Detail

The soft, spring blossom is blown to shreds. A relentless wind tears through the trees and on the harbour, whitecaps charge for the shore. I'm sitting cozy here with the scene and its soundtrack restrained beyond the windows today.

Its been a while since I have written here as I have been occupied writing other things; Artist Statements and the like for a couple of exhibitions my work will be included in. I quite like the process of writing about my art, I like the distillation that occurs as I edit out all the unnecessary words and thoughts from a paragraph. It is a slow process to condense my ideas to their essence, to a nice concise, bite size summary. Something suitable for a passing viewer to read before their attention moves to something else. Its a satisfying journey too, it draws me back into the creative process all over again.

Its an act of faith to edit out much of what I could say about a particular artwork. I have faith that some people at least will get it, despite what I dont explain in detail.

For me much of the enjoyment of looking at an artwork is in its interpretation, what do I think its about? By leaving the final decision up to the viewer, the viewer can take ownership of its meaning, they become part of the creative process. An artist statement can help enrich your interpretation of an artwork. I try to provide an opening for the viewer; a way in from which if you choose to, you can discover more.

Susan posted a video of Squeak Carnworth talking about her work and the part that resonated most with me was when she said

"When people look at my work they should bring themselves, and they should pay attention to what their inner voice says and what intuitive leaps they have, what does it remind them of? There's no right answer."

I hope people will bring themselves to my artwork.

"The Young Brave" was accepted for the North Shore City Art Awards, the exhibition opens in three days.

The Young Brave presents the story of Jack, who at about the age of twelve in 1929 was given an adventure novel, The Long Trail Boys at Sweet Water Ranch, the Mystery of White Shadow.

Set in a North American context, it is an idealised story of friendship, adventure and heroism between the ‘native’ White Shadow and a group of boys. The tale is far removed from the reality of childhood experiences in nineteen thirties New Zealand. Ten years after Jack received the book New Zealand entered the Second World War and he was to face a quite different version of adventure and heroism; that experienced in battle.

As an artist I am interested in the relationship between objects and stories. I collect and re-present objects which connect with my memories, or the collective memories of a group or place. A mnemonic object is a memory keeper. It grants access to moments and emotions long since passed and otherwise ephemeral. Can the potency of a mnemonic object outlast its creator?

Spring Inspiration

There really is something about spring that makes me want to clear things out and start afresh. I spent some time tidying my art materials and began a new inspiration board ready for this new season of growth and creativity.

Ten Good Things
A muddy path through a forest of green and an apple in my backpack
Rain beginning just as I arrive home
Peas sprouted in the garden
Spring cleaning, a clear desk and fresh inspiration
Thoughts of Martha Goes Green and her Oaty Choc Chip Seed Cookies
Pressed flowers, forgotten then found, in a book
Cats you meet on the street
An avian celebration of spring just outside my window
Posting secret parcels
Discovering some lovely new people to visit in blogland, Always Time for Tea, Little Postcards, Songs of Light & Sleep and Her Sisters


This post is for Muralimanohar who tagged me some time ago...

The book fair.

I love old books and the stories that entwine themselves between the printed words. The stories that can only be glimpsed through the marks left by their owners or readers and through the patina of time.

I discovered some beautiful gems at the annual book fair last weekend. While there I fell into conversation with an ancient old man, and (since he asked) I told him I was looking for books with inscriptions and the like. His reply, "folks have some strange hobbies, don't they?" Ah... well yes, I guess they do. He soon shuffled away and sometime later another man, not so ancient this time, noticed my pile and he too stuck up a conversation. He told me all about the book plates and inscriptions in a number of books he once owned. I was glad of this momentary company, a kindred spirit I think.

Last night I set out to sea with Mr Crusoe having discovered him amongst my purchases when I got home. I'm sure I was the only one there selecting books without reading the titles first. It was a happy coincidence as Robinson Crusoe has been on my "To Read" list for a while.

Luck

Found on a hill overlooking a city, while drinking tea from a thermos, as I sat on the bonnet of a car in the winter sunshine. Good luck is coming my way.

Bunting

Its always a good idea to have some bunting on hand, just in case of unexpected celebrations.

I used an old garden book for the triangles and ripped an old sheet into strips for the tape.

Idea via Two & Six and Heartfelt

Tea and other things

The last several days have been filled with snow and hot springs, a perfect combination for a winter getaway. I've returned home to find the first signs of spring emerging. The garlic has sprouted in the garden, the Daphne is blooming, the sun is hanging around a little later in the afternoon and I'm thinking about planting some peas.

Apart from my plans for the garden, I have lots of other projects afoot.

The Art Show was fantastic and already I have more ideas brewing. I spoke to so many lovely people, many of whom had stories to share about their own heirlooms and mnemonic objects. I particularly liked the story one lady told me about a small community where whenever someone passed away their china tea sets would be split and shared out to friends or family, cup by cup. Then later on, when drinking tea from the cup that once belonged to Aunt Belinda you would remember them. A lovely idea I think. I had so many people asking me about my tea cup series I'm sure I will be making more soon.

For those of you who came to the show and entered my giveaway, the winner of Gathered II is Moana J of Upper Hutt. I hope you find the perfect spot to hang it Moana.

Holiday

A scene from the living room, a sign of the approaching spring.

I am overflowing with more art ideas since The Show. So much to share, but it shall have to wait, for I am off on a little holiday. Back soon.