2023
Japanese vintage platter, terminal block, line trimmer blades, plastic washers
160mm (H) x 300mm (W) x 25 mm (D)
In this clever and playful piece, Diane Brand explores the way a container can be used to contain something unexpected. The Japanese vintage platter, brought on one of her many trips to Japan, holds memory and history, while it’s unusual contents of every day DIY paraphernalia are arranged in carefully considered patterns and colour blocks. A playful reference to the way Japanese culture remains steeped in tradition while also being thoroughly cutting edge.
Having trained and practiced as an architect and urban designer, I now work part-time at the University of Auckland after a career in teaching, research, and academic leadership.
My art and art to wear uses ordinary and inexpensive materials and upcycled jewellery. My wish is to enable statement jewellery or small sculpture to be accessible to all, no matter what their budget.
I believe the value of a piece lies not in its materiality, but in its innovative design. I am particularly interested in plastic as a material and the expressiveness of colour.