BLOG

Artist pushing the properties and combinations of materials

I’m a Christchurch based mixed media artist interested in experimentation and pushing the properties and combinations of materials. Intuitive and process-driven, I play with a diverse range of materials from wood and metal to discarded train brake pads, lace, ash, bitumen, wax, pvc, sand, glitter and embroidery thread, not much is off limit....

Evolution of me, as an artist, through arts awards and exhibitions

I am an interdisciplinary artist, my medium is sterling silver and my jewellery studio is in Devonport. In 2021, I have been finalist in various major Art Awards in New Zealand and overseas. I wanted to give a more contemporary and conceptual approach to my work as a jewellery artist and “Lines” ring was selected for the Parkin Drawing Prize.

Therapeutic impact of music in prisons

Like so many of us, music has helped me transition through challenging and difficult circumstances. It’s hard to imagine a funeral, wedding, times of celebration, grief or hardship without music. For me, music is an emotional language. When words are not always enough to express something, there is likely a piece of music that is going to...

Media stories that lift our hearts

What’s the role of the news media? At best, it should provide a balance of accurate information with interpretation, instruction and entertainment. It’s also important to protect ourselves from too much negativity when we read, watch or hear news.

Funding arts champions to drive change

A search of the word “champions” on Arts Access Aotearoa’s website brings up a number of headlines and story links: champions in the Arts in Corrections sector; champions of accessibility in The Arts Access Podcast; and theatre access champions.

Art and Transformation

Art has been a constant in my life since childhood. However, I never imagined that it would become my career. Instead, I got as far as pursuing a master degree in architecture and working in a field different from art for many years. As a solo immigrant living overseas, I found myself drifting away from my passion for art. Although I longed...

Empowering tane to achieve excellence in artmaking

I’m an experienced high school teacher and I’ve worked a lot with troubled young people in low-decile schools. I wanted to extend that and use my skills to make a positive impact on men in prison and so in In January 2021, I took up my role as Educational Arts Tutor at Hawkes Bay Regional Prison.

Another Year, Another Entry - Jann Lenihan

I've entered the Parkin Prize every year since its inception but have never been a selected finalist. Mad? Nah I love seeing what does get in and it lifts my game. I'll enter again this year too. I like to reuse materials as there's already enough stuff in the world without using new resources to create more. I explore ideas...

In awe of WAI

It is with difficulty I write this. I feel the subject matter is sacred and I am but a child carrying a cup of coffee to his grandmother for the first time. A child with wobbly legs. I will do my best to not mansplain this. Instead, I will speak to how I have been moved by the art and the power I feel within it.

Arts torch shines the way

Strong, connected communities in cities, towns and rural areas are vital for the ongoing health and wellbeing of their inhabitants. The strength and courage of the Auckland community – made up of many rich, diverse communities – have been demonstrated throughout the devastating floods.

It’s been 50 years - memories and celebrations are in store

It’s the 50th Anniversary of the Rodger Fox Big Band in 2023 and half a century of memories are flooding back. So, is a need to ask you for a favour – please read to the end of this blog post and give me an answer. Here’s one memory. While touring through Poland in 1981 the bus lacked enough seats so I had to roster band members to sit...

A Tale of Two Pencils

It started with a mysterious Christmas card. As the festive season arrived last year, a greeting card was delivered to Fiksate Gallery. The card’s imagery was familiar, featuring a slightly altered version of local street artist teethlikescrewdrivers’ yellow and black pencil icon, but signed with an unfamiliar moniker. The card, it...

Seagar Design in High Street

Established in 1994 in Auckland, Seagar Design has its origins in Adrienne Seagar’s commitment to a professional advisory service for residential interiors. In 2022 it is based in Auckland and Christchurch, its focus on quality design and a commitment to local and international design and arts practice. Its design store and gallery, ‘In...

June Macleod and Euan Macleod, Natural Succession at Stoddart Cottage

Creativity has often appeared with a combination of genes and environment fostering artistic ability passed down through families and November’s exhibition at Stoddart Cottage Gallery is a striking case in point, presenting as it does a retrospective of works by local watercolourist, June Macleod, and contemporary paintings inspired by her son,...

Jessie Rawcliffe and Dr. Suit- Archetypes

Archetypes is a new body of work and exhibition from Fiksate artists, Jessie Rawcliffe and Dr. Suit, exploring the integration of portraiture and abstraction in a series of collaborative works, bringing together each artist’s stylistic and material approaches. Examining how compositional approaches can emphasise, obscure or reveal...