not infiltrate it with those big jewellers involved. A rather interesting show investigating what makers like to collect. Highlights were Simon Gamble's vintage calculator collection and Warwick Freeman's star photos.

Cath modelling her lovely donkey and the lovely hat that she knitted.

Gillian pointing the finger

Raewyn thought this shirt looked rather like wallpaper and therefore tremendously good for displaying her Rat Head trophy.

Renee trying to be incognito.

This is the coolest mouse pendant ever!

Rocko having a good sniff.

Lillian and 'Coral' infiltrating Andrea Daly and Philip Clarke wearing his Broach of the Month Club brooch by Ross Malcolm 'In the Pink'.

Sinead wearing the 'Kiss' Brooch

Sharon appeared to be unadorned at first, but if you hung around her long enough...

At the end of the night, Cath gave Sharon a new brooch of Poppy and Bitsy riding their scooters. Sweet!

Sharon does an Impromptu Subliminal Infiltration of herself with a little help from the Satellites

2010-09-16T14:15:00.005+12:00

Now, Papakura Art Gallery is a long way from the city and I didnt really expect the geeks to turn up, so I didnt plan a Subliminal Infiltration for the opening of Think Twice: a jewellery installation of Manukau School of Visual Arts jewellery department staffers Mary Curtis, Fran Allison, Renee Bevan and Sharon Fitness, especially as this opening was sandwiched between the Lynsay at Masterworks and Cath at Objectspace infiltrations - is there such a thing as too much geeking in one week? Na.

So, at the last minute I decided I could infiltrate my show with me and a photo of me and that would be mildly amusing. Fortuitously, the satellite geeks Jo, Renee and Lillian did some infiltrations of their own, followed by Cath and Nadene when they arrived a little later on.

I must say that I was extremely impressed by the new look of the Papakura Art Gallery - very professional and white and looking like a very cool gallery space - a long way from the pokey cream hessian wall pinboard community gallery outfit it had last time I ventured this far south. Well done!

Sharon Fitness wearing Sharon infiltrating Sharon wearing Sharon

Renee Bevan infiltrating Renee Bevan wearing Fran Allison

Broach of the Month Club wearer Joey wearing Renee Bevan infiltrating Bill Riley wearing Renee Bevan

Lillian wearing a Sharon Moo Cow necklace

Renee's David Bielander Shrimp chatting to Mr Rocket

A ghostly woman wearing Mary Curtis infiltrating Mary's neighbour Marianne wearing Mary Curtis

Nadene turned up unadorned (shock horror!) so quickly made a capsicum and pretzel pin.

And Cath wearing Cath infiltrating Frances Hansens show in the entrance gallery 'Nearly Everything'. I later found our that this rather special little donkey is attached via a magnetic tail which can be attached to the tail end when not being worn. Magical!

Impromptu Infiltrations are fun!

Lynsay Raine Subliminally Infiltrates 'Out of the Everyday' at Masterworks even though she is in Northern Ireland

2010-09-16T14:12:00.003+12:00

We are getting pretty good at Subliminally Infiltrating now and lots of people joined in with us for the subliminal infiltration of group show 'Out of the Everyday', Mike Crawford's 'Mantel' and Flora Sekanova's Jewellery Box. Best thing in the show for me was Hana Rakena's Canterbury Earthquake damaged jug seen in the background - very out of the ordinary.

Broach of the Month Club wearer Bronwynne Cornish was very chuffed to be wearing a Lynsay.

Raewyn's son Luke wanted to wear a Lynsay.

New gallery director Oscar wanted to wear his father's Lynsay.

The baby Lynsay BOM brooch wanted to wear some Lynsays.

Peter Peryers monkey badge wanted to wear a Lynsay.

Eloise got in on the infiltration too with her Pigs in Blankets.

In a moment which I suspect may have been premeditated, Raewyn whipped out her blue torch necklace and played a game of spotlight the brooch (one of our fist guerrilla tactic ideas) which was a great deal of fun.

Lynsay was planning to go out Infiltrating in Belfast, so hopefully I can include some of her photos soon.

Kristin Subliminally Infiltrates St Paul Street Gallery and gets all interactive

2010-09-02T09:47:00.002+12:00

With a quick rush around to get enough Kristin D'Agostino to wear while she was out of the country, the Geeks Subliminally Infiltrated their first 'Fine Art' opening. Lynsay's flatmate Charlotte and Selina were also infiltrating in borrowed fungiware.

Satellite Geek Selina Shanti Woulfe and some other people were staring in Make / Shift: a pacific islandy influenced artist show with the whole works - moving image, strange fruit, drawings, prints, found retro pictures, photography, installation and performance art. Excellent. The best thing about this exhibition was the chocolate chip cookies, the chocolate cakey things and the Coopers beer - Nadene gave that the big thumbs up!

Selina's work and photos were fantastic of course. For some reason we tended to bunch up for 5 minutes and then disperse in little groups before being drawn back each other. It must have been the influence of those bikini bottoms stuffed with talcum powder on bungy cords or maybe the Fungi just wanted to grow in amongst the other installations.

Or maybe it was because not many people were paying any attention to our Subliminal Infiltration, so we subliminally started drawing attention to ourselves. Who knows.

It was a fun night out and we got to chat to lots of people we havent seen in ages.

Yay St Paul Street, Yay D'Agostino Fungi.

Sharon Infiltrates the Fingers opening not so Subliminally 23 August 2010

2010-08-30T11:05:00.002+12:00

The second attempt at subliminally infiltrating was not so subliminal at all because we made up nearly half the people at the opening.. woops. I spent half an hour finding a park so arrived late and walked straight into Warwick Freeman, Alan Preston and Ruth Baird - aaargh! the old masters of Fingers and the NZ contemporary jewellery movement all looking at me strangely.. oh no I thought, had they noticed something strange going on? Were they mad? Were they wondering how I had convinced all these people to wear my blobbies? I quickly got my glass of bubbles and ran to the collective safety of the other Geeks. Nadene arrived shortly after and we all hung out behind the cabinets away from the big scary people.

We all went for japanesey afterwards and discussed the pros and cons of this overwelming bombardment infiltration. Overall, the infiltration was a success as we got noticed (although not subliminally) and we got some sort of message across to the people present. Nobody asked us about what was going on, though I suspect Mary Curtis may have given them a clue. My blobs are very loud and out there, so I supose it was fitting that they made a big splash on their first infiltration. Fingers openings are generally packed with other jewellers wearing their finest and favourites, so ideally our next infiltrations there will be less obvious and more subliminal.

Lynn Kelly's work was pretty impressive and it was great to meet her. She is lovely and she has nice hair.

Gillian Subliminally Infiltrates Masterworks opening 18 August 2010

2010-08-28T16:00:00.001+12:00

Our first conscious attempt at Subliminal Infiltration was a great success. The crowd was huge so it took a while for prople to notice that something was going on. Broach of the Month wearer John Parker was pleased to find out that he was a member of this hip new crowd wearing Gillian Deery.

Infiltrating what?

2010-08-28T12:57:00.002+12:00

A brief and unconcise history:

By happy coincidence, 3 auckland jewellery Geeks (yes we are trying to think of a better name) wore Cath Dearsley felty brooches to the Fingers Contemporary Jewellery exhibition opening on 04 August 2010 featuring new graduate work by Nadene Carr (MSVA), Kristin Toller (Unitec) and Debbie Adamson (Otago Polytechnic).

Now, the Geeks have been planning to do some guerrilla actions at openings for a while but hadnt yet found a suitable behaviour to get ourselves out there and noticed without looking like complete dicks.

Being smart and perceptive like we are, we quickly realised the potential of this 3 Cath Dearsley accidental happening and set about creating a cunning plan to subliminally infiltrate the Auckland Contemporary Jewellery and Art scene in the four months leading up to our pencilled in THINKspace show at Masterworks Gallery opening on Wednesday 01 December 2010.

The plan: keep it simple, showcase one Geek's work at each opening leading up to the THINKspace, taking photo documentation and keeping notes on comments and feelings as we go along.

The Geeks are: Kristin D'Agostino, Raewyn Walsh, Cath Dearsley, Nadene Carr, Lynsay Raine, Gillian Deery and Sharon Fitness.

Satellite Geeks who may also be participating are: Joey, Lillian, Rachel, Selina, Renee and whoever else wants to play in our sandpit.

Our general long term goal (after we have chosen a better name of course) is to subliminally infiltrate the world! So watch out, here we come...