Botanica Series
BOTANICA is an ongoing body of work, which explores and reflects on the enrichment and “magic” that our gardens bring into our existence. Examples of this abound everywhere, deep within our histories, and for what I hope continues well into our futures.When we feel overwhelmed, how many times do we find ourselves in our gardens, “getting fresh air” seeking solace and peace, and even within the most menial garden task our hearts are often soothed..When we feel sentiments of love, congratulations, condolences or celebrations we gift beautiful bouquets of blooms that reflect our feelings.When our bodies need nourishment, we turn to what is grown in the earth, often harvested, prepared and shared in meals with those we love. And when we find ourselves unwell, we frequently find remedies to our ailments among the fruits, flowers, leaves and roots that often grow only steps from our backdoors. At all ages and stages of our lives, the garden is omnipresent., our human existence is very much plant powered. It is my desire to acknowledge, celebrate and bring awareness to our humble gardens through the use of my brushstrokes, to give inspiraton to get growing!
available at JUNIPER Art + Home (juniperstore.co.nz)
available at JUNIPER Art + Home (juniperstore.co.nz)
Private Collection
Private Collection.
Gallery
Previous Projects/ exhibitions/murals
Zippys Mural - 2024
Spanning across 3 walls, this is another eyespy creation, painted to beautify the newly renovated outdoor area at Zippy Central cafe, completed March 2024. Its a great spot to enjoy your coffee, beer and bagels with frends and family!
This is a work that I hope viewers of all ages can enjoy, with our lakes and forest as the backdrop, and a nod to the 'Rainbow' television series which aired from the 70's in to the 90's. There are a number of hidden items scattered throughout the mural, I have taken inspiration from the different elements of Zippys history to inform these.
https://www.rotoruanz.com/eat-drink/cafes/zippy-s-central-cafeView more details...
Cheshire Kitty - Costumiers Fantasy Masquerade Ball 2023
Costume created using primarily repurposed and recycled materials.
Also included in The Art of Creative Costuming Exhibtion held at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre in October/November 2023 as part of the TOI Rotorua Arts festival.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2036904676668015/?ref=newsfeedView more details...
The Enchanted Storybook Nook - Mural NOW OPEN!
A current project of mine is creating the very large and magical backdrop for what is to become a public walk through garden/ facility.
Transforming this old shadehouse into a world of storybook and fairytale fantasy is truly one of the most pleasurable projects I have ever been involved in. I am including as many magical elements as I can create,in the hopes that the space will transport the viewer to a fantastical, enchanted place full of familiar friends found in our beloved childhood tales.. Due for completion November 2023. Watch this space!
*Update* - head over to www.enchantedstorybooknook.com to check out he wonderful magical world we have created.View more details...
Moana Junior 2023
LPACs junior production for 2023, was the ever popular and well loved Moana.
Veering away once again from large scale backdrops that are installed on stage, it was most practical to again use projection. Given the newly refurbished Sir Howard Morrison Centre was the venue, my images were to be projection at an even larger scale than before, on a screen measuring 12m x 7 m.
These were handpainted images, that were then brought into the digital realm, where i was able to add different elements and 'moving parts' , creating a further layer of magic for the show when they were projected. It was an enjoyable challenge to create something on a small scale that translated well to such a huge enlargement. im really thrilled with how this technique is working out!
In addition to creating all the backdrop artwork, I was heavily involved with creating and overseeing the construction of props and set pieces, including some very fun neon magic with coral set pieces, warrior masks worn by dancers on stage, and Mauis key piece of equipment, - his oversized light up hook, amongst other things. I has a team of amazing people on board to help with completing this massive task on a tight deadline.View more details...
Frozen Junior 2022
Completed in 2022, as the backdrops to Lakes Performing Art Centres Junior production of the ever popular Frozen.
Traditionally I would paint large scale backdrops that are installed on stage, but we had some limitations within the venue, so I needed to think outside of the square. The solution was projection.
These were handpainted images, that were then brought into the digital realm, where i was able to add different elements and 'moving parts' , creating a further layer of magic for the show when they were projected on a 6x3m backdrop screen. Its proved to be a great success,with minimal need for materials, and an ease of installation, I look forward to employing this a technique for future shows.View more details...
Spamalot 2021
Traditional set painting for this incredibly funny and entertaining show. One of my favourite set paintings ever.View more details...
Charlie Parsons - Childrens book illustration
Written by Natasha Benfell, illustrated by Maria Hermans.
"Charlie is a loveable Labrador who is getting old and losing his marbles. He gets in al kinds of sticky situations now that his mind doesnt realise, he cant do the things he used to. A reminder that pets get old too and just like people the mind wants to do what the body just can't."
Published in late 2021, Charlie Parsons is an ode to the delightful four legged companion of a dear friend of the author. Natasha approached me to do some accomapying illustrations for the book ,and after getting to know Charlie through the story, i couldnt possibly resist! I was able to complete the illustrations during NZs second lockdown, it was the perfect project to keep me pleasantly occupied, and giggling endlessly.
This has been my first foray into published illustraton, which has stoked the fire for more projects to come
Copies of Charlie Parsons are available for purchase from Lakes Performing Art Centre.View more details...
Abracadabra Mural
Completed in 2021, this mural graces the hallway of Abracadabra Cafe & Bar. I have personal connection here as a former employee in 2017-18, so was thrilled to have my proposal accepted for this job. Bright and colourful, with a nod to all things magic ( how could i not in a place called Abracadabra!) there are parts included as an ode to the previous eras of Abras, that any viewer in the know might just pick up on. I wanted to create an interactive element, so have incorporated an eyespy game within the mural, which I hope wil provide added entertainment to those that visit.
You can view this mural during open hours at Abracadabra Cafe and Bar, 1263 Amohia St, Rotorua
http://www.abracadabracafe.com/View more details...
SENSOPHERA LUCIDUM - Rotorua Arts Village 5 - 26 June 2021
One of my biggest personal milestones to date is my solo show- SENSOPHAERA LUCIDUM
A collection of large scale paintings created during the 6 months prior, this body of work represents a massive shift from my very dark and heavy personal struggles, into a tranformative space of peace, healing and light.
Like many creatives, i found solace and comfort within the santuary of my studio walls, where I was able to process my traumas and translate my emotions into vsual representations in a very big, and very intuitive manner.
Putting my blood sweat and tears into my work became a very literal undertaking.
Although 6 months in the overall lifetime of a person is but a dot on a timeline, this has truly been a significant moment in my life, and that has allowed me exceptional growth both on a personal level but also within my creative endeavours.View more details...
Simba Mlinzi and Tembo Mlizi - Commission painting 2021
Simba Mlinzi and Tembo Mlizi
Acrylic on stretched canvas
1600x1800
This comission was completed in April 2021, for clients that had recently completed their dream home in Hamurana.
They now take pride of place, flanking the front entry way ,as proud guardians greeting all who come to visit this lovely family.View more details...
Childhood Nostalgia Series
This body of work, completed in 2022, is an ode to all the magic and wonder and simple unfettered joy of childhood.
By using a bright colour palette, simple shapes and very loose, childlike techniques, I aspired to transport the viewer back to cherished memories, much like an old song, or a familiar scent does.
Are they clouds floating by, or tufts of candy floss.. are they buttons, or christmas baubles, or bubbles floating away on the breeze... id that playdough or spilt raspberry cordial ..is that fairy bread...it is entirely up to the veiwer how the work translates for them.View more details...
Re Engaging with My Childhood Imagnation - "ONO' Graduand Exhibiton 2015
View more details...
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