Profile

Ainsley O'Connell is the Professional Practice co-ordinator within Unitec's architecture degree programmes, bringing over twenty-five years experience as a practicing registered architect to her teaching roles. The skills gained in running large sacle commercial projects in UK and NZ are directly relevant to preparing architecture students for future practice. Ainsley also teaches into design studio where links between theory, design and practice are explored. She has been lecturing in architecture at Unitec for twelve years. Her research interests are based within the field of sculpture.

Publications

O'Connell, A.M. (2023). 'Shibam' - (plaster cast from found object). Andrea du Chatenier - judge, Blue Gallery, 3 Anzac Parade, Hamilton. 23 June - 22 July.

O'Connell, A.M. (2023). 'Groynes' - (cast plaster, found native flora from Tmaki Estuary). Benjamin Work - judge, Uxbridge Malcolm Smith Gallery, Howick, Auckland, 1 July - 26 August.

O'Connell, A.M. (2023). 'Cuboid', 'Horizon' (kiln cast lead crystal glass). Kate Darrow - curator and judge, Waiheke Community Art Gallery, Waiheke Island. 26 May - 25 June.

O'Connell, A.M. (2022). 'Memory'- (plaster, cast from found object, acrylic plastic, timber, pigment). Israel Randell, Whakatane Library and Exhibition Centre, Whakatane. 13 February - 9 April.

O'Connell, A.M. (2022). Earth Mother - Kiln cast glass, timber, corten steel. Gina Ferguson, The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum, 12 November - 26 February.

O'Connell, A.M. (2022). Wreath - plaster, found black basalt rock, patinated copper, steel mesh. Francis Whannell, Uxbridge Malcolm Smith Gallery, Howick, Auckland, 2 July - 27 August.

O'Connell, A.M. (2021). Relinquishing Control - 10 works: 'Midnight', 'Tamarillo', 'Java', 'Nile Blue', 'Stinger', 'Turbo', 'Cranberry', 'Bismark', 'Kaitoke Green', 'Limerick' (plaster, pigment on plywood). K. Mullins & E. Pritchard, Seed Gallery, on-line exhibition, 27 November-ongoing.

O'Connell, A.M. (2020). Mother's Little Helpers; plaster, dye. Ruth Watson, judge, Whakatane Library and Exhibition Centre, Whakatane, New Zealand. 16 Feb-12 April.

O'Connell, A.M. (2020). Zephyr 1-Zephry 10, acrylic, timber on ply. K. Mullins & E. Pritchard (Curator), Seed Gallery, Studio One, Ponsonby, Auckland, 21-24 November.

O'Connell, A.M. (2020). Mist, acrylic on canvas. K. Connolly, Auckland grammar School, Auckland, New Zealand, 19-20 November.

O'Connell, A.M. (2020). Architecture + Women NZ Dulux award trophies; kiln cast glass. 3 award trophies commissioned. Auckland, New Zealand; 15 August, on-line event with supporting publication.

O'Connell, A.M. (2020). Simply Me; kiln cast glass. Scott Reading, New Zealand Glassworks, Whanganui, New Zealand, 1-31 March.

O'Connell, A.M., & Copeland, B.F. (2019). AB Cabin, architecture design and realisation, Cross laminated timber construction. A.M. O'Connell & B.F. Copeland, Taihape, New Zealand.

O'Connell, A. (2019). CMYK (cast plaster, photo copy toner pigment). L. Chalmers, Waiheke Community Art Gallery.

O'Connell, A. (2019). Delighting in the negative (timber); Installation 1 (concrete & plaster); Same, same: but different (pine & plaster); Knot 1 (glass); Knot 2 (glass); Knot 3 (glass); Block 1 (timber); Installation 2 (plaster & glass rods); Block 2 - positive (timber); Block 2 - negative (concrete). Gina Ferguson, Gallery One, Auckland, 14-29 May.

O'Connell, A. M. (2019). Blue Rod, kiln cast lead crystal glass Green Rod, kiln cast lead crystal glass Rod - blue to green, kiln cast lead crystal glass Disc 1, kiln cast lead crystal glass Disc 2, kiln cast lead crystal glass. L. Chalmers, Waiheke Community Art Gallery, Waiheke Island, Auckland.

O'Connell, A. M. (2018). 'Casting a Line' - cast plaster, steel, shadow. Kelcy Taratoa, Judge, New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts, Queens Wharf, Wellington, New Zealand, 16 July - 19 August.

O'Connell, A.M. (2018). Woodsman Series - 'Bamboo', 'Embers', 'Fern Frond', 'Jacaranda', 'Japanese Maple', 'Kumera', 'Limed Spruce', 'Pickled Sherwood', 'Totem Pole', 'Zydeco', plywood, paint, glue. Kate Mullins and Emma Pritchard, Studio One Toi Tu, Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand, 24-27 November.

O'Connell, A. M. (2018). Unitec Architecture Design Studio 2 - Glow@Artweek Auckland. Public lecture, Shandong Jianzhu University, Architecture School, Jinan, China.

O'Connell, A.M. (2018). 'Knot' - Kiln cast glass; ''Offcuts' - Found timber, bituminous glue, marker pen; & plaster. Deborah Crowe, Judge, Whakatane Museum and Galleries, Whakatane, New Zeraland, 17 February - 8 April.

O'Connell, A.M. (2018). 'Measurable Differences' - kiln cast glass; 'Offcuts-2' - Found timber, bituminous glue, marker pen; & plaster. Matthew Von Sturmer, Selector & Judge, Waiheke Community Art Gallery, Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand, 30 March - 29 April.

O'Connell, A.M. (2017). Life-Cycle (steel, copper, time patina). Freya Copeland & Youvalle Levy, Omelette Studios, mittenwalderstrasse 6, 10961, Berlin, Germany, 8 April 2017.

O'Connell, A.M. (2017). REDO, Remake, Relocate, Rethink, Refresh, Recreate. REDO. Redo, Cumulus Kolding 2017, Design School, Kolding, Denmark.

O'Connell, A.M. (2017). Duplication and Dislocation:the role of identity and memory in the understanding of objects. Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.

O'Connell, A.M. (2017). Architecture + Women Awards: Chrystall, Munro & Wirihana (cast glass). Wellington, New Zealand, City Gallery, Civic Square, Wellington, 26 August 2017.

O'Connell, A.M. (2016). "Measuring Reality", Installation (timber, plaster, glass, perspex, acrylic). A. O'Connell & Y. Lotz-Keegan, George Fraser Gallery, University of Auckland, 19-23 July.

O'Connell, A.M. (2016). NZ Sculpture OnShore, "Light Shafts" (Glass, steel). A. Hanson & R. Liew, Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve, Devonport, Auckland, 10-20 November.

O'Connell, A.M. (2016). "Light and Form", NZSAG exhibition. "Xylem" (cast glass). F. Smeets, TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre, The Pah Homestead, Auckland, 18 October - 13 November. Wallace Gallery, Morrinsville, 16 November - 11 December.

O'Connell, A.M. (2016). "Duplication and Dislocation": installation (macrocarpa, reinforced concrete, solid plaster, glass, lead). A.M. O'Connell, Mondrian Building, Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland, 26-27 November.

O'Connell, A.M. (2016). "As I look to the West" (glass). J. Hanson & F. Hanson, Royal Easter Show, ASB Showgrounds, Auckland, 24-28 March.

O'Connell, A.M. (2015). 'Abstract Form' (glass); Green Drift (glass). P. Jennison, Kings College Fine Art Sale 2015, 6-8- November 2015.

O'Connell, A. M. (2015). 'Rods' (glass, timber, plaster, perspex, acrylic); 'Refraction' (glass, perspex, timber, plaster, acrylic, steel wire). A. O'Connell, George Fraser Gallery, Auckland, New Zealand, 9-12 December 2015.

O'Connell, A. M. (2015). Stars 1-10 (glass). K. Mullins & E. Pritchard, Seed Gallery, Auckland, New Zealand, 27 November - 12 December 2015.

O'Connell, A.M. (2015). 'Chalices' 1-7 (glass). L. Chalmers, Waiheke Community Art Gallery, 8 May - 8 June.

O'Connell, A. M. (2015). 'Floating', in 'Rare Form' exhibition (glass). K. Mullins & E. Pritchard, Seed Gallery, Auckland, New Zealand, 28 October - 21 November 2015.

O'Connell, A.M. (2015). 'Breaking Surf' (glass). J. & F. Hanson, Auckland Easter Show Glass Art Exhibition, Auckland, 2-6 April 2015.

O'Connell, A.M. (2015). 'Interior -3' (glass). F. Smeets, The Pah Homestead, TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre, Auckland, 20 October - 15 November 2015.

O'Connell, A. M. (2014). 'Chrystall', 'Munro', 'Wirihana', (cast glass) Architecture + Women NZ Awards. Commissioned by A+W NZ Award sub-committee. Auckland, New Zealand, Sir Paul Reeves Building, AUT.

O'Connell, A. M. (2014). Auckland Town Hall upgrade and structural strengthening. IPENZ Institute of Professional Engineers, Auckland Centenary Conference, Auckland Town hall, Auckland, New Zealand.

O'Connell, A.M. (2014). 'Auckland Museum part model' (3D print). 'Last, Loneliest, Loveliest' 2014 Venice Architecture Biennale Exhibition. Curated by David Mitchell, NZ creative director. Venice, Italy, NZ Pavilion, 14th International Architecture Exhibition, la Biennale di Vinezia. 7 June - 23 November 2014.

O'Connell, A.M. (2014). 'Goddess [hyacinth]' (cast glass, corten steel, timber). Kaipara Coast Sculprure Gardens 2015 Exhibition. Selected and curated by Sally Lush. Kaipara Coast, New Zealand, Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens, 6 December 2014 - 6 November 2015.

O'Connell, A.M. (2014). "From Here to There" (cast glass, steel). Harbourview Sculpture Trail. Works selected and curated by Sally Lush. Auckland, New Zealand, Te Atatu Peninsula, 8-30 March 2014.

O'Connell, A.M. (2014). 'Heartbeat' (cast glass). NZ Society of Artists in Glass members' exhibition. Auckland, New Zealand, The Pah Homestead, TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre, 21 October - 16 November 2014.

O'Connell, A.M. (2014). 'Drift' (cast glass, steel). Shapeshifter 2014. Selected and curated by Courtney Johnston, director Dowse Art Museum. Upper Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand, Civic Gardens, Upper Hutt. 21 Feb - 18 March 2014.

O'Connell, A.M. (2014). 'Love Me' (cast glass). Finalist, Molly Morpeth Canaday 3D Awards. Works selected and judged by Andrea Du Chartnier, curated by Kay Boreham. Whakatane, New Zealand, Whakatane Museum and Research Centre, 16 August - 26 September 2014.

O'Connell, A.M. (2014). 'Goddess [apricot]' (cast glass, timber) Auckland Easter Show Art Competition. Auckland, New Zealand, ASB Showgrounds, Auckland. 17-21 April 2014.

O'Connell, A.M. (2014). 'Red Fold', 'Fatsia' (cast glass). NZ Sculpture OnShore 2014 Exhibition, sculpture gallery. Works chosen by curator Rob Garrett. Auckland, New Zealand, Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve, Devonport, 6-16 November 2014.

O'Connell, A.M. (2014). "Torso" (cast glass, steel, timber). NZ Sculpture OnShore 2014 Exhibition. Selected and curated by Rob Garrett. Auckland, New Zealand, Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve, Devonport, 6-16 November 2014.

O'Connell, A.M. (2014). 'City Lights' (cast glass), Auckland Grammar Art Expo. Auckland, New Zealand, Auckland Grammar School, Newmarket, 5-7 September 2014.

O'Connell, A.M. (2013). 'Chalices' - kiln cast 45% lead crystal glass artwork (5 no.). Auckland, New Zealand, AGS Art Expo.

O'Connell, A.M. (2013). Fold - pale cobalt, Fold - Grey, Fold - Copper blue, Storm Drift, Glacier Drift, Ocean Drift, Arctic Drift, Earth Drift [cast glass artworks]. Architecture + Women Exhibition, Curator: Ariane Craig-Smith, Silo Park, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland, New Zealand, September 19-29.

O'Connell , A.M., and Copeland, B.F. (2013). AB House [images of architectural project]. Architecture + Women Exhibition, Curator: Ariane Craig-Smith, Silo Park, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland, New Zealand, September 19-29.

O'Connell, A.M. (2012). 'Blue Ice' (cast glass), 'Desert Sun' (cast glass). Curator - Koji Miyazaki, Form Gallery, Christchurch, NZ, 10-14 March 2012.

O'Connell, A. M. (2012). 'Tree Flowers' Kiln cast 45% lead crystal glass, stainless steel. Kaukapakapa, Kaipara, New Zealand, Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens.

O'Connell, A. M. (2012). 'Hold Me Close Don't Let Me Go' Kiln cast 45% lead crystal glass, bamboo. Whakatane, New Zealand. Opus Gallery, Whakatane Library and Exhibition Centre.

O'Connell, A. M. (2012). 'Patchwork' - kiln cast 45% lead crystal glass artwork, steel, stainless steel outdoor sculpture. Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve, Devonport, Auckland, N.Z. NZ Sculpture OnShore 2012 Exhibition.

O'Connell, A. M. (2010). New Zealand Glass Art. Chrystall, B; Smeets, F; Reichs, R; Baverstock, J; Dunstan, E; Kirkwood, T. R. (Eds), New Zealand Glass Art. Auckland, David Bateman Ltd.

O'Connell, A. (2010). 'Treasure' (kiln cast 45% lead crystal glass). Whakatane, New Zealand, Whakatane District Museum and Gallery, 14 August - 19 September.

O'Connell, A. (2010). 'Hyacinth Vessel', 'Deep lake', 'Sunset', 'Floating-1', Floating-2', 'Earth Drift', 'Vertigines' (All kiln cast 45% lead crystal glass). Auckland, New Zealand, Baradene College of the Sacred Heart, Remuera, 7 May - 9 May.

O'Connell, A. (2010). 'Azure' (kiln cast 45% lead crystal glass). Auckland, New Zealand, Essenze Gallery, Parnell, 23 October - 31 October.

O'Connell, A. M. (2010). 'Resene Commission' (Kiln cast 45% lead crystal glass). Auckland, New Zealand. Auckland Museum presentation,Commissioned by NZ Institute of Architects, Presented 14 May 2010 at NZIA Awards dinner at Auckland Museum, Auckland.

O'Connell, A. (2010). 'Dark orange red textured fold', 'Orange red fold', 'Steel blue fold', 'Large pale cobalt fold' (All kiln cast 45% lead crystal glass). Auckland, New Zealand, Uxbridge Arts, 6 - 26 August.

O'Connell, A. (2010). 'Drift' (lithographic print ), 'Blue Drift 1' & 'Blue drift 2' (both kiln cast 45% lead crystal glass). Pittsburgh, PA, USA, Artists Image Resource, 12 June - 5 July.

O'Connell, A. (2010). 'Blade', 'Ice', and 'Vertigines' (All kiln cast 45% lead crystal glass). Matakana, New Zealand, Piece Gallery, 27 March - 18 April.

O'Connell, A. (2009). 'Enfold' Kiln cast 45% lead crystal glass. Auckland, New Zealand, Artstation.

O'Connell, A.M. (2008). 'Goblets' - in 8 assorted colours - kiln cast 45% lead crystal glass. Fiddlesticks, Piece Gallery. Matakana, New Zealand. 31 May - 2 June, Curator: Emma Haughton.

O'Connell, A.M. (2008). Fold I, Fold II, Fold III, Fold IV, Fold V - kiln cast 45% lead crystal glass. Ponsonby, Auckland, NZ. Objectspace, Window Gallery, 11 October - 8 November 2008, Curator: Matt Blomeley.

O'Connell, A.M. (2008). 'Red Blade' - kiln cast 45% lead crystal glass artwork. Curator: Rob Garrett. Takapuna, Auckland, NZ. NZ Sculpture OnShore Exhibition, 3-14 November.