Crisis management is in place following flooding in Auckland. More information.

Contact details +6449793638

Dr Annette O'Sullivan MA, DiPVCD, PhD

Senior Lecturer

School of Design

Annette O’Sullivan is a senior lecturer in typography at Massey University, Wellington New Zealand. She received her Masters in Typographic Studies at the London College of Communication. Her current PhD research is in historic stenciling on New Zealand sheep stations and she is interested in typography, materiality and finding the connection between the past and the present. She is an active member of the Australasian branch of the International Society of Typographic Designers.

Professional

Contact details

  • Ph: 63638
    Location: 10A107, Museum Building
    Campus: Wellington

Qualifications

  • Master of Arts - The London Institute (2001)
  • Diploma in Visual Communication Design - Wellington Polytechnic (1989)
  • Doctor of Philosophy - Massey University (2019)

Research Expertise

Research Interests

The central theme of my research is the study of historic typographies, their origins and their relevance to contemporary culture and design practice. A key focus is my current PhD study of the use and significance of the New Zealand wool bale stencil through a visual and material culture perspective. It explores how objects and the ways in which they interact with people can contribute to a greater understanding of colonial and contemporary culture. Connections between the past and the present are further explored through the use of materials and production methods in collaborative design for communication and in commissions for public memorials.

Thematics

Design – for Commerce, Community and Culture

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Built Environment And Design (120000): Design Practice and Management (120300): Visual Communication Design (incl. Graphic Design) (120307)

Keywords

Typography
Wool bale stencil
Material culture
Letterpress printing
ISTD assessor

Research Projects

Summary of Research Projects

Position Current Completed
Project Leader 1 1

Research Outputs

Journal

O'Sullivan, A. (2013). Traces of a stencil brand. TypoGraphic 69: The Australasian Issue. , 18-23 Retrieved from https://www.istd.org.uk/shop/typographic-69
[Journal article]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
Naismith, J., & O'Sullivan, A. (2011). Letter-space: Typographic Translations of Urban Place. International Journal of Art and Design Education. 30(1), 133-143
[Journal article]Authored by: Naismith, J., O'Sullivan, A.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon

Creative Work

O'Sullivan, A. (2020, November 11). Secret Lives of Stencils. (No. of Pieces: Design, curation, promotion, merchandise and signage) [Scaffold and printed ply]. Totara Estate North Otago.
[Exhibition]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
O'Sullivan, A., Powley, C., & McAlpine, F. (2016, June 28). Material Witness Typography Exhibition. Whitecliffe College of Art and Design, Auckland. Co-curation and facilitator of public cross university exhibition showcasing award winning student work in the ISTD student membership assessment 2016.. [Typographic Design]. Whitecliffe College, Pearce Gallery, Parnell, Auckland.
[Exhibition]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.Contributed to by: O'Sullivan, A.
O'Sullivan, AM. (2015, March 17). Two Week–Two Minutes. Facilitator and curator of public typographic event and exhibition. Featuring Professor Judith Poirier, professor, École de design, Université du Québec à Montréal and award winning typographic design in the ISTD student membership assessment.. Gallery C, Block 12, Massey University.
[Exhibition]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
O'Sullivan, A., & Chilcott, B. (2015). 12th Totally Huge Music Festival. Tura Totally Huge Music Festival, Perth, Western Australia
[Design]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
O'Sullivan, A. (2014). Stela: Cenotaph memorial artwork. Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr, Dresden, Germany
[Design]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.Contributed to by: O'Sullivan, A.

view more...

O'Sullivan, A., & Chilcott, B. (2014). Tura Resonance Tour. North and West Coast, Australia
[Design]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
O'Sullivan, A., & Neale, W. (2013). Cato Chase Branding. Cato Brand Partners, Wellington, New Zealand
[Design]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
O'Sullivan, A., & Chilcott, B. (2013). 11th Totally Huge Music Festival.
[Design]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
O'Sullivan, A., & Chilcott, B. (2013). Western Australia Symphony Orchestra. Western Australia
[Design]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
Read article at Massey Research Online: MRO icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
O'Sullivan, A. (2013). Queenstown Memorial Centre Roll of Honour. Central Queenstown, New Zealand
[Design]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
O'Sullivan, A. (2012). MATTER visual identity. New Zealand
[Design]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
O'Sullivan, A. (2012). Time Capsule Text. Te Ara Hihiko Building, College of Creative Arts, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
[Design]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
O'Sullivan, A. (2012). The Creative Arts Building: Te Ara Hihiko Opening Plaque. Te Ara Hihiko Building, College of Creative Arts, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
[Design]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
O'Sullivan, A. (2012). Te Ara Hihiko Building opening Time Capsule Seal Text. Te Ara Hihiko Building, College of Creative Arts, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
[Design]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
Siljee, M., Baird, K., Shelton, A., Thie, U., O'Sullivan, A., & Syme, B. (2012) 2062 Te Ara Hihiko Time Capsule. [Exhibition] Te Ara Hihiko Building, College of Creative Arts, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
[Artwork]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A., Siljee, M.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
O'Sullivan, AM. (2011). Xabraeus Wine Label. Australia: Xabraeus Estate
[Design]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
O'Sullivan, AM. (2011). Totally Huge Music Festival. Australia: Tura New Music Ltd
[Design]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
O'Sullivan, AM. (2011) Staying Over: Artists from three Cities. [Exhibition] Michael Hirshfeld, City Gallery
[Artwork]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
O'Sullivan, AM. (2011, September 12). Words of a Type. (No. of Pieces: 15) [Wooden type prints]. Design Institute of Australia Gallery, Melbourne.
[Exhibition]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
O'Sullivan, A., & Francis, J. (2011, September 12). Words of a Type. (No. of Pieces: 15) [Wooden type prints]. Design Institute of Australia Gallery, Melbourne.
[Exhibition]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
O'Sullivan, A. (2010). Serve: A new recipe for sacrifice. Waiouru, New Zealand: Kingsley Baird/National Army Museum Te Mata Toa
[Design]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
O'Sullivan, A. (2010). The doppler effect. McNamara Gallery, Whanganui: Ben Cauchi
[Design]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
Foster, ST., & O'Sullivan, AM. (2009). Masters exhibition [Artefact]. Massey University College of Creative Arts: Tea Gardens, College of Creative Arts, Old Museum Building, Massey University, Wellington
[Artefact]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
O'Sullivan, AM., & Baird, KW. (2006). The Cloak of Peace - Te Korowai Rangimarie. : Kingsley Baird / Peace Foundation: Nagasaki Peace Park, Japan
[Design]Authored by: Baird, K., O'Sullivan, A.
O'Sullivan, AM.Xabraeus Wine Label. [Exhibition] Western Australia
[Artwork]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
Read Abstract: abstract icon

view less...

Thesis

O'Sullivan, A. (2019). Wool Bale Stencils: A Design History of New Zealand Branding and Visual Identity 1850–2019. (Doctoral Thesis)
[Doctoral Thesis]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
Read Abstract: abstract icon

Conference

O'Sullivan, A. (2018, July). Sheep brands: a snapshot of New Zealand history. Presented at 9th International Conference Popular Culture Association of Australia and New Zeland. Auckland University of Technology.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
O'Sullivan, A. (2015, December). Letter marking with bold upright letters: stenciling histories on New Zealand sheep stations. Presented at Face Forward International Typography Conference. Dublin, Ireland.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
O'Sullivan, A., & Naismith, J. (2013). The essence of food: Representing the core values of local New Zealand food through letterpress processes. In L. Morgan (Ed.) Intersections and Counterpoints: Proceedings of the Impact 7 International Multi-disciplinary Printmaking Conference / Luke Morgan (Editor). (pp. 63 - 64). Clayton, Victoria, Australia: International Multi-disciplinary print-making conference
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Naismith, J., O'Sullivan, A.
O'Sullivan, A. (2012, November). The changing use and meanings of wool bale stencils in history and contemporary culture. Presented at Material Histories: Antipodean Perspectives Symposium. Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
Naismith, JJ., & O'Sullivan, A. (2013). The Essence of Food:representing the core values of local New Zealand Food through letterpress processes. Impact 7: Intersections and Counterpoints. : Impact 7: Intersections and Counterpoints
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Naismith, J., O'Sullivan, A.
Read Abstract: abstract icon

view more...

O'Sullivan, AM., & Naismith, J. (2011, September). Wild cultivated cooked: Metaphor and essence in letterpress practice. Presented at Impact 7 2011: Intersections and Counterpoints, International multi-disciplinary Printmaking Conference. Monash University, Melbourne.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
Naismith, J., & O'Sullivan, A. (2011). The essence of food; representing the core values of local New Zealand food through letterpress processes. In Impact 7, International Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking Conference: Intersections and Counterpoints: Abstracts online, Impact 7, International Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking Conference: Intersections and Counterpoints Australia: Monash University
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Naismith, J., O'Sullivan, A.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Naismith, J., & O'Sullivan, A. (2013). The essence of food: Representing the core values of local New Zealand food through letterpress processes. In L. Morgan (Ed.) Intersections and counterpoints: proceedings of the Impact 7 International Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking Conference. (pp. 369 - 373). Australia: Impact 7, International Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking Conference: Intersections and Counterpoints
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Naismith, J., O'Sullivan, A.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
O'Sullivan, AM. (2010, June). Branded: The legacy of the New Zealand wool bale stencil. Presented at 4th International Conference on Typography and Visual Communication. Nicosia, Cyprus.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.

view less...

Other

O'Sullivan, A. (2017, November). History Unedited: Ephemera as evidence. Presented at Presented in conjunction with exhibition: Humble – The life of 100 small objects. National Library of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
O'Sullivan, A. (2015, October). Tracing the Stencil. In Radio New Zealand feature interview with Cosmo Kentish-Barnes on Country Life program on research of New Zealand wool bale stencils. Presented at Radio New Zealand.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
O'Sullivan, A. (2015). Book Design: Past traditions and current practices. Presented at Presented in conjunction with exhibition: The Beautiful Book. National Library of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand. : https://natlib.govt.nz/blog/posts/the-book-beautiful?search%5Bpath%5D=items&search%5Btext%5D=the+book+beautiful+.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
O'Sullivan, A. (2014, November). Monograms and stencils: typographic branding on New Zealand sheep stations. In Exclusive type event for ISTD and AGDA members. Presented at Living Edge Showrooms, Perth. Western Australia.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.
O'Sullivan, AM. (2007, June). The Unknown Soldier: Reading New Zealand history through memorial typography. In 3rd International Conference on Typography and Visual Communication.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: O'Sullivan, A.

Teaching and Supervision

Teaching Statement

Typography
Information Design
ISTD student membership assessment supervision

Courses Coordinated

Contact Supervisor

Media and Links

Media

  • 02 Oct 2015 - Radio
    Tracing the stencil
    Radio interview by Cosmo Kentish Barnes for Radio New Zealand, Country Life Programme on wool bale stencil research. This broadcast generated public interest from a number of listeners.