Category Archives: art + design

heard | Semi-Permanent returns to Auckland this May

26 March 2013   Mccaulay+Maestro Crew
SP2013_LaChapelle

Semi-Permanent, the international festival for creatives, returns to Auckland on 31 May for its annual two-day exploration into the minds of our world’s most cutting edge creative artists and design thinkers.

The 2013 line-up includes Mike Bashore, head of creative at Digital Kitchen, the US content agency that developed Stanley Piano – the world’s first interactive piano – and won Emmy awards for their main title work on True Blood, Dexter and Six Feet Under.

They will be in the fine company of US production designer Annie Sperling, photographer David LaChapelle’s art director. Sperling is involved with community mural projects throughout Los Angeles reflecting city landmarks, heroes and cultural diversity, and her painting and photography explore the world of burlesque and live theatre which she is also involved.

Others on the speaking agenda include Curious Films Founder Darryl Ward, surf magazine Stab’s creator, Sam McIntosh, Rodney Eggleston of March Studios, and Berlin animator and engineer, Niklas Roy. Ex pat illustrator Kelly Thompson, and Michael Lugmayr, founder of TOKO will also present.

Simon Velvin, Semi-Permanent director says this is the first speaker announcement with more big names still to be confirmed.

Ticket holders can also expect inspiring and thought provoking workshops, exhibitions, installations and live art.

The Auckland show returns after a decade of hosting 250,000-plus people at 33 events in five countries, including sell-out shows in New York, London, Hong Kong, Wellington and Perth. For the first time this month, the event organisers unveiled the event’s new brand to an outstanding attendance in Portland USA. Los Angeles is next-up.

Velvin says the addition of new shows around the world has lifted the bar.

“We love creating collisions and bringing together dynamic people doing things a little differently. The Auckland show reflects a more diverse and rich talent pool than ever before – topping off a big two months in the US. We’re truly a global gathering of creative minds.

“Creative directors, design directors, designers, artists, photographers, digital creatives, company leaders, agency personnel, product and fashion designers and pretty much anyone who operates as a creative should come with an open mind, and leave mind blown,” says Velvin.

Tickets for the Aotea Centre event are now on sale at www.the-edge.co.nz and you can find the Auckland programme here.

 Here’s what we thought of last year: been | Design, inspiration, & innovation… This is Semi-Permanent

heard | Askew One Collaborates with Arcade on Limited Edition Skateboard Decks

06 December 2012   Mccaulay+Maestro Crew
askew

Off the back of painting eight of the giant tanks down in Auckland’s Silo Park, Askew One (Elliot O’Donnell) is embarking on a new venture, collaborating with Auckland skate brand Arcade to create a limited run of exclusive skate board deck designs.

To celebrate the release, Arcade will hold a launch party on Wednesday 12 December from 6–9PM at their Cross St store in central Auckland. The two Askew One designed decks will be available for purchase on the night, and exclusively from the store until sold out.

Opening in 2011, the independent skate shop has drawn on the cultural heritage of Auckland, quickly becoming a staple in the scene - hosting art exhibitions, skate competitions, music performances and product launches, and amassing a solidcrew for whom the shop is a second home.

“My collaboration with Arcade actually started mid-year when they invited me topaint the shop window,” says Askew. “I’ve watched them as they have worked closely with a handful of local artists during the past year and I respect that. I think despite the fact they are a young and small locally owned store, their decision making about what they get involved in and how they engage the local community is driven by what they believe versus what may be the easiest commercial route. I like to work that way too and so it’s only natural that we can come together like this.”

Askew has lived around the K’Rd area for most of the last decade, and has always loved the aesthetic and potential of Cross Street, seeing it as a good fit to launch the boards.

“I think these guys were brave setting up a retail space down there but someone had to lead the way,” he says. “I really enjoy that they are a skate focused outlet too; it’s awesome to see the store become a hub for the emerging generation of kids skating and I look forward to seeing people skate or collect these decks.”

ASKEW x ARCADE SKATE BOARD DECK LAUNCH

Wednesday 12 December

6.00 – 9.00PM

Arcade Skate Shop, 22c Cross Street, Auckland

Hit up their Facebook event page for more info.

NZFW2012: Designer PROFILE – Shona Tawhiao

05 September 2012   K-Ran M
Untitled-1

Local fashion designer Shona Tawhiao is one of the many fashion designers featuring at New Zealand Fashion Week’s Miromoda fashion show this coming Friday. The self-employed Maori Fibre Artist and Designer has put together a plethora of amazing garments in the past and present which represents the Maori culture in an elegant nature through the use of flax fibres and weavings.

Shona Tawhiao uses the term “haute couture” to describe the inspiration behind all of her garments. Her attempt to modernise haute couture in a cultural sense speaks volumes of her future-focused and visionary artistic endeavours and also natural ability to create a subculture from an indigenous culture. Shona Tawhiao refers to the Japanese culture in saying that Maori [the culture] don’t yet have that. [Subcultural element] Through her garments, Shona Tawhiao attempts to construct visionary designs that go beyond the shores and borders of New Zealand and the fashion industry. Shona’s garments are sleek in body fit, precise in execution, elegant in colour and overall pleasing to the eye on all stylistic accounts.

Shona Tawhiao also adds a teaspoon of culture to New Zealand Fashion Week. This cultural component is one which she believes New Zealand has “struggled to muster.” With the brown demographic [that of Maori and Pasifika] growing in New Zealand, we are seeing a wealth of Maori and Pacific Island designers coming through the fashion industry ranks, but if of anything, I’d like to see the presence grow to its full potential within coming years. The artistic and stylistic talent that lies within our brown designers, particularly our young generations, needs to be encouraged with opportunities presented to them to ensure they get the exposure needed to nourish and promote their skills and abilities.

Lindah Lepou, who is of Samoan decent, is one Pacific Island designer in particular who has become well known within fashion circles and the New Zealand public for her ‘Cocomono’ garment and her other pacific couture garments. Most recently, Kapi Fonua a Tongan student studying fashion here in New Zealand, won TVNZ’s Paper Dresses competition. His dress optimised a ‘pohutukawa tree’ encompassing early childhood memories based around a pohutukawa tree – that of which stood out as a significant symbol from his childhood. His well-executed and paper-tissue-inspired dress featured on the runway on Tuesday night, with his debut at New Zealand Fashion Week almost certainly opening up a door or two for him within the fashion industry.

Shona Tawhiao first took part in New Zealand Fashion Week after being presented with several opportunities to partake in fashion shows, being a testament to the visionary talent, amazing skill and artistic ability that she possesses. In 2007, Shona won the Premier Award at the ‘Manuka Villa Maria Cult Couture’ show. This award presented Shona with an opportunity to enter the ‘World of Wearable Arts’ after being encouraged by the organisers to take part. And 2012, presents a challenge and learning experience in itself as Shona Tawhiao’s garments graces the runway once again in the Miromoda Showcase, this Friday. Secure your seat now!

 

MIROMODA SHOWCASE

1.30pm – Westpac Shed. Also featuring the following designers:

Monique Lynch / Poto Morgan
Dmonic Intent / Marsh Ranginui
Shona Tawhiao / Olivia Edington
Koia Gray / Hohepa Thompson
Surface Too Deep / Pia Boutique
Christopher Woods-Huia

 

[Follow K-Ran M on Twitter >> @TheCLASSYKiddo]

Dolls House Nails

05 September 2012   Sin-Mae Chung
QUEEN BEE

Meet Debbie, a friendly, fun, quirky and very talented lady. Known by the name of Dolls House Nails, Debbie has been in the nail art industry for 27 years. From the first days when fashionable nails were brought to New Zealand, Debbie would have played a major role in the creative side of the art.

I have brought to your attention Dolls House Nails not only because of the talent and creative flare this person has, but the passion for nail art and her dreams to incorporate her work among fashion, models and runways. Now what is this? Extreme Nail Art meeting runways? From what I recall most runway shows tend to have extreme hair, make up or jewellery, never have I noticed nails before. Well, not much in New Zealand that is other than a solid colour here and there, wanting to know more I arranged a time to get to know her better (and of course to have my nails done).

I went to her manicure salon located in Toni & Guy on High Street (Auckland, New Zealand) and sat down with the intent of letting her take full creative direction with my dry and tortured hands. Debbie describes manicures and nail art to be the temporary tattoos for those not so keen on permanent ink jobs, and I snorted with my familiarity of the situation.

Cutting to the chase I demanded to know what inspires her to want to do runways and does it exist? Yes, it does exist and overseas mainly, “I want to bring that over here” Debbie says while she casually preps and dresses my fingers.

I questioned if she wanted to work for large labels or start off with smaller events instead, and learned that she isn’t picky, neither is she full of herself. Anything, with anyone or any brand as long as she can get her nail art out there and be involved in passionately working with fashion designers and working on runways.

I decided to find out about her other dreams. And it is surprisingly simple, she wants to have her own girly nail salon with a theme of heavenly sweet ice cream and candy land. She mentioned having a kids area so mothers can relax and enjoy their time there. And of course, friendly employees that share her passion and can help with making the place successful. By this point I have come to know that other than being a passionate person about the art of nails, she is very considerate and aware of her clients.

Understanding the repetitive nature of her job, I asked: “What type of nail work are you sick and tired of doing?”. And with that she gave me a hurt look, yes there is one. “French nail manicures” was her answer, “it’s plain and boring”. Debbie enjoys the idea that clients can come in with a theme and image in mind and challenge her to do the same or better. The Queen Bee design (in the featured image and what I am currently wearing this NZFW) has become one of her most asked for designs. The concept arrived when a client wanted something related to bees.

Us at macandmae supports and wishes Debbie (Dolls House Nails) to achieve her dreams. So we would like to call for fashion designers or labels (big, small or emerging) and anyone who knows people that will be interested in touch with us or Debbie directly for any collaborative projects. BEST OF LUCK DEBBIE! And may your creative nail art adventures take you places.

 

Get 20% off on all manicures and pedicures by Dolls House Nails! (Limited Time Only)
Simply mention macandmae.com and you get this funky discount on all manicure and pedicure services she offers, and that includes Nail Art!

 

DOLLS HOUSE NAILS

Mob: 027 478 3331
Ph: 09 300 6016
email: debbiesdollshouse@gmail.com

(Inside Toni and Guy)
51 High Street
CBD, Auckland 1010

 

MANICURE:

File and Polish – $25
Speedy Manicure – $35
French Polish Deluxe Manicure – $55
Deluxe Manicure – $50
Mens Manicure – $25
O.P.I Axxium Gel Manicure – $65

 

PEDICURE

Speedy Pedicure – $35
French Polish Deluxe Pedicure – $65
Deluxe Pedicure – $60
O.P.I Axxium Gel Pedicure – $75

 

ALL NAIL ART IS – POA

Contact Debbie for details, and don’t forget to mention macandmae to get that discount. Acrylic extentions and Overlays are also available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Zealand Art Show

09 August 2012   Sin-Mae Chung
NZARTSHOW

Four days on and I am still trying to getting over the NZ Art Show in Wellington. Situated by the waterfront TSB Bank Arena last weekend, the crowd of art lovers got to enjoy clear skies, still air, markets, coffee and ice cream by the water and of course a **** load of art! It was exciting to travel to Wellington to support a few artist in the show, Michael Kennedy, Dominique Baker and Jordan Barnes to name a few. Lisa Chandler, an artist featured before on mac+mae was also featured among the works. I had the lovely pleasure in meeting Clare Kim an artist represented by Sanderson Gallery (Auckland, Parnell) and Jinx (A.K.A: Jinx in the Sky) an amazingly skilled pop surrealist and jewellery creator during my visit.

The event proved to be cheaper to enter than most shows which I hear charge an arm or a leg for admission, but this show was simply $10.00 to get through the door. Upon entering you are stamped to allow all day access to the show, I didn’t think it was necessary but only moments later did I realise why you would want to. For anyone wanting to attend this event, you need to expect a lot of art, so much art that you need little timeouts throughout the exhibit. But don’t worry, they provide seating arrangements throughout the showroom and coffee for those needed breaks. The entire space and length of the arena were erected with sections of 2-3 meter high black walls. All artworks were hung salon style which allowed little gaps between all works. Standing in front of one wall would mean looking at 3 to 5 pieces at a time depending on size.

There were a variety of traditional works ranging from painting, drawing, photography to metal or glass sculptures and ceramics. Often with a common theme of landscapes, seascapes, nature and flowers, and the odd portrait here or there. But I personally found that a lot of the artwork lost its own character and true value being hung among other works. I would often be attracted to the larger and less traditional pieces that would stand out from all the painting, photography, etc. So as a warning for any artists interested in putting works in future shows, don’t expect to stand out unless you have your own wall space or have unconventional work. Purchasing your own wall and allowing space for your works to breathe may be the best thing to do for any shows like this. The art show is purely for selling art and wall decorations, but I will admit it is a great way to showcase yourself.

Rounded up, the NZ Art Show was worth the trip to Wellington. Heaps of good art, creative people, and a pleasant place to hang around during a lovely sunny day. This was the first ever NZ Art Show I have ever attended, even though things appear to work differently from galleries, the art show provided a neat location for people to find new art, freshen up on New Zealand’s artistic culture and meet artists at the show.

 

Registrations Open for Auckland Fringe 2013

03 August 2012   Mccaulay+Maestro Crew
AucklandFringe

Auckland Fringe is planning its comeback in February 2013 and is calling all performers, artists and creative types to register to participate in a global arts festival phenomenon.

Following the success of 2011’s festival, which saw 1296 people involved in 99 shows, with an audience of 51,888, Auckland Fringe is looking to once again eclipse that number – building upon the initial foundations laid down in the inaugural 2009 season.

Anything can happen at the Fringe, given its open access arts mentality; performances in the past have ranged from incredible theatrical events (Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer, When Animals Dream of Sheep), music (Fringe vs. Mum, Affetto), dance (Weg: ‘A Way’) through to interesting art pieces (The Safety Device of Elisha Otis, Pigs In The Yard). If Auckland Fringe could be summed up in two words, those two words would be “anything” and “goes.”

Registrations for the 2013 season can be submitted via the Auckland Fringe Website, www.aucklandfringe.co.nz.
KEY DATES:
Artist registrations: 1 August – 28 September 2012
Auckland Fringe: 15 February – 10 March 2013
Auckland Fringe runs concurrently with NZ Fringe in Wellington and is closely followed by the Dunedin and Hamilton Fringes, creating a Nationwide touring network. 

First Thursdays & Satellite Gallery presents: Towards The Line BY Aaron Wilson

30 July 2012   Sin-Mae Chung
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August is upon us and to kick start this new month will be First Thursdays happening THIS coming Thursday (2rd August) in Auckland. For those of us that frequent these events know the life this event brings to K’rd after work on a weekday. But for those who do not know it and are keen to check it out; expect craft stores, live music, live art, exhibitions, and fashion taking up the whole of Karangahape Road and more. But let’s put K’rd aside and focus on somewhere different. A unique exhibition opening as part of First Thursdays happening at Satellite Gallery located on St Benedicts Street entitled Towards the Line by Aaron Wilson.

Aaron Wilson will present a site specific masking tape installation that will reflect the environment and streets around the gallery. See Aaron push the sensory boundaries of one dimensional media into a play on what looks to be art and what probably isn’t on the walls of Satellite Gallery.

Opening Night starts at 6:00pm. Along with refreshments, welcoming gallery assistants and of course art and a creative atmosphere, expect an artist talk from Aaron Wilson at 6:30pm. Listen to what he has to say, understand the conceptual side of his work, practice and finally get to know him a bit more. Gallery closes at 9:00pm, see you there!

Aaron Wilson
Towards the line

1 – 10th August, 2012
Opening night Thursday 2nd August, 2012 as part of First Thursdays

Opening Night – 6:00 pm

Artist Talk –  6.30pm

Gallery Closes – 9:00 pm
SATELLITE GALLERY

Cnr St Benedicts St + Newton Rd, Newton, Auckland

 

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    mac+mae is a not for profit venture brought to you by people with a passion for fashion, design, arts, music and all things creative. we want to profile all the new and emerging talent in aotearoa - to give the freshest creatives a chance to lift their profile.

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