Summer art show in Queens Gardens
Queens Gardens will be transformed into an outdoor art gallery this Saturday when Art Group Nelson hold their summer exhibition.
With more than 50 artists showing work on large screens and some working on easels, the event will showcase a wide range of media from painting in oils and acrylic to sculptural work and woodwork.
Susan Allen will be exhibiting in the gardens for the first time, with paintings on copper plate, a by-product from husband Dennis’ plumbing business, while other works are on upcycled marine plywood.
‘‘Using the copper plate kind of aligns with my own values of using what other people think is rubbish and making it into art.’’
She paints the oils onto the copper plate, then uses the end of different widths of paint brush to score back onto the work, revealing elements of shimmering copper.
Allen’s travels in the pacific, and in particular Rarotonga, have influenced her passion for making do, and turning off cuts of materials into her canvases.
‘‘From the pacific islands we saw very creative people, with little resources, just working in their lounges,’’ Allen says. ‘‘Their hospitality and creativity was inspiring for me.’’
Allen studied art remotely at the Learning Connexion in Wellington, after receiving a scholarship in 2013. This took two years of part time study, while also working as a Social Worker.
She credits the Learning Connexion for giving her a broad base of disciplines.
‘‘It was a real catalyst for me, it’s a very positive place,’’ Allen says. ‘‘I loved the weekend workshops, I got a lot out of them.’’
A couple of years ago she joined Art Group Nelson to connect with other artists.
‘‘It’s quite isolating working on your own when you’re not physically at a college, so joining the group has been a really interesting opportunity to meet like minded people.’’
Allen plans on making more works in future that have a social and environmental message.
‘‘I’m keen to do something using the sea and around issues like poverty in this country as themes that are interactive,’’ Allen says.