Art interview with arts_x_artists

 

I recently had the honour and pleasure of taking part in the London based arts_x_artists with the founder Stan.

When you have time please have a listen here: https://www.instagram.com/nzpainter/

The interview is also on you tube:  youtube.com/watch?v=sWi8FSquBv0&t=161s

 

In the Interview I answer these thought provoking questions.

(1))

What’s your background?

How does this impact how you see the world and create art?

Did your upbringing prompt a specific reference point within your work? Is your work informed by certain concepts or themes from your childhood, background, socio-economic status, and where you lived or were raised?

(2)

Who are your biggest influences

(3)

What are you focussing on right now

(4)

What is the biggest challenge of being an artist?

(5)

What advice would you give to your younger self?

(6)

Have you ever tried any unconventional mediums or techniques?

(7)

Do you listen to music or have any other type of background noise while you work, or do you prefer complete silence?

(8)

What’s the best reaction someone has had to your artwork?

(9)

What do you hope people take away from your artwork?

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To frame or not to frame?

 

As an artist I often face the dilemma of whether to frame my paintings, or leave them with painted boarders. Cost definitely comes into play and can effect the decision, especially with larger works. I know a number of artists who frame the works themselves. Maybe this is something to think about for the future! For now Im happy getting all of my framed prints professionally done, and a number of my mid size and smaller paintings. I think if its done correctly, framing can really set the work off and make it sing!

 

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Showcasing artwork with Canvy

 

 

What fantastic times we live in! Making artwork is so much fun and incredibly rewarding. I absolutely love sharing my creations with people, and seeing their reaction to a new work. What better way to showcase a painting or print then with the online Canvy app? It lets you put art in a room so that people can get a sense of the size and feeling of the work. What do you think?

 

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Art on Instagram using Canvy

 

 

I recently talked with an amazing woman called Rachel Barber who helped me on a recent art course. She paints emotionally charged, vivid works in Northland New Zealand. She predominately works as a commission based artist and is booked up for the next six months creating works for people. Go Rachel!  Thanks to Rachel, I can now demonstrate what my artworks look like in someones space. Watch this space!

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Loving these moody sunsets

 

If there is one thing that I love about New Zealand Its the amazing sunsets that we get! Because we are an island, we tend to draw in quite a few weather events. This means we get lots of funky clouds…perfect for painting!

Wouldn’t one of these look amazing as a painting? Even better…if it was in your home or office space!   Get in touch right after reading this and lets work something out.

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On the road again!

 

There is something almost spiritually uplifting about travelling. I recently had the pleasure of visiting a friend of mine in Muriwai. Unfortunately they were hit extremely hard by the cyclone and a number of houses were damaged beyond repair. Lets hope the rebuild happens quickly!

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The calm after the storm

 

My thoughts and prayers are with the farmers of Dargaville after the huge cyclone last week. So much has been destroyed…but not lost forever! Also the people of the Hawkes Bay region and  Aotea . Lets hope the newsreaders are correct calling this a once in 200 year storm!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Enjoy the ride!

 

I must say it has been an amazing roller coaster ride for the last 3 months. Travelling the length of New Zealand while working as a tour guide has reminded me just how beautiful New Zealand is! There is so much art inspiration here. During the day we visit a myriad of incredible places including art galleries, museums and bush walks. Each evening I have been working on some drawings and keeping up to date with my New Zealand tour guiding notes. I cant wait to show you my new work. Watch this space!

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Playing with colour

 

Another thing which brings me lots of pleasure, is seeing my creations side by side on display! Here are a few recent images up in my wee gallery at Baylys Beach. Let me know when you are in town as I would love to show you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Purple trees

 

 

I love painting trees and stylizing them to make them pop out! I use lots of oil paint onto hardboard. This particular image stands out in my memory. I was driving home after a days teaching a few years ago and was stopped by some road works. As I was waiting fr the cars to flow again I took a photo of these wonderful trees and decided to paint them. Around 6 months later the trees were then cut down.  Im so pleased I took that photo. Change is the only constant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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