A Sneaky Peek at Victorian Guilt

I’ve been working on a new collection…

  Victorian Guilt
 Influenced by the symbolism and literature of the Victorian era, memento mori and mysticism, tempered with a delicious dose of rock ‘n’ roll.

Three items from this new range are up on the Etsy store and Facebook Page. The rest are staying hidden until I’ve developed the rest of the collection.

But you’re all so lovely, I couldn’t resist giving you a sneaky peek … promise you won’t tell?

 

Foggy Days and Art Galleries

New Zealand has weird weather. For anyone that’s lived here, visited here, or seen us on Nat Geo, the words “four seasons in one day” ring with truth. Currently we’re experiencing frigid mornings with more fog than daylight, creeping frosts, heavy rain and a moon that never sleeps, with a side helping of clear winter sunshine.

Monday decided to land on the rain and gloom side of things. I decided to check out the newly renovated Auckland Art Gallery. (The rain was kind enough to stop while I took this photo, which was great, as I’d already smacked myself on the head with my umbrella while trying to juggle it, my bag and my camera.)

The gallery is a classic French Renaissance style building – all intricate moldings and grand, curving lines. I can only imagine how proud the architects Grainger and D’ebro of Melbourne were when the original structure was completed in 1887.

While the gallery has been renovated before, in 1960, 1950 and 1971, the latest and most drastic changes were only finished last year. This includes the beautiful wooden roof at the gallery entrance (lookin’ snazzy in the photo below), as well as structural changes to give the gallery more space, earthquake strengthening and new education and cafe areas. They even have a nice big coat check area to keep your yucky wet umbrella in!

It’s amazing. The four hours I spent there were enough for a quick tour around the main galleries, but I can see a whole day disappearing in the future! Not only are some of my favourite artists represented  - with Lamia by John William Waterhouse and Nor’ wester in the Cemetary by William Sutton – but some rare and interesting historic pieces and modern installations are on display as well. Environment III by Luc Peire was pretty cool, except I happened to be in there with two tourists with rather unsavoury scented feet…..ew.

Moi inside ‘Environment III’, a crazy barcode patterned mirror cube thing,

Also, the Flower Chandelier by Choi Jeong Hwa is both pretty and enormous! The flowers look so happy as they inflate and deflate, eternally blossoming. Keep in mind that the yellow flower is a few metres wide, this thing is MASSIVE! You can see someone’s video of the sculpture in action here.

Of course the Victorian gallery is my favourite, but there is something for everyone, from pop art to early new Zealand works, to sculptures that really really question “what is art?”. While I could go on, I won’t. I will however tell you to get your cultured, intellectual arse to the gallery if you ever have a chance, and include a bunch of photos in the slideshow below.

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A Little Red Riding Cape

Ahoy comrades!

With the onset of chilly winter weather my mind has turned to cozier couture. Something to hold off the frigid mornings and bitter winds, while in no way resembling the green and purple raincoat I dreaded as a child.

And so was born the Little Red Riding Cape. A Victorian concoction of warm red and black herringbone wool, lined with soft black satin and trimmed with black satin lining. Black cotton broderie anglais lace and a big satin pussycat bow add the final touches. So cute and yet so warm!

This cape is modelled on a historical pattern from the Victorian period.
I love the voluminous cut – perfect for pretty pirouetting or snuggling in against the wind.  I’m also a huge fan of big loose hoods. They keep your ears warm, stop your hair from blowing everywhere (why does it always end up in my mouth!?) and – most importantly – gives you an air of mystery with that handy shadow over your face tehehe.

I haven’t yet decided if this one will be for sale, or if I will keep it for myself! What do you think?

 

Wisdom Jewellery and Couture Collars

Hello there!

Summer seems to have finally arrived in New Zealand, so I’m making the most of the sunshine and getting on top of our mounting pile of washing!

While I wait for the next load to finish I’ll get you up to date on what’s been cooking at Cog & Compass!!

I’ve been adding to the Wisdom Jewellery collection with some new necklaces. Spooky yet refined these designs feature hand sculpted molars and bones.

I’ve also been working on a range of collars. These will be part of the upcoming Victorian Guilt collection.

Inspired by the opulence of 18th century fashion, 19th Century couture and tales of the debauchery or downfall of the wealthy (such as The Masque of the Red Death by E.A Poe), these one of a kind choker style collars combine rich silks and brocades with hand sculpted elements, vintage embellishments and beadwork.

The Prospero Collar

Silk collar with vintage lace and pearl embellishment

I’ll leave you to ponder the symbolism of wisdom teeth and read some Edgar A Poe. I’m off to bake some feijoa muffins for the Ever Patient Husband.

 

Delicious Displays!

Salutations!
I do hope 2012 is treating you well thus far.

While my blog has been lacking posts I certainly haven’t been idle. With Aethercon taking place this Saturday the 11th I’ve been crafting some gorgeous display stands.

The presentation of goods is so important. Beautiful displays lend character and interest to your items, inviting the viewer to take a little of your created world home with every purchase. Lacklustre presentation can drag even the most appealing items into the  depths of dullness. Not exactly the impression we’re going for.

I designed my displays to have the appeal of a curio cabinet in a lush Victorian home, enticing the viewer with texture and opulence. (As you may notice from the numerous photographs, I’m very please with the tree!)

My furry textured jewellery tree

A tiny visiting owl

Jewellery tree and matching card holder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A little bird told me...

Medals nestle on framed padded fabric

Visit Cog & Compass on facebook to view new stock and pretties.

 

 

New Cog & Compass Photoshoot Images!

Hello Hello!

A wee while ago I mentioned a photoshoot had taken place for some of my new designs. Now I have the extreme pleasure of sharing some of the gorgeous images with you! Once again thank you my amazing team from the day, you assistance was invaluable!

My inspiration for these designs included romantic Victorian gentility, the paintings of J. W  Waterhouse and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and the sassy sensuality of South Western steampunk.

Click on the image below to view the full gallery!

Photograph by Richard Leonard Photography

As always, your feedback is hugely appreciated. Do let me know what you think of the designs, and which are your favourite shots!

 

Of Adornments and Insects

Well now,

So I’ve rescued photos, taken new photos, and updated the blog decor (don’t think that was easy, it wasn’t, whoever says it is can kiss my shiny metal ass). So now I’m finally settling in to show you something new. Finally.

I’ve always been entranced by the opulence of Victorian era jewellery. The cameos and jewels, the jet beads and graceful filigree and, above all else, the beetles.                                                                                                                                                                ”Beetles?” you ask.                                                                                                                                                                             Yes, beetles.

In the Victorian age, and indeed long before, beetles were utilised as a form of decoration. Beetles were used as personal adornment everywhere and when, from seventeenth century India to the Amazon to the courts of Europe. Their iridescent wing cases were sewn to textiles and worked into to jewellery. Sometimes the whole insect was used. Sometimes it was still alive. Creepy, no?(or dare I say crawly!).

Antique Scarab Beetle necklace and pin

Influenced by the popularity of Naturalism Victorian ladies of fashion were enthralled by these exotic living jewels. More colourful specimens were worn in their natural state, but many beetles were encrusted with jewellery of their own. Tiny gems, lace and mirrors were glued to their hard carapaces to create moving works of art. Anchored by tiny chains, these beetles crawled over the bodices and shawls of society ladies.

Antique jewel encrusted beetle

It was these six legged jewels that inspired my latest projects – insect themed adornments. While my creations may be more steampunk and less alive, they reflect the mystery and exoticism that foreign lands held for the Victorians. The general dullness of New Zealands’ beetles, combined with my unwillingness to farm them, led me to alter toy insects rather than real ones. The large altered beetle is one I altered for the Pockets McGee costume. It attaches to the costumes’ shirt with a dainty chain and a tiny winding key.

A trio of altered beetle brooches

Clocktimer Beetle Brooch

Large altered beetle brooch

Ladybug altered beetle brooch

I’m currently devoting my time to creating a framed art range of altered insects, as well as some decadent hairpieces worthy of a Waterhouse painting. As ever, feel free to share your thoughts on these, feedback is always welcome!

 

Transformers – Victorians in Disguise?

Just a quick note to say that everyone should check out this video by Oliver Metz , a student at the University of Applied Science Kaiserslautern. I think it’s all kinds of grand.

Clicking on the image below will take you to the youtube page.

Also an explanation for the recent lack of posts. My hard drive has not recovered from its mental breakdown. The people at the computer shop are currently trying to salvage all my files, including all my photos!

 

 

Expidition Oamaru – Part two

Good evening comrades,

Having reviewed my logbook on this dark and dreary eve I return to inform and enlighten with my experiences during the expedition to Oamaru. The following establishments and events are but a small selection of what the steampunk city has to offer.

For those of an artistic persuasion I suggest a wander around the numerous galleries and artisan workshops of the historic precinct. Traverse the staircase inside the Woolstore to discover a replica Victorian street housing the Woolstore Galleries. Here, intrepid traveller, you will find the Libratory of Professor Damotimus Tipotus.

The Libratory exists in a reality not quite our own. Step inside and you will find yourself, not in the upper floor of the Woolstore, but in the cavelike yet cozy basement of a towering home. As New Zealand’s only steampunk art gallery the Libratory showcases an intriguing array of art, inventions and artifacts from numerous sources, including Rewound Romance and Dr Grordbort. Plus of course the inventions of Professor Damotimus himself.

Trove of steampunk treasures aside, the most impressive aspect of the Libratory is its construction. Movie set pillars, old pallets and a generous dose of the Prof’s secret paper mache paste come together to create an atmosphere that’s part Victorian library, part secret lair, and one hundred percent worth a visit. (Particularly noteworthy if you enjoy large firearms.)

After exploring the galleries I do believe it’s time for refreshments. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at two establishments in the historic precinct – The Victorian pub (the name of which currently eludes me, although I do remember it’s in the old whiskey distillery),  and The Star and Garter.

Our small party stopped by the whiskey distillery for a well deserved pint… or two… or possibly three. regardless it was the largest glass of cider I’ve ever had. Armed with a local cheese platter and a newspaper to peruse, the warm distillery was a welcoming place to defrost after the crisp cold Oamaru air. They were hosting a photographic exhibition in their cavernous function room, which merits a visit if                                                                           you’re in the area.

The Star and Garter is one of New Zealand’s oldest restaurants. This quaint eatery is a few streets over from the aforementioned pub, and was so good we dined there twice during our four day expedition!

The menu leans toward the traditional with a succulent roast each day, accompanied by seasonal vegetables and cheese sauce ( I mention this as I love cheese sauce, and you so rarely see it in restaurants). There’s also the ever present South island Blue Cod, or more ‘historical’ options such as lambs fry . Combined with cozy decor and huge meals  - $35 buys you a stomach straining three course meal – The Star and Garter shall certainly feature in any return to Oamaru.

Along with these fine establishments a stroll around the city will reveal  imposing Victorian architecture galore, and steampunk suprises besides. A dark engine from the centre of the earth rests outside The Steampunk HQ currently under construction. Sneak a peek through their hedge or over the fence to bring a whole secret garden of steampunk creations into view.

For now I bid you Adieu, do visit again soon.

Oh and please do let me know of any steampunk destinations you recommend, you can never have too many places to dream of….

 

Oamaru – New Zealand’s Steampunk Capital

Hello and good evening!

First and foremostly I must apologise for my recent absence from the technological world. I can assure you I am very much alive, and have not yet been devoured by a Kraken, Yeti or other creature of disputed existence. I have however been very busy preparing and embarking on an expedition to Oamaru – the Steampunk capital of New Zealand.

Located on the east coast of the stunning South island, the small town of Oamaru has proudly retained a historic precinct. The buildings on these streets hark from the 19th century and now contain a variety of arts, textiles and pubs  - providing the perfect backdrop for steampunk and historic recreation!

My travelling companions and I wandered the streets, enjoying the friendly atmosphere and fine cider. ( Due to aforementioned cider, and various other beverages, it was considered safest to avoid the penny farthings that can be rented from the local penny farthing racing team.) More of Oamaru’s Victorian wonders will be revealed as I review my logs over the next few days.

On Sunday July 5th my sister and I took part in the Steampunk Fashion Show, and attended the  Steampunk Ball that evening.  Taking place at the opulent Oamaru Opera House the fashion show was a great success, a relief after the hectic and somewhat disorganised rehearsals the day before.Showcasing the talents of around thirty contestants the event has doubled in size since its conception in 2010!

The ball was held at the Scottish Hall, and the number of steamily garbed attendees was a feast for the eyes, or goggles, as the case may be.

I shall supply photos from both events later in the week once the official photos are released. The Oamaru Mail and Neave Willoughby have some great photos available for you to ogle in the meantime!