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.