Studio Audit 2013 - A Collaborative Work with Emily Rumney

Emily Rumney & Steph Chalmers - Studio Audit 2013 (detail) - Mixed Media - 890 mm H x 1030mm W

Sampler of media from our studio, September 2013 - pen, pencil, graphite, felt tip, watercolour, gouache, acrylic, ink, pigment 

Emily Rumney & Steph Chalmers with Studio Audit 2013 at the opening of the NZPPA 2014

Emily and I made our first collaborative artwork last year and it was selected for the Waikato Society of Arts' annual New Zealand Painting and Printmaking Award for 2014.

We decided to make the work as a way to re-engage with all the different materials we have available to us in the studio. It was also a response to having spent a LOT of time playing Blendoku. 

. . . 

“I tried in my selection to choose not only the entries that I considered to be outstanding, but works that illustrate the diverse styles and media I saw. As a result, the 2014 NZPPA exhibition is made up of everything from digital collage to oil paint, pinhole photography to ballpoint pen.

I am also intrigued by the theme of digital technologies and digitally-led lives that is reflected across these works, from a digital collage that calls to mind 19th century scientific engravings to an abstract painting inspired by social media interactions.”

 - 2014 Judge Courtney Johnston

Director of The Dowse Art Museum

The (very worthy) Winner 2014: 

Stephen Ellis - We Asked For Signs

Merit Award Winners:                    

Hannah Depree - Boys Club 

Jessica Peerless - After Kauri

You can see all of finalists here

Click here for a review by Peter Dornauf for EyeContact 

Before and After Photos: Studio Sink Splash Back and Shelf

Not sure why it took us so long to get around to it... only took two and a half hours! Easy.

Studio Progress

Intaglio Printmaking Press - made by my uncle Martin

We had expert help to help move our press into the studio - thanks so much Marty.

We're still building and organising storage. Emily's framing moulding will soon be off the floor and safely housed in an upright store infront of the small wall on the left side.

Studio in progress - June 2012

Building Benches

BEFORE - 4th October 2011

AFTER - 14th April 2012

AFTER - 14th April 2012

For most of Easter weekend we were making benches and storage either side of our sink unit in the studio.

The big drawer (right) pulls all the way out so it can be used as a tray to transport art supplies. The panel that covers the hot water cylinder is attached with split battens as we won't have to access it much, and  it was a small way to save on hardware. Our two handles are up-cycled parts from old locks... another hardware saving. 

It took us a-stupid-amount-of-time to suss out exactly how to fit the cupboard hinges, so when we fitted them perfectly the first time I was chuffed!

We used diluted black paint to stain the bench top and sealed it with a couple of clear coats. The finish is exactly what we hoped we'd achieve.

The left side is yet to be completed. We're going to do another small drawer at the top, and we'll make a box on wheels to fit into the cavity below.

Splash-back and above bench storage/shelving also still to be done.

All Prepped Up...

My current work space - ready to go...

It looked so nice, I thought it was worth a photo.

The paper is Fabriano Tiepolo. I soaked it for five minutes then laid it on plywood, and taped the edges with water-activated gummed paper tape (available from Gordon Harris). This should withstand a good splashing of water, ink and paint while remaining beautifully flat. Will post results soon...

Ooh, have to share... I just won a second folding chair (like the one above) on on TradeMe, for six dollars! I've seen them for around $160 at vintage stores. Score!

Studio In Progress

Our studio will probably be a work-in-progress for years to come. I'll be making artwork in this space eventually.