Art in the heart of a garden
In Carly Thomas’ ongoing series about opening her Manawatu¯ garden to the public she introduces the artists who will display their work this weekend.
Ihave been immersed in my garden for the past four months – at times, quite literally, knee-deep, tangled and intertwined with twigs sticking out of my hair.
It was only a few weeks ago – a few weeks before the deadline date of open to the public day came around – that I thought: ‘‘Oh gosh, the artists.’’
It is the Manawatu¯ Art and Garden Trail, after all.
So I did what I always do and I panicked dramatically and completely over-compensated.
In fear of having no artists on the day, I put a call out to my network and have ended up with a whole horde.
This is really cool, but requires a mad dash to find easels and creative hanging ideas for them all.
One suggested hanging his art from the trees and I said ‘‘go for it’’. Rahere is going to be an outof-the-box stop, but if you have been reading this series you’ll know it was never going to be anything else.
The garden certainly doesn’t conform and my gorgeous group of artists don’t do that in a hurry either.
So let me introduce them:
Kelly Jarvis is an artist I swoon over. I have works by her hanging throughout the house and my biggest painting by her is one of my favourite possessions. Her paintings of native flowers and birds are stunning and life-affirming.
Pania Molloy is a name people may know. She has been a stalwart of the Manawatu¯ arts scene for many years and you never quite know what she will put her hand to next. Paintings are what will be in the back of her car this time.
Mark Tisdall is my wonderful neighbour, who not only feeds my cats and chooks at times, but also creates amazing paintings and encaustic works. He is the one who might need a ladder to get up into the trees.
Hem Woollaston’s paintings will be mingling with the flowers. Both are bright and Hem is a real self-taught talent with a flair for colour.
Lorraine Taylor is a Marton artist who is a driving force behind the Marton Art Centre. While many know her for her clay work, she will be bringing her paintings with her.
Maggie Duff I met recently. She lives in Kimbolton and creates fibre art using wool from her little flock of sheep. I have met her ‘‘girls’’, as she calls them, and I can assure you they are just as charming as Maggie.
Paula King – now, Paula is an artist I came to adore last year. She has been completing her studies at Massey
University’s school of Ma¯ ori visual arts and designs and her paintings are stunning – full of narrative and depth, with a style all her own.
Kate Wilson-bryant isa longtime friend who lives in A¯ piti and has a studio in Square Edge, Palmerston North. An abstract painter at heart, Kate is also skilled with paper, ink and design. She’s always good for an arty natter too.
Sue James is a wonderful addition because not only is she bringing her beautiful landscape paintings, but she is also bringing bunting made from old Liberty fabric to brighten up my verandah. Oh, and Albert. She will be bringing her husband, who will have his head gardener badge on. He is a knowledgeable gardener who has helped me with what’s what and can tell you the proper names of things.
Ava Thomas, my 13-year-old daughter who has been my chief photographer for much of this series, will have her work on display, many of which have been taken at Rahere.
See what I mean about overcompensating? There will be art, colour and character all over the show and a bit of the best kind of chaos, which will hopefully distract from the weeds that have decided they want to join the party, thank-you very much.