Mother's Gift

Scattered Fragments (III)
May 2007
Mixed media on canvas
Triptych: each piece 100x100x35mm

Although this work has been created as a triptych, each piece is able to stand alone as an abstract mark. This enables the work to be symbolically 'scattered' among friends/family.

New Zealand celebrates Mothers Day today. This work was commissioned by a mother so she could give a piece to each of her three adult children today...the youngest is in her first year out of high school.

Her children arise up, and call her blessed...
Proverbs 31:28

Be Thou My Wisdom

Soul Hymns (VIII): Be Thou My Wisdom
Mar 2006
Mixed media on canvases, mounted on board
455x455x35mm

This piece was painted as a message to a friend, for the occasion of his 50th birthday. Incorporated in the design are the letters of his name - JOHN.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my Vision - Stanza 2
Words: At­trib­ut­ed to Dal­lan For­gaill, 8th Cen­tu­ry (Rob tu mo bhoile, a Com­di cri­de); trans­lat­ed from an­cient Ir­ish to Eng­lish by Mary E. Byrne, in “Eriú,” Jour­nal of the School of Ir­ish Learn­ing, 1905, and versed by Eleanor J. Hull, 1912, alt. Music: Slane, of Ir­ish folk or­igin.

Meeting

Mary's Window (V)
June 2006
Mixed media on canvas
455x455x35mm

Mary's Window (V) detail

Last Friday I met Mary Horn at the York Street Gallery celebrations. I will visit her soon at Teschmakers.

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!