Damian Skinner writes: “The introductory wall text for this exhibition says that it is about two main issues: ‘the skilled terrain of craft practice’ that is related to, but not the same as, fine art; and the way in which Objectspace can intervene in the craft sector and support newish makers. The second appears to be the major impulse behind the show, with the text making it clear that ‘In from the garden is intended to look closer at four makers from around New Zealand who, currently at this period in their respective careers, are staying the course and readying to settle in for the long haul.’ The four are jewellers Renee Bevan and Victoria McIntosh, ceramist Blue Black, and sculptor/woodworker Ben Pearce.
Talking of practical things first: the show is nicely installed in the gallery. There is not a huge amount of work – I counted sixteen individual works, some of which are made up of groups of objects – and the gallery feels spacious, but it doesn’t feel underdone or empty, either. Sensibly I think the curator Matt Blomeley has recognised the conceptual and visual complexity of a lot of these objects, and given them plenty of space.”
For the full interview visit Skinner’s Paua Dreams website. Published 7 August 2009.
A Bloc Carpentry Matt Blomeley 
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