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Philosophies
A
First Generation New Zealander
Tui Slater - from English parents - so first generation - maybe that
explains why I am so interested in NZ past - trying to find / live that
period of time - the heydays of the 50's and 60's where bbq's, beach
living and plastic too over Bakelite was all the rage. I think that
was a coming out time for NZ to live the good life, and now it is a
nice period to look back on fondly and to see how far we have come,
in terms of wealth, growth, culturally, etc.
My
Place in Contemporary Art
This BAA coursework essay from June 2007 provides some "Tuiana"
background/history as it ties together a lot of my ideas and mentions
artists that I like. As I have continued to make it, I have found it
interesting to look back on this essay which indicates my serious interest
in New Zealand art and how I fit into it.
I
Must Say - I am Not a Feminist
I do not indulge in feminine art. I may skirt the edges from time to time
but my focus is seeing both sides of the story: good, bad; in sickness
and in health etc. I believe that our blokes are soft in the inside, and
we sheilas have a lot to answer for at times. I may use materials and
shapes that suggest male singlets or female singlets although I team them
with other items too that come with their own prescribed values, but in
the end I think that the good old black singlet, being so neatly unisex,
is meant to be, and how it is. Even if it is coarse and itchy - an honour
to the hard work blokes put in that girls want to wear them out too. I
just like to push and poke people to get out and look at the world, society
and culture, we have created here together. Who says we should like this
or that? Get rid of the stuffy stereotyping we all fall victim to!!!
Twelve
Rules For a New Academy
Worthy of keeping at eye level on my studio wall!!!
Badges
Women Wear?
No war medals for them - Registered Nurses - brooches... Where are the
bars and colours? Why do we wear jewellery? Are we prepared to wear
our badge on our heart?
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