ARTIST ON SHOW: Catherine’s works are often inspired by Welington’s south coast.

WELLINGTON ARTIST Catherine Roberts says she is ecstatic to be named as a finalist for an award at the New Zealand Art Show in the TSB Bank Arena later this month.

Catherine’s piece ‘‘Appreciate and Preserve’’ has been chosen from 200 entries as a top 10 contender for the Single Piece Art Award.

“I have seen the work of the other artists entering, and to be even considered to be grouped with them in the top 10 is a huge confidence boost for me to keep doing what I love doing,” she says.

The winner, who will be decided by public vote, will receive a $5000 prize from the New Zealand Art Show Trust.

It will be Catherine’s second year at the show but the first at which her work will feature on a wall of its own.

Every year around 1000 artists submit their work for the show and of the 524 artists selected for this year’s, only 84 have been given a wall.

Catherine (right), a mother of four children aged two to 14, says having a wall at the show is a whole different game.

“When you have got a single art wall you have to be there the whole time and represent your wall. It’s really good for a career and really nerve-racking at the same time. I’m a little bit on the shy side.”

Catherine’s canvases are mainly abstract contemporary landscapes, with inspiration from the south coast near her Miramar home.

In recent years, she has shown her works at various exhibitions, galleries and cafes and has also exhibited at the NZ Fine Arts Academy.

The New Zealand Art Show, now in its seventh year, introduces emerging artists to the public and sells their work at affordable prices. It takes place from July 29 to August 1.

HAPPY ARTIST: Daniel Phillips with his entry in the annual IHC arts awards.

HUNDREDS of colourful murals and self portraits hang on the wall of a small studio in central Wellington, ready to kick off this year’s Telecom IHC art exhibition.

The artworks – on display at the Alpha St studio from now until August 27 – will be judged, with the winner receiving $5000, second $2000 and two third prizes of $1000.

Some 30 will be chosen for an exhibition at the St James Theatre gallery from September 14 to 21, prior to touring the country.

The government-funded programme started in 2004 and displays the range of artwork created by students with intellectual disabilities from around the country.

The purpose is to encourage IHC students to make art with emphasis on community involvement, says co-ordinator Emma Cullen (left).

Over the years, it has become an important event, with more than 400 entries in last year’s exhibition, a total expected to be exceeded this time.

She says most of the money made from selling the artwork goes towards buying art supplies for the students so they can continue to paint.

“Most of them that come here [the students] see this as a full time job, painting and making things.”

ALPHA ST ART: Poppy Hill gets creative with cardboard.

'F'LOATY' ART: Wellington design student Jenny Leov with an album of her fabric designs.

TEXTILE design student Jenny Leov loves cranes.

Lucky for her then, Wellington’s working barge with crane, the Hikitia, was moored on the waterfront until recently, and randomly caught her eye.

It was the inspiration for a seven metre piece of fabric now on her newly created website.

“I have a fascination with trees and industrial stuff, so I ran with it,” she says.

Her four-year degree in textile design wraps up in October and she needs to produce an exhibition to showcase her work.

She calls her art “floaty” and says it is about putting pattern into repetition with a natural component.

Jenny, 28, who lives above the Wellington Zoo’s lion pit in Melrose, says when things jump out (not lions) she builds on it, thinking about boldness and colour, then plays with different proportions to create a process that can be quite random.

Jenny says her exhibition will have a dreamlike ascetic:. “I am documenting my dreams, with a mix of things like photos and illustrative applications.”

Jenny’s passion for art has been longstanding. As a child she knew about colour, partly learned from sitting at the kitchen table with her family, cutting out images from magazines and pasting them up.

Before her degree, she studied design in Melbourne at night classes.

During the third year of her degree at Massey University, an opportunity arose to travel to a textile trade fair in Paris, Premier Vision, to “see what was going on in the world”.

In 2009, in a degree class exercise in design, her choice from “gross, over-crafted’’ lucky dips inspired her to make a fabric entrant for the Hokonui Fashion Design Awards in Gore,.

She also fulfilled her itchy traveller’s feet and studied in Scotland for a semester through the university’s exchange programme.

Jenny has just finished designing her own website, which displays her work and enables her to be a freelance designer for clients to buy special one-off art pieces.

Her current project is for a woman who wants a lace-inspired print, meaning detailed research at the library.

She likes to keep it natural with silk, cotton or linen home-wares, and canvas for durability.

The ultimate for Jenny would be living in New York and working for Marimekko Corporation, the Finnish design house.

“It’s hard to think I could do all this fulltime with New Zealand so small. Working overseas means I am taken more seriously.”

But first, that exhibition: “I have a lot of work to produce in a small amount of time – it’s going to be really full on.”

“What To Look For In Winter” shows pieces by 17 contemporary artists, from Shane Cotton to Milan Mrkusich, from painting to photography.

Black Crystal Costume by Australian artist Mikala Dwyer hangs high on the wall facing the gallery entrance on Ghuznee St.

Before the wall of windows in the main room (pictured right) stands Ronnie van Hout’s series I’m Not Out.

MONOPRINT: Jason Greig's "Obsidian"

The five, door-sized white canvases by the Melbourne-based Kiwi artist are text-based, a departure from his best-known self-referential sculptures.

Rohan Wealleans’ solo show finished last Friday at McKay’s gallery, but Wealleans’ layered and carved-paint kayak traces the midpoint of the room, pointing to the light in Marco Fusinato’s photograph Sun Series #9 – 2/6/02.

In the alcove to the right of the entrance, Christchurch printmaker Jason Greig’s monoprint, Obsidian, depicts a face emerging from dark ink.

Cotton, Wealleans and Greig are three of nine New Zealand artists exhibiting in the Sydney Biennale. Curator David Elliott selected 165 contemporary artists from 35 countries for the 17th Biennale, on from May till August 1 this year.

In the back room are Australian Ricky Swallow’s Apple 2000 sculptures, one in vivid colour, one in tones of black through white.

ISOBEL THOM: "Self Titled"

They rest in their perspex case on a coffee table.

On the wood-panelled walls, the largest works are Mrkusich’s dominating abstract Four Circles, Grey and Gavin Hipkin’s Eurasia, a soft-focus skeleton, located in the sightline of the entrance to the room.

New Zealand painter Isobel Thom’s Self Titled diptych is a great example of her art practice, and also of the winter theme, says McKay.

The exhibition runs until July 30 at the gallery, 1st floor, 39 Ghuznee St.

]]> http://www.newswire.co.nz/2010/07/art-food/feed/ 0 http://www.newswire.co.nz/2010/07/fewer-twi-hards-but-still-a-bloody-fangtastic-affair/ http://www.newswire.co.nz/2010/07/fewer-twi-hards-but-still-a-bloody-fangtastic-affair/#comments Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:13:19 +0000 Grace Ackland http://www.newswire.co.nz/?p=21461 By Grace Ackland, Rachael Holmes and Nikki Papatsoumas

THE MIDNIGHT screening of Twilight: Eclipse drew a more mature crowd to Wellington cinemas last night than previous years, when fans had taken to dressing up and buying tickets months in advance.

Although fewer young teens queued up in vampire glam, many had travelled long distances to the capital’s Embassy and Reading theatres.

Waikanae resident Ashley Burns (left), 17, describes herself as a “twi-hard”: “I had to see it before everybody else saw it.”

The Embassy can seat 700 people yet the premiere screening sold between 300 and 400 tickets.

Reading’s midnight session attracted 800 people.

Moviegoers were buzzing with excitement to see their favourite vampires and werewolves on screen.

Eclipse, based on the book by Stephenie Meyer, is the third instalment in the popular movie franchise.

Debate rang through the theatre as fans discussed who was team Edward or team Jacob. Team Edward seemed to be the popular choice of the night.

“Edward is dark and mysterious, such a brooding character,” says 22-year-old student Catherine Prior.

LET'S DANCE: Whitireia performing arts students enjoy their new space.

WHITIREIA performing arts students are bursting out of their current home and dancing across the road in Vivian St.

With an increase of 30 students this year, the school needs a new home and it has been found nearby.

One level of the building is already being used for some lessons and a refit of two other floors will be complete by the start of next year’s programmes.

Whitireia Performing Arts Centre administrator Laura Hewetson says the programmes have outgrown the current space, which has been a home for performance training for more than 20 years.

It was originally Toi Whakaari, the New Zealand Drama school, which moved out in 1997 and was replaced by the Wellington Performing Arts Centre, which was taken over by Whitireia in 2008.

“We are in a very tight space. We have grown in numbers this year by about 30 plus students, so space can be a real issue,” Laura says.

This won’t be a problem in the new building, which will hold nine studios plus theatre space. The current building has six studios, including the theatre space.

The theatre space will be kept purely for theatre and no classes will be held in it.

The theatre space will be used to house the major body of shows the Whitireia students produce and will be also open for public performances.

The top floor dance studio will have a seating block and blackout curtains installed next year so it could also be used as an additional performance space.

Staff and students who have been using the dance studios since May are impressed with their new venue.

Anne Gare, commercial dance course coordinator describes the space as fantastic for dance.

”It is most appreciated from both the students and myself. The feedback from my tutors working there is great – large, light and just a general really good feel.”

Whitireia is looking into the possibility of renaming the space and there are plans for a celebration when the renovation and shift is complete next year.

OPENING CEREMONY: Elena wows the audience at the 2010 World Expo. (Photo: supplied)

JUST weeks after performing at the launch of the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, Wellington violinist Elena is back in China to support a group of businesspeople on a networking tour.

Elena and the four-member kapa haka group Tumeke are the cultural side of a Wellington business delegation, led by Mayor Kerry Prendergast, which left at the weekend.

ONE-WOMAN ORCHESTRA: Maori violinist Elena is taking music in a new direction.

New Zealand’s first classically trained Maori violinist, Elena says she feels honoured the Wellington council has confidence in her and her work.

Described by Ms Prendergast as a “cultural icon”, Elena, with the group, will be helping businesses build relationships with their Chinese counterparts at the expo and at Sister Cities Conferences in Beijing and Xiamen.

The ensemble worked closely on their expo show with choreographer Tanemahuta Gray, Maori and contemporary tutor at the Wellington Performing Arts Centre at Whitireia Community Polytechnic.

They’ve now updated the performance for the business trip.

Elena says the show condenses the classical orchestra into one instrumentalist and brings kapa haka from 40 to 50 group members to just four, but proves as powerful and spectacular as both. It’s a cutting-edge concept, she says.

She has had “amazing” support from costume designers Native Sisters and Rotorua-based weaver Karl Leonard.

Elena will launch her first CD at the expo’s New Zealand Pavilion on June 10.

No stranger to China, she performed there in 1975 as part of the New Zealand Youth Orchestra and in 2006 representing New Zealand at the Shanghai Festival of Arts.

The former Scots College music teacher says growing up as a Maori in a Pakeha world playing the violin was made difficult with criticism for doing the “white man’s thing”.

“I’m just a person playing in an orchestra,” she says.

“It takes a special type of person to spend so much time practising on their own instead of going to the movies with mates – it does make us different from other people.”

She says she has been criticised for westernising Maori chants but says European melodies have been overlaying Maori chants for the last 100 years, helping make them accessible. “I’m just taking it in another direction.”

FREE SHOPPERS: From left, Rowan Harty, 21, Jamie Yau, 20, Ben Kitchin, 20 at the Free Shop.

By Alice Petrie and Grace Ackland

Wellingtonians have embraced artist Kim Paton’s Free Shop and in the process have been educated and observed as they gather free supermarket goods.

Paton and her helpers set up the Free Shop to not only help the community out, but also educate people about recycling and redistributing unwanted items to those in need.

Supermarkets and individuals have given goods daily to the Free Shop.

Volunteer worker and student Leda Farrow, believes the “experiment” is interesting as it shows just how much waste products from supermarkets, bakeries and other food places is simply thrown away.

 “It’s sort of a critique on waste, and I think Kim is very interested in redistribution and how we can recycle things,” Leda says

“A lot of the things we get in here is stuff that supermarkets can’t sell because it’s been dented, but it’s all food that can be given away and usually it’s just chucked out.

“So we’re sort of trying to get a lot of supermarkets on board and trying to recycle,” she says. The experiment is not only set up as an art one but also as a ‘social critique’.

“This is a free store, anyone can come in so it’s for the rich or the poor.

“It’s interesting because people are sort of treating it more like a food bank or something for people less fortunate, whereas it’s meant to be an open thing for everyone, people who need it could be anyone.

“We’re trying not to be a food bank or a charity, it’s more a community space where anyone can come in,” she says.

Shopper and student Justine King, 42, says it’s amazing that there are no strings attached such as a charity box or donations.

“It highlights how much surplus food there is that gets thrown out,” she says.

A large number of the people coming into the store are students like Justine, who is studying and has an 18 month old baby.

“I’m actually on a really tight budget and I’m going to use all of the stuff I’ve got.”

A group of three male students make regular trips to the free store because they say it is close and free.

Jamie Yau, a student from Victoria University, says it’s his third visit and he recognises the idea behind the store.

“It’s free and really generous and also I think it’s making people think about all of these waste products,” he says.

His friend, Rowan Harty who studies at Victoria University also reaps the benefits and generosity of the free store.

“It brightens people’s days, they come in here and get something for free and think ‘oh yeah that’s awesome’ it makes people more happy throughout their day.”

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

ARTISTIC: Katherine Field at Toi Poneke.

Wellington’s own Toi Poneke Art Centre has been a supportive addition to the capital’s art community having provided galleries for emerging artists, dance and music studios and overseeing the fringe and comedy festivals.

Approaching its fifth birthday, Toi Poneke is unveiling Complex Creative, a show dedicated to the city’s housing tenants and displaying almost 100 works from the group.

Katherine Field, manager of Toi Poneke, says this is the perfect opportunity for a “marginalised and isolated group” to show their stuff.

“It may not be fine art but it’s their own amazing work,” says Field.

The Wellington City Council-funded centre opened the exhibition last week, bringing in the public and emerging artists to view the tenants’ unknown talents.

ON SHOW: Artist Gypsy Blu with his work.

“Intrigue will bring people in,” says Field, who has accommodated many groups much like the tenants to have their work displayed and also provided spaces for the groups to create.

“We have a group of book binders coming in to use the centre,” she says. “This is community based and we feel obliged to support.”

The housing tenants came to the centre with the idea, and Toi Poneke offered its expertise and support.

The centre has recently added a space called The Hub to its list of services. Field says The Hub will be the perfect space for groups and individuals to network and run information sessions.

“Artists have access to the computers and a comfortable environment to discuss projects and ideas,” she says.

The works are handpicked by Katie Duke and Field, who run a “tag team” organisation making sure the tenants have the help and resources needed to perfect the exhibition.

Complex Creative will run for three weeks and the works will then be either kept by the tenants or sold, with 75 per cent of the proceeds going to the artist.

“It’s not just about the money. It’s about an isolated group having the opportunity to display their work and have satisfaction knowing they did it,” says Field.

* Toi Poneke Arts Centre, 61 Abel Smith St, Te Aro.

There are hundreds like him, every year picking up an instrument and fighting for a place on the Wellington stage. This is a story of a dream and one very talented musician.

Patrick, a Massey University student, seeks inspiration from other bands and musicians with a similar taste and style.

Practising takes a large amount of Patrick’s time and after almost five years of playing the guitar, drums and a little piano he believes he is ready to make the most of his talent.

He spends countless hours learning new covers, writing new material and figuring out ways to improve his music.

Patrick is also no stranger to the industry, having played guitar in the highly successful rock quest group, taking the fall.

The San Francisco Bathhouse offers Patrick the opportunity to get amongst bigger and smaller names of the music industry.

“Having somewhere to find inspiration isn’t always easy,” the 18-year-old says. But he seems content taking pointers from Wellington’s music hot spots.

Other inspiration comes from seeing live music at Wellington’s array of bars, such as mighty mighty or the San Francisco Bathhouse.

“It just brought a head rush: It’s amazing,” he says. He boasts about his equipment, and says one of his weaknesses is buying high-end gear to enhance his music.

Patrick has been playing gigs since he was 15 and recently has been apart of an acoustic duo playing in venues around Dunedin.

Many musicians begin on the street and Patrick has spent hours busking in Dunedin, where he can make almost $200 with a couple of hours’ work.