Adair shows flair for Women’s Refuge
Adair Valentine-Robertson is a young artist to watch. The 17-year-old has just got back from Auckland after being selected as a finalist for the Annual Wallace Art Awards.
She was up against more than 500 other young artists in the secondary schools’ segment.
‘‘They were awards created by Sir James Wallace.
‘‘He’s curated the biggest collection of New Zealand art and he started this up to recognise artists,’’ she said.
In the secondary schools category, there were 37 finalists, including Melissa Marriott and Ruby Malcolm-Black, who both attend New Plymouth Girls’ High School with Adair.
‘‘It was great,’’ she said of the awards night.
‘‘It was really good to see everyone else’s work because it was so different.
‘‘There was a lot of photography, which I think took it out this year.
‘‘It was very crowded, but it was nice.’’
Her piece was an acrylicpainted self portrait with tui, her favourite creature.
‘‘I think they’re just the most majestic things that have ever graced this earth.
‘‘They’re just so enchanting.’’
‘‘I just know if I'm not a painter in my 30s I have no idea what I'm going to be doing.’’
Adair Valentine-Robertson
Although her mother, Jayeta Valentine, is an artist, Adair taught herself how to paint.
‘‘I want to do the uni thing. I have to try that out before I do anything else, but eventually I just know if I’m not a painter in my 30s I have no idea what I’m going to be doing.’’
She’s headed to study languages and commerce at Victoria University and aims for a career in marketing.
‘‘I don’t think I’ll be selling myself out if I do marketing. I just know whatever I do I’m going to end up doing painting.’’
People can buy a piece of her art, a stunning canvas featuring native birds, at the upcoming fundraising art auction for Taranaki Women’s Refuge.
It will be held on October 7 from 7pm at the Novotel in New Plymouth.
Viewing is held on October 6 from 6pm to 7pm and again from 5.30pm on October 7.
Tickets cost $10 and are available from Taranaki Women’s Refuge office, Jetcharm Barber Shop & Gentleman’s Quarters and Vetro.
Money raised from the event will go towards helping women and children in Taranaki.
‘‘I really don’t mind donating anything to charity,’’ she said.