Whangamata Lions Craft & Farmers Market cancelled for the foreseeable future

The Labour Day market was cancelled, due to Covid 19 restrictions, so I was really hoping that the Anniversary Weekend market in January would go ahead. So, I was absolutely gutted to receive the news that all markets are cancelled for the foreseeable future.

I have spent a lot of time and money over the last couple of months, creating a new display for my Swirl-StoNZ, specifically for this and other such indoor markets. It looks like I am going to have to re-think things, so my display is suitable for outdoors, as the small local Whangamata Sunday Market is the only market that is continuing at this current time.

Alphabet Orb - photos

Here is my recently completed piece, titled Alphabet Orb. I will try taking a video of it on my electric turntable, when it is quiet, and add that later.

Alphabet Orb - front and back shots
15cm (6 inches) diametre

New Zealand Mosaic Art National Exhibition has been Cancelled

So disappointed, but not surprised due to Covid 19, to learn that the Zealand Mosaic Art National Exhibition to be held in Orewa (Auckland) this October/November has been cancelled. It will be re-arranged next year in Whanganui (not so easy for me to get to). Instead, there will be an online competition in November, so I will enter the piece I had created for the exhibition. I will post photographs once the competition has been judged.

The next Arts Collective event is the Mid Winter Mingle

I will be exhibiting two pieces at this event, held at the Whangamata Club, 404 Port Road, Whangamata. They are not my usual polymer clay mosaics but large sand paintings on canvas. One is titled 'Daybreak in Paradise' and the other, 'Moonlight Glow', incorporates photoluminescent powders so it will glow in the dark.

 

A new chapter in my life

The 30 June 2021 was a momentous day for me - my last day of guaranteed financial income. After working part-time for the last ten years, as an accounts assistant for an engineering company, I have finally taken the plunge and terminated my contract. So, today is the first day of my new life as a full-time artist/creative. While a little daunting, I am really excited to start following my true vocation.

Daybreak in Paradise

Daybreak in Paradise

Inspired by a local photograph (not taken by myself) Daybreak in Paradise measures 71 cm x 71 cm. It is a sand painting on canvas, with acrylic paint glazes.

My method of sand painting is to coat a bare canvas with glue and cover with an even layer of fine coloured sand. This is sealed with several layers of acrylic medium, to keep the sand in place, and then over painted with acrylic colour washes, so the sand texture still shows through. For effect, I have included fine glitter for sparkle over the blue sea and used a gloss finish on this and the wet sand areas.

Moonlight Glow

Moonlight Glow - shown in daylight and in the dark

I have just completed Moonlight Glow, measuring 50.5 cm x 76 cm. This is a sanding painting on canvas, with acrylic paint glazes and glow in the dark powder. I am really pleased with the way it has turned out, especially when viewed in the dark. 

 

Whangamata Arts Collective - Easter Open Studio Trail is this weekend

I will be displaying some of my work at the Information Centre Hub on Port Road, Whangamata. 

Hope you can drop in and say hello.

My display at the Big Arts Day Out - Waitangi Weekend 2021

Here is my display on the opening (Friday) night of the exhibition. I will be demonstrating how I make my Swirl-StoNZ throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. 

Exciting event coming up this Waitangi Weekend - 6 & 7 February 2021

 

In addition to my entry in the Harcourts Challenge, a sand painting titled 'Essence of Aotearoa', I will be having a space at the Big Arts Day Out showcasing my polymer clay mosaics and also demonstrating how I make my Swirl-StoNZ.