Unveiling

Red Gold (V)
Feb 2007
Mixed media on canvas
610x910x35mm

Red Gold (V) detail

Red Gold (V) detail

This piece was purchased by a couple who are part of an art group. The work will spend two months with each member of the group & finally return to the original purchasers. Tonight is the unveiling as the group gathers together.

May the work bring many blessings as it journeys.

Mary Horn, Teschmakers

Mary's Window (I)
May 2006
Mixed media on canvas
610x910x35mm

Mary's Window (I) detail

Mary's Window (I) detail

If I ever see this painting again I must get some decent photos! It is in Picton...address unknown. It was the first piece of my Mary's Window series.

So far I do not have a statement about the series as I am not yet sure of the extent of ideas…
Initially the works were in response to seeing the art of Mary Horn for the first time. Mary is a Dominican Sister who still lives & works from Teschmakers, North Otago. The large works I saw were very dark with flashes of gold. There was one small piece on paper…a window.

From the fourth piece in the series onwards the lyrics of Dave Dobbyn’s Roll Away from his Available Light album are also an influence.

Symbols that are coming through in the pieces are: the opening of windows/curtains (which can be barriers), A-Z/Alpha & Omega, quilting – cutting & piercing.

I have been in contact with Mary about the works & after meeting with her will write the series statement & perhaps paint others...hopefully this may happen tomorrow as Mary will read her poetry at the York Street Gallery's First Birthday celebrations.

ANZAC Day 2007 - Memorials Graven not in Stone

Common Prayer (V): Give
June 2006
Oil stick on canvas
455x455x35mm

Give detail

I had a look around the Timaru Cenotaph late tonight when no-one else was around...just a few man-made poppies scattered around & little bunches of flowers wrapped in paper.

TO THE GLORIOUS MEMORY OF THE
SONS OF SOUTH CANTERBURY
WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES

THE WHOLE EARTH IS THE SEPULCHRE OF FAMOUS MEN. THEY ARE COMMEMORATED NOT ONLY BY COLUMNS AND INSCRIPTIONS IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY, BUT IN FOREIGN LANDS ALSO AND BY MEMORIALS GRAVEN NOT ON STONE, BUT ON THE HEARTS OF MEN.

PERICLES

Reworked Mia

Mother's Legacy (XVIII): Mia
March 2007/Reworked April 2007
Mixed media on canvas
610x910x35mm
$950

Mia detail

That's finished for now.

The work makes reference to my childhood & is named after my mother - M.I.A. Among other things it symbolises the covering of a child with a bright quilt for sleep...love, prayers, blessings.

The piece was delivered to York Street Gallery today...to be hung in time for the birthday celebrations next Friday. Clever me being a week ahead of myself!

More Blues

Heartland (I): Strata
Mar 2006
Mixed media on canvas
Five pieces each 100x100x35mm, placed in an upright cross

Strata detail

I had forgotten about this series! This piece lives in Heartland NZ - Winton.

Today I have been reworking Mia...just adding a bit more blue...a lot more actually. The York Street Gallery is celebrating its first birthday tomorrow so I'm taking in a few extra works...reworked Mia will be one of them.

The Blues

Soul Dream
Mar 2006
Mixed media on canvases, mounted on board
c. 900x900x70mm

I plan to explore the use of blues using Soul Dream as the starting point of the series. My favourite blue for a while has been Prussian.

Visiting Mary

Mary's Window (VIII)
Aug 2006
Mixed media on canvas
610x910x35mm

Mary's Window (VIII) detail


This piece was purchased by a local pharmacist. He has it hanging at his workplace in the shop area. Sometimes I visit with scripts.

I usually find it a little weird when I see my work again. I know it's mine but I can't really believe it.

Everybody needs a Jane!

The Quilting (XXV): Plans of Hope
Dec 2006
Mixed media on canvas
Four pieces - 100x100x35mm each, unmounted

I have been working as an administrator for a few weeks...just a short-term contract to cover planned absence. It has been fun working alongside friends again. I had thought that my painting would continue on pretty much as normal...was I wrong! There is still time to paint, but the headspace is not there...

I've just had a call from Jane Blackmore, my TLC mentor. Perfect timing as she was able to discuss & laugh about the situation with me.

Everybody needs a Jane!

Kotuku - White Heron

My Soul Knoweth (III)
2006
Oil, oil-stick on canvas
455x455x35mm
NZ$450

My Soul Knoweth (III) detail

Today was my birthday so I spent a little time alone at one of my favourite places around here - the Opihi River, opposite the Stratheona Huts. As I was walking along beside the river I saw something brilliant white in the distance. I wasn't sure what it was until it started flying. I hoped & hoped that it would fly past me, & it did...a huge kotuku with slow-flapping wings, croaking in flight. How awesome! (As usual) I did not have my camera so just waved as it flew by.

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Psalm 139:14

Final Cut

Identifiable Marks (XIII): Magnify
Oct - Nov 2006
Mixed media on canvas
610x910x35mm
POA

Common Prayer (II): Peace, Not War
2006
Mixed media on canvas
455x455x35mm
POA

Extending Silence (IX): Re-energise
Reworked Mar 2007
Mixed media on canvas
305x305x35mm
POA

I sent the above three pieces off to Invercargill today for the exhibition An Autumn Affaire. Initially I was contacted through my Artfind website & asked to exhibit...probably will not get to see the show as it is a little too far to travel.

An Autumn Affaire

Extending Silence (IX): Re-energise
Reworked Mar 2007
Mixed media on canvas
305x305x35mm
NZ$250

Re-energise detail

This week I am sending work to Invercargill for exhibition in the Southland Art Society’s An Autumn Affaire show. What to send? Maybe Magnify, Layered Memories & Re-energise.

An Autumn Affaire
Southland Art Society
City Gallery
Don Street
Invercargill
13 April 9 - May 2007
Opening Night – Friday 13 April, ticket only