December 2022 Newsletter
EXCITING NEW ART
Imprint
Jeff Lockhart
Acrylic on canvas
Tēnā koutou
Greetings to all our newsletter subscribers! The end of the year is drawing near and what a busy time it’s been for all of us. We hope you’re enjoying some of the warmer weather and we’re sure everyone is looking forward to some settled summer months. On behalf of the team at Protean Art, we would like to wish you all a very happy holiday season.
You’re invited to our Christmas Drinks!
Have a break from work and join us for Christmas drinks at the gallery. Enjoy refreshments, great company and wonderful art. Some of our artists will be attending and will be happy to chat about their work with you. We have a diverse range of art on display and great gift options to suit all budgets. If you’re keen to attend, please r.s.v.p to Sue at info@proteanart.co.nz Drinks and nibbles are complementary.
Flights of Fancy
Waimea Intermediate School Student Art Exhibition
Last month, it was a privilege for the gallery to showcase stunning artwork created by Waimea Intermediate School students. Art on display included stoneware and wooden sculptures, Tim Burton illustrations, Kusama ceramic pots, paintings and prints. The opening night was very well attended with many families, staff and supporters admiring the students’ work and buying some of the amazing art. We achieved over $1000 sales of student artwork which will go towards the students and Fossil Creek Farm Trust (a healing sanctuary for people and animals). Guests were served delicious canapes by the WIS student catering team.
Many thanks to Emma Panting, the student’s art teacher and professional artist, Jo Townsend, Team Leader Specialist Subjects, and, of course, the students for collaborating with us on this innovative exhibition. It’s great to give students an opportunity to showcase their work in a professional gallery setting whilst also raising funds to support a valuable community venture.
Oceanic Themed Art
Currently, we have some great examples of Oceanic, Maori and Pacific-themed art in the gallery. This style of art is hugely sought after both in New Zealand and overseas. It is art that has special significance for the indigenous peoples of the Pacific and also resonates with more recent immigrants to this beautiful part of the world.
Jeff Lockhart
Imprint
Jeff Lockhart’s Imprint explores a sense of identity, and how he found his place in the Pacific. Imprint tries to suggest links of who 'you' are through accumulated information over time, hence the layered windows in the background. The 'hieroglyphic-type' script nods to past times when communication was played with in the written form. Imprint also describes some the journeys in his life, glimpses of places and passages are recorded. The two curved triangles denote two of those journeys and the people important to them. Imprint is a powerhouse piece with seductive symbolism, glorious colour and sophisticated design.
Mark Fa’avae
Kina
A trip to see his role model Fatu Feu’u and an expedition to Samoa in the same year were sources of inspiration for Mark Fa’avae’s art which focuses on his Samoan heritage. Mark’s Kina brilliantly captures the essence of the islands. We experience the lush green of the leaves in the morning just before the sun rises, and the deep, cool blues of the ocean and sea. Kina is available to view at the gallery and is a fabulous evocation of our South Pacific paradise.
Fiona Bryant
Mana Tangata
Fiona Bryant’s Mana Tangata ceramic sculptures are powerful, moving and magnificent. These works are significant pieces of Maori art and a must for any collector or lover of Oceanic art. Fiona’s main medium is uku, although she enjoys acrylic painting as well. Fiona expresses her artwork by drawing in the natural surroundings of whenua, forest and tangata. She has a great love for her forebears, and honours them through the medium of clay. Fiona’s sculptures have presence, mana, beauty and truth - an irresistible allure for all art lovers.
Events to look out for…
Thursday 15 December 5:30 - 7:30pm Christmas Drinks at the gallery
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank everyone who has been involved with Protean Art this year which includes our amazing artists, wonderful customers and team members who help at the gallery.
We would especially like to acknowledge the help and support of Margaret Cable, Ruth Lever (Rule Design), Jo Townsend, Nicky Halligan, Emily Ramsay, Louis Roughton and Helena Roughton.
Feedback
Do let us know if there is a certain style of art you are interested in and would be keen to see in the gallery. We love to hear your feedback.
Look forward to seeing you soon.
Warm wishes,
Sue and Erin Roughton
Meet the owners
We (Sue and Erin Roughton) are the owners of Protean Art Gallery. Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter.
Make sure you stick around for more updates, newsletters, and resources for art lovers!