Jessica Pearless is joining forces with fellow artist Kat Woods to present an exhibition at the City Art Rooms until the end of October. Called Cut Here, Pearless' painting and paper works in the exhibition feature her signature geometrical forms and colour - which have also recently appeared at Auckland's
Britomart station as part of the Skins art billboard project.
Pearless, a painter and site specific installation artist, is currently undertaking postgraduate studies towards a Master of Fine Art at Elam, and has worked in the fine arts department of Webb's auction house since 2004. It's this fine arts background that has helped shape her 10 favourite things right now.
1. Furniture by Brad Pearless
My brother Brad is a talented maker of furniture and objects. He has a very practical outlook and always amazes me with new objects and stylish pieces with a twist. My picks right now are a red ply table which conveniently slots together and can be stored flat and the Frank Lloyd Wright lamp, a homage to one of the greatest architects of all time, made of perspex and mahogany.
2. Bizarre Art Nouveau style necklace
It is a piece of jewellery with a very interesting energy, whenever I wear it all conversations seem to dwell on the necklace. It is made from brass and a heavy dark stone with a dragonfly on the front, when you turn it over there is a magnificent inscribed stag.
3. Vintage Louis Vuitton travel case
This case is an absolute classic. The trunk is made from leather and brass with the Louis Vuitton monogram pattern and is circa 1980s. It is a beautiful piece of design. This particular version has a removable inner tray which comes in very handy.
4. Books
The books that I have collected are mostly about art, architecture, design or philosophy. Books about buildings, European abstraction, modern design, art movements, painting and furniture fill the shelves, serving as quiet reminders of what is possible and informing my practice.
5. Devonport
I grew up in Devonport and it is a place that is still very special to me. My family and a lot of friends are still based there, people tend to leave, then go back. A lot of creative, interesting people have lived or worked in Devonport. It is a super place.
6. Charles and Ray Eames Furniture and Object Design
I love my red 1980s DCW. It has worn in perfectly; the curve of the seat, the profile, the colour all work so well. The Eames House Bird, House of Cards, and Shell Chairs are also favourite things of mine designed by the clever couple.
7. Art
Art is my true passion. I make it, collect it, live with it, admire it, and desire it. My collection includes works by international and New Zealand artists such as John Nixon, Victor Vasarely, Jonathan Organ, Andrew McLeod, Simon Morris, Julian Dashper, Wayne Youle, and Kate Woods among many others. I have a particular fondness for abstraction, this is reflected in my own practice and the works that I have collected.
8. Jewellery by Ashton/Bribiesca
I covet jewellery by Ashton/Bribiesca. My ring selection currently stands at 13 modern and vintage pieces along with a necklace commissioned for my 21st and a few sets of earrings. What I enjoy so much about them is the refined use of geometric forms, the materials (perspex and chrome) and their ability to generate a seemingly infinite range. I am a huge admirer of many other New Zealand jewellery makers' practices including Meadowlark, Deadly Ponies and the Fingers stable.
9. Listening to old rock on vinyl
From Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath to New Order and Joy Division, you just can't beat the sound of a classic rock anthem on vinyl.
10. New Chums Beach, Coromandel
New Chums is simply stunning. The walk around the rocks from Whangapoua means summer and holiday time. The final part of the walk to the beach through the nikau bush and then the view of white sand, crashing clear waves and pohutukawas just can't be beaten. I am also a fan of the stunning landscape of the South Island, like the scenes Rita Angus painted.
Cut Here, City Art Rooms, 28 Lorne Street, Auckland, until October 31.
<i>Ten favourite things,</i> Fine Lines
Artist Jessica Pearless photographed in front of one of her artworks at home in St Heliers. Photo / Babiche Martens
Jessica Pearless is joining forces with fellow artist Kat Woods to present an exhibition at the City Art Rooms until the end of October. Called Cut Here, Pearless' painting and paper works in the exhibition feature her signature geometrical forms and colour - which have also recently appeared at Auckland's
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