2011 Jan-Oct Archive
Aotearoa Feltsisters 'Earthwaulks'
13 January - 30 January 2011
The Aotearoa Felters or Feltsisters hail from the islands of Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand [their chosen common ground] and held their first collective exhibition at the Millennium Art Gallery 2008. Window on White explored the subtleties and complexities of white felted surfaces. Two years on, their next collaboration entitled Earthwaulks, sees them wandering into the wild and working with dyes, sourced largely from the plant world, to colour hand formed natural fibre felts.
The designation Earthwaulks is derived from the process of ‘waulking' or ‘fulling' partially felted cloth by wetting and rolling it; in combination with the sisters' affinity with the earth of Aotearoa. It is a celebration of wool, the miraculous renewable fibre resource that can be twisted, tangled and matted to form a resilient yet pliable structure which can be formed flat or in three dimensions, cut, and stitched; and dyed with colours from the earth.
For more info on Aotearoa Feltsisters go to
www.window-on-white.blogspot.com
BLUE PACIFIC GALLERY
ARTWORK FOR SALE BY LEADING CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS FROM AROUND NEW ZEALAND:
Morag Stokes - kNot Pasifika
22 January - 20 February
This exhibition of new works by Morag Stokes sits on the boundaries of Celtic and Pacific Island/Maori art traditions. It is a fusion of cultures – the art of the immigrant.
Originally from Scotland, Morag has lived in NZ for the past ten years. She has brought to this show the knot traditions of her Celtic heritage together with the motifs of Aotearoa and the PacificIslands.
The Tiki image can be discerned from knot work in a series of paintings which play with the tensions between imagery and ambiguity, a concern of the pre-Christian Celts. There are Tapa inspired panels in which hints of plaid sit alongside woven and knotted skins of paint. The four-petalled flower and its Celtic parallel are married in woven paint.
Morag’s distinctive ‘drag’ painting process defines these works, with some being painted directly onto canvas and others being formed from paint bands created on glass.
There will be a Closing Celebration and Artist Talk in the Blue Pacific Gallery at 1pm on Sunday 20th Feb. All welcome.
| BOTTLE CREEK GALLERY |
EMERGING ARTISTS, LOCAL INTEREST GROUPS AND MORE, THIS IS OUR GALLERY FOR THE COMMUNITY:
Whakaoho Wairua
- An Awakening of the Spirit
3 February - 27 February 2011
This exhibition brings together a collection of works by local artists who have a common interest in continuing an art tradition of utilising natural materials, ancient techniques, symbolism and design to create art works for today’s eyes.
This brings the tukutuku (lattice-work), kowhaiwhai (painting) and whakairo (carving) out of the wharenui or meeting house, and explores the customary cloak made of flax fibre to become a garment that may be considered for today’s fashion.
The core artist group are made up of tutors and graduates of the Poutama and Certificate in Master Craft weaving and carving programmes of Whitireia Polytechnic, along with other invited artists.
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SHOUT
3 March - 20 March 2011
To co-incide with the Wellington Outgames, SHout is a group show of local artists including...Mark Ayson, Jeavons Bailey, Kaz Bartsch, Ros Bignell, Adi Brown, Clyde Clemett, Fergus Collinson, Julie Midgley, Neke Moa, Spring Rees, David Roil, Cathy Tracey, Eve Tregurthen, and Jack Trolove.
Check out the link to the Out Games website http://www.wellingtonoutgames.com/cms_display.php?sn=46&st=1&pg=3190
BLUE PACIFIC GALLERY
ARTWORK FOR SALE BY LEADING CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS FROM AROUND NEW ZEALAND:
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PAERAU CORNEAL
March 2100
An exhibition of PAERAU CORNEAL'S new works
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THE BOTTLE CREEK GALLERY IS FOR EMERGING ARTISTS, LOCAL INTEREST GROUPS AND MORE, THIS IS OUR GALLERY FOR THE COMMUNITY:
TURNING PLUS 2011
Starting 24 March - 10 April 2011
Turning Plus 2011 is group exhibition by the members of the Guild of Woodworkers - Wellington. This exhibition follows the very successful 2009 exhibition held here at Pataka.
The exhibition is produced by members of the Wellington Woodturners Guild. The 'Guild of Woodworkers, Wellington Inc.' consists of approximately 120 members from the greater Wellington Region. The Guild's aim is to provide a forum for those interested in working with wood to meet together and to develop their skills and knowledge.
The exhibition is being held to compliment the CUTTING EDGE - The Art of Turned Wood exhibition in the main gallery.
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BLUE PACIFIC GALLERY
ARTWORK FOR SALE BY LEADING CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS FROM AROUND NEW ZEALAND:
This exhibition is the recent work of two men, longtime friends, long ago immigrants to Alaska - one from Oregon, "just down the coast", the other from NewZealand, a little further down the Pacific. These two have known each other for over 25 years now, and while their style and method is radically different, they have an artistic bond built over time that has supported their mutual growth in the sometimes narrow and restricted art world in Southeast Alaska. While both sometimes work very large, this is a group of small pieces, each a careful statement in their personal style. 2 April - 1 May 2011 Singular Stories - Stephen Lawrie and Norman Campbell
I'm sitting at a drawing table watching another drawing unfold in front of me. At times it seems I am only holding the pen, not directing it. The images are pulled from some place else.....it's a tiny miracle for me to see all of this happening. I spend some time wondering what place these works will have in the world. They are a continuous string at times, each rising out of the memory of its predecessor. At other times they are simply an image that caught my eye. They are my pleasure.....my unadorned gift back and a validation of my small place in this world. Norman Campbell.
For this group of paintings ( in fact for most everything I've done over the last 30 years ) there is no driving theme, no need to preach too loudly. Rather, I am pushed by single instances, single sightings or engagements, and pushed to paint from that an image that just might capture that moment, that person, that feeling. Each of my paintings must, for me, reveal its own life, its own story, independent but tied to to the others by their common heritage. I hope to touch the individual looking at these small paintings, just a little, present an image that can live with them in their lives, something that can be turned to now and then to feel again whatever it was that first engaged them. Stephen Lawrie.
Left: Brother and Sister, Stephen Lawrie. Right: Norman Campbell
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THE BOTTLE CREEK GALLERY IS FOR EMERGING ARTISTS, LOCAL INTEREST GROUPS AND MORE, THIS IS OUR GALLERY FOR THE COMMUNITY:
ALISTAIR TE ARIKI CAMPBELL
Curated by Peter Coates
Starting 14 April - 1 May 2011
14 April - 1 May. An exhibition celebrating the life and art of one of New Zealand's greatest poets.
The Exhibition, Alistair Te Ariki Campbell curated by Peter Coates includes DVD'S, poetry, memento's, publications, photos and stories. The exhibition also includes paintings about Alistairs poems and paintings given to Alistair
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TAKE ME TO THE RIVER - THE ARDH MELA (RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL)
Allahabad, India, 2007
Photographs by John Williams
30 January - 8 May 2011
The ardh mela at Allahabad occurs every six years at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers at the Sangam. On these occasions the banks of the river are turned into a religious fairground as millions of pilgrims come to bathe in the sacred rivers. On January 19, 2007 when these photos were taken, an estimated 20 million people bathed in the river, making this the largest congregation of people in the world.
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CUTTING EDGE - The Art of Turned Wood
Until 8 May 2011
Wood turning is an art form steeped in tradition. It is also an art form that is being taken in fresh and innovative new directions by contemporary New Zealand artists. This exhibition is a representative cross-section of excellence in New Zealand woodturning. Visually stunning in form, concept and in technical execution, the works in this exhibition give us an insight into the exciting ways in which artists are working with wood today.
In association with the Wellington Guild of Woodworkers, assisted by Bryan Hawkins, Hugh Mill and Graeme McIntyre.
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REUBEN PATERSON - She Beauty, He Beast
12 February - 15 May 2011
These exquisitely detailed and technical glitter paintings are a kind of signature for Reuben Paterson and, while he also creates video and large-scale installations, this exhibition is devoted to a new series of paintings referencing New Zealand's provocation, or 'gay panic', legal debate. Repeal of the relevant section of the Crimes Act was enacted in November 2009, in the wake of a particularly brutal, but heterosexually underscored, murder. By cloaking his protest vote in a fairy tale, and prompting us to look beyond surface appearances and prejudices, Paterson makes a nuanced but loaded attack on the inequality of the current Provocation law. Paterson does it all without sounding preachy and with a sense of tact that preserves respect for the male and female victims of this injustice - Hanna Scott.
His previous work typically draws on sources from his own background; retro fabrics, Māori culture, Op art and high modernism. With She Beauty, He Beast, he pairs his more familiar stylised works with glitter paintings of predatory big cats and the prey of a gigantic pink budgie made from colours specially commissioned for this work.
Reuben Paterson is of Māori and Scottish descent. Receiving a postgraduate in Fine Arts from Auckland University in 1997, Paterson went on to receive New Zealand’s prestigious Moet et Chandon Award to visit Avize, France. He was its youngest recipient.
Paterson exhibits nationally and internationally, most recently undertaking a major commission for the 2009/2010 Asia Pacific Triennial at the Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane and a site-specific suite of works exhibited on Cockatoo Island for this year’s Sydney Biennale.
Estrous, 2009-10, The Bed's a Spread of Provocation, 2009, The Passion, 2009, A Byrd in the Hand 2009.
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THE BOTTLE CREEK GALLERY IS FOR EMERGING ARTISTS, LOCAL INTEREST GROUPS AND MORE, THIS IS OUR GALLERY FOR THE COMMUNITY:
KO AU TENEI - THIS IS ME - IN MY HOOD
6 May - 29 May 2011
Hoodies are often associated with youth culture, this exhibition, Ko Au Tenei - This is me - in my hood, presents an opportunity for young people to share something about themselves through visual media using hoodies as a platform.
In a two day workshop at PATAKA lead by artists' Wayne Youle and Wiremu Bariball, a group of young people were taught the fundamental skills of graphic design and encouraged to recognise their own uniqueness and individual talents.
Thanks to sponsors - Porirua City Council and Creative Communities scheme Porirua.
Wayne Youle and some of the end artworks
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THE PA OF PORIRUA
Until 5 June2011
This exhibition features Ngati Toa kainga (villages) and pa (fortified sites) that dotted the Porirua coastline and harbours between 1830-1850.
At a crucial period in New Zealand history Ngati Toa Rangatira led by Te Rauparaha moved to Porirua. In these years of the 1820s,30s and 40s Ngati Toa settled this land building more and more kainga and pa. Every pa they created had its own tale and this exhibition gives a glimpse into their stories and those who built and lived in these settlements.
Images: Left Taupo Pa, Plimmerton, detail, George French Angas, 1845. Toa Rangatira Meeting House, Takapuwahia.
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THE BLUE PACIFIC GALLERY HAS ARTWORK FOR SALE BY LEADING CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS FROM AROUND NEW ZEALAND:
Aurora Pepperment - James Harcourt
7 May - 5 June 2011
Inspired by his trip to Morocco, and the Islamic art he saw, James has created paintings, wallpaper, origami and short stories.
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THE BOTTLE CREEK GALLERY IS FOR EMERGING ARTISTS, LOCAL INTEREST GROUPS AND MORE, THIS IS OUR GALLERY FOR THE COMMUNITY:
HISTORY'S NOT ALWAYS BLACK AND WHITE
2 June - 3 July 2011
A chance to see some of the Pataka Museum collection that you may never have seen before! Artifacts will be grouped in their colours alongside artworks by local artists that feature those colours.
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THE BLUE PACIFIC GALLERY HAS ARTWORK FOR SALE BY LEADING CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS FROM AROUND NEW ZEALAND:
CHARMing
11 June - 10 July 2011
An installation of jewellery works from: Neke Moa, Spring Rees, Jewels Vine, Kristelle Plimmer, Lindsay Park, Kylie Fyfe, Sue Shore, Natalie Brasell, Christine Imlay-McLean, Kathryn Yeats, Sarah Read, Elsa Evangelina Krasniansky and current Whitireia students Mieke de Court, Caroline Thomas, Karen Dale, Helen Punton, Adele Carpinter, Keri Mei Zagrobelna, Christine Nightingale, Eleanor Denton and Amelia Pascoe, on the theme of Charms.
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THE BOTTLE CREEK GALLERY IS FOR EMERGING ARTISTS, LOCAL INTEREST GROUPS AND MORE, THIS IS OUR GALLERY FOR THE COMMUNITY:
WOOLSHED POTTERS AND COASTAL QUILTERS
7 July - 24 July
New works from the Woolshed Potters and the Coastal Quilters based on the Quilters latest 'fabric challenge'
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PAT HANLY - The Seven Ages of Man
Until 31 July 2011
These seven murals by Pat Hanly were commissioned by Hamish Keith c.1974 for the then newly constructed School of Medicine link building at the University of Auckland. The Seven Ages of Man has not been previously exhibited publicly nor have the paintings been seen together as a group.
Hanly’s series begins with Innocence Energy, progressing to Joy, Youth, Ego, Proud Worldly, and concludes at the top of the building with Wisdom then Grace. This evolutionary motif references Jacques’ famous “all the world’s a stage” monologue from Shakespeare’s As You Like It, fitting not just the building’s seven floors but also its context within an educational facility - human development in a medical sense, from child-birth to senior care.
In retrospect, Hanly’s Seven Ages of Man occupies an interesting place in his oeuvre, at the mid-point of a decade in which he also completed a number of major commissions.
This exhibition travels from The University of Auckland’s Gus Fisher Gallery.
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THE THIRD PLACE - Stuart Forsyth
11 May - 17 July 2011
The Third Place is a sculptural installation based in the Pataka Spine. The work explores the concept of sense of community and the importance of having an alternative social environment from work/home to help stimulate creative interaction.
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BEYOND NOWHERE - Architecture and Landscape
Joanna Langford
Until 31 July 2011
Beyond Nowhere brings together highlights from the past ten years of Joanna Langford’s creative practice. Over the past decade Langford has created sculptural installations for many major public art galleries in New Zealand. This survey presents ten of these installations, reconstructed for exhibition at Pataka, including Langford’s most recent work completed during her tenure as the 2011 Frances Hodgkins’ Fellow at the University of Otago. The Before Lands 2009, created for her exhibition at Gertrude Contemporary Artspace in Melbourne, is shown for the first time in New Zealand.
In just seven years since she graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Master of Fine Arts degree, Langford’s work has attracted considerable critical acclaim both nationally and internationally.
Langford creates extraordinary imaginary landscapes and cityscapes from the simplest of materials. Like a modern-day alchemist she magically transforms the mundane into the remarkable: recycled plastic shopping bags become cloudscapes; disposable bamboo skewers become spindly skeleton towers and scaffolding; discarded computer keyboards become cityscapes.
Langford’s work is inspired by landscapes – especially romantic ones with magical and mythical possibilities. While there are overt references to cloud-filled skies and volcanic outcrops in her work, her fantastical landscapes are invaded by architectural structures that speak of the urban built environment. The landscape of her childhood in Gisborne remains central to her work, but her travels to exotic, otherworldly places in Iceland, Peru, Turkey and Scotland have also been a rich source of inspiration.
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THE BOTTLE CREEK GALLERY IS FOR EMERGING ARTISTS, LOCAL INTEREST GROUPS AND MORE, THIS IS OUR GALLERY FOR THE COMMUNITY:
OFF THE WALL
28 July - 14 August 2011
As part of Porirua's Graffiti Management Strategy Porirua City Council in a joint venture with Greater Wellington Regional Council, Ontrack & Kiwi Rail, commissioned 10 murals to be created for the Porirua Railway Station. Artists include: Jo Cringle, Ruth Taylor, Hediaki Katsumata, Chris Ulutupu, Tupe Rogers, Ian Taylor, Sue Smales, Tracey Waters, Rudy Whitehead -Lopez, Xoe Hall and Ranga Tuhi produced murals and now are showing work together in an exhibition: Off the Wall.
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THE BLUE PACIFIC GALLERY HAS ARTWORK FOR SALE BY LEADING CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS FROM AROUND NEW ZEALAND:
ELEMENTS 2011 Wellington Regional Potters
16 July - 7 August 2011
An exhibition which is the representation of work done by potters and ceramic artists in the Wellington area and lower North Island. Making pots is something that strikes at the heart of human civilization. It is an ancient art that has been with us longer than any other art form - a humble way to express creativity both in the sculptural and functional arena.
Functional pots bring the concerns of the domestic world into direct contact with the art of the ordinary. The privilege of using these objects in everyday life links them with the idea of human endeavour. Sculptural works are a valid form of expression to both the maker and the viewer. Clay is such a simple and accessible medium to work in.
The New Zealand Society of Potters is the guardian of the clay workers in this country. When it comes to lobbying against tariffs and promoting the art of clay workers the NZSP is there for us. This exhibition highlights the potters working in the Wellington and Western Districts branch.
Jenny Shearer (Regional Council Member Lower North Island)
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RICHARD PARKER MASTER OF CRAFT
Until 28 August 2011
With a career spanning 35 years and work represented in many major international and New Zealand collections, PATAKA is proud to present an exhibition of Richard Parker's signature ornamental vases.
The exhibition surveys the career and practice of this defining figure within New Zealand ceramics, with works loaned from leading public and private collections around the country. The curator, Richard Fahey, says "Parker had his own picture of what a pot should look like", and that although Parker's practice is grounded within the traditions of studio ceramics, "as an artist, his innovative approach seeks to redefine for us new ways we may understand the decorative object."
At a pivotal moment in his career Richard Parker abandoned the known in terms of how to make a pot and what it should look like and developed his own unique ceramics vocabulary. This singular vision has sustained his career for over 30 years and produced works that are uniquely recognisable.
Parker is noted for a variety of distinctive decorative forms frequently embellished with dashes, dots and dribbles in luscious glazes of red and green, black and cream, and his signature green and gold.
Curated for objectspace by Richard Fahey
Toured By:
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THE BLUE PACIFIC GALLERY HAS ARTWORK FOR SALE BY LEADING CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS FROM AROUND NEW ZEALAND:
Apart Together, new works from 3 Wellington artists 13 August - 4 September
Works from 3 Wellington artists David Brown, Audrey Slater and Suzanne Kerr.
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Maori Art Market 2011
6th - 9th October 2011
MAORI ART MARKet is an iconic biennial event produced by Toi Maori Aotearoa. Pataka Museum and Gallery and Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua City, Wellington will once again play host for MAORI ART MARKet. The 2011 Market will be on from the 6th - 9th of October. Click on the following link for the Maori Art Market website www.maoriartmarket.com
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10 September - 9 October 2011
Part of Maori Art Market
An exhibition of Beverly Rhodes latest series - Blackbird Fly
Beverly Rhodes is of Ngai Tahu and Scottish descent. She is originally from Lyttelton and currently lives in Wellington. She has a BFA from Quay School of the Arts, Whanganui and a MFA from RMIT University, Melbourne. Beverly has exhibited regularly in New Zealand and has been a finalist in the Anthony Harper Award (Christchurch), Painting and Printmaking Award (Hamilton) and the Bold Horizon Contemporary Art Award (Hamilton). Rhodes’ practice is informed by certain psychological themes: childhood memories and themes of trauma and loss focusing on an internal personal world. Her work is a response and lamentation to the suffering of the innocent, vulnerable and powerless. In this current body of work (Blackbird Fly) the blackbird of the title brings with it powerful symbolic meanings, and has links to both David Harrower’s challenging play ‘Blackbird’ (2005), and although further in the past, to The Beatles song ‘Blackbird’. In Rhodes’ work the song’s sad refrain carries into the present its cry for freedom.
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Saturday 24 September 1pm GRAHAME SYDNEY Artist Floortalk.
Grahame Sydney: Down South Recent Paintings 2001 – 2011 is a survey of artist Grahame Sydney's work in the past decade. One of New Zealand's major artists, Sydney is best known for his luminous, trans-cendent paintings of Central Otago. This exhibition presents 30 major landscape paintings, from 2001 to the present day, including a recent series of winter paintings of Central Otago and his paintings of Antarctica. Join Grahame Sydney here at Pataka as he talks about his works in this stunning exhibition.
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19 August - 25 September
The Migrating Kitchen
19 August - 25 September
Below is the full programme of events for the Migrating Kitchen Exhibition
MIGRATING KITCHEN - EVENTS PROGRAMME
Migrating Kitchen Trust www.migratingkitchen.org
TONGA
Saturday 17 September
- Tongan cooking and food tasting event at the Migrating Kitchen table 2 – 3.30pm
ARGENTINA
Monday 19 September
- The Argentine Embassy bus will be parked outside Pataka 12noon – 2pm
- Tango Dancing (20 minutes) 12 noon
- Tango Dancing (20 minutes) 1pm
Thursday 22 September
- Tango Night at Pataka– Emilio’s Trion with Tango Dancers demonstration and dancing 6.30 – 8.30pm
Saturday 24 September
- A range of activities at the kitchen table, come and join in 11am – 4pm
- Argentinian cooking and food tasting event at the Migrating Kitchen table 2 – 3.30pm
Sunday 25 September
- Alive in the Spine – music, dance and celebration 12.30 – 1.30pm
- Argentinian film screening La Quimera de los Herose film screening 2 pm
FILM EVENTS – Film blurbs
Helen Smith Community Meeting Room
Join us at the movies at Patakaas we present a small programme of films that are connected to some of the countries represented in the kitchen.
La Quimera de los Herose
Sunday 25 September at 2pm
In the jungle of Formosain Argentinaa white man is the leader of a group of socially excluded Toba tribesmen. He has taught them to play rugby and has created the Aboriginal Rugby Club. The coach is very charismatic and defends the diginity and rights of his rugby team members.
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Saturday 8 October 2pm and Sunday 30 October 2pm NORM HEKE Artist Floortalk
OMGs: Maori Gods in the 21st Century Norm Heke (Ngä Puhi, Ngati Kahu, Te Arawa, Welsh, English) Norm is an established New Zealand photographer whose work has featured extensively in numerous publications and exhibitions throughout his expansive 24 year career. This is Norm's first solo exhibition, an opportunity to showcase his talent and creativity. This series of work features
advancements in photography and printing in New Zealand. The theme of the work represents Mäori Gods and Goddesses in the 21st century. The images portray customary Mäori legends and
narratives simultaneously in the past and in contemporary society. Legends are retold pictorially from Norm’s perspective as a Maori artist, with the understanding that in Mäori culture, each iwi has their own interpretation of these stories.
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6th - 9th of October MAORI ART MARKET 2011
MAORI ART MARKet is an iconic biennial event produced by Toi Maori Aotearoa. Pataka Museum and Gallery and Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua City, Wellington will once again play host for MAORI ART MARKet. The 2011 Market will be on from the 6th - 9th of October.Click on the following link for the Maori Art Market website http://www.maoriartmarket.com/
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Saturday 8 October 10am – 4pm in the Spine PATAKA CRAFT MARKET
We are getting all crafty again at Pataka. Once again we bring you the best in handmade and a
fantastic shopping experience. Come and join the energy of the market, the Spine will be buzzing.
We have jewellery, weaving, kids and adults clothes, sculptures, cushions and much more to delight you. Tell everyone you know and come shopping.
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Sunday 9 October 2pm BUNMEI OKABE Artist Floortalk.
In 1965 as an up-and-coming 16 year old rugby player, Bunmei Okabe was involved in a scrum mishap which left him paralyzed from the waist but with some degree of movement in his upper body. Towards the end of his two year hospitalisation, he received a surprise visit by four members of the New Zealand Universities Rugby Football team. The visit and encouragement of the team members left a lasting impression on him and helped him gain courage to get on with and make the most of his life in his changed circumstances. Mr Okabe has since become a successful artist specialising in clown paintings, believing that clowns bring people out of themselves (in the same way that he has fought to overcome the physical constraints of his body) and encourage people to see the best of life. Join Mr Okabe in the gallery as he talks about his work in this stunning exhibition.
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Every Saturday and Sunday 12.30pm – 1.30pm, 17 September – 30 October, LIVE IN THE SPINE
Delight your musical senses with a range of musical genres from Live in the Spine at Pataka. Enjoy a coffee at Kaizen and listen to some great live music.
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BOX ART SHOW 2011
Exhibition official opening 20th October at 5.30pm
Exhibition from 21 Oct – 6 November
Finished work so far:
"The Emperor's New Boxes"
Stephanie Drew
These boxes are made for the most discerning and are created from the finest materials imaginable, before being wrapped in a polymer clay bow.
I have created a set of three small boxes that I hope can either be sold individually or as a set.
“Boxed In”
Jim Norris, Wanganui
When I was a schoolboy, boarding at Wellington College, I would often hitchhike out to Titahi Bay at the weekends with one of my pals. Peter’s aunt and uncle lived there in what was, in the 1950’s, a quiet peaceful seaside settlement that always offered, for a teenager from rural Rangitikei, a welcome relief from the city of Wellington.
I was regularly intrigued by the stunning wee boathouses on the edge of Titahi Bay. They rest languorously at the high tide mark and when the tide is in, would be caressed by little flip-flap waves that are frequently a feature of this sheltered beach.
"Drifting In"
Bryan Hawkins
The idea was conceived by a photograph in The Dominion Post of the large pile of driftwood which had accumulated on the southern end of the beach at Paekakariki. A large bag of driftwood was collected with the help of 2 of my grandchildren making a fun time out for them.
The Box is in the form of a wall hanging and has been assembled without the use of screws or nails. The shells represent the living nature of the seashore amongst the flotsam and jetsam that storms bring ashore.
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THE BLUE PACIFIC GALLERY HAS ARTWORK FOR SALE BY LEADING CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS FROM AROUND NEW ZEALAND:
Grahame Sydney photographs.
An exhibition of renowned landscape painter Grahame Sydney's photographs. Photos are for sale in large limited editions and smaller unlimited editions.
To celebrate Grahame's new book 'Grahame Sydney's Central Otago' Pataka and Penguin Books will be holding a book launch and floor talk on Tuesday 1st November at 6.00pm. Grahame will be in attendance to sign books and talk about his work.
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Bunmei Okabe, Clown paintings – Love and Peace.
Until 6 November 2011
Official opening Sunday 21 August, 2.00pm. Opening Speaker The Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr Hideto Mitamura.
Part of Maori Art Market 
In 1965 as an up-and-coming 16 year old rugby player, Bunmei Okabe was involved in a scrum mishap which left him paralyzed from the waist but with some degree of movement in his upper body. Towards the end of his two year hospitalisation, he received a surprise visit by four members of the New Zealand Universities Rugby Football team.
The visit and encouragement of the team members left a lasting impression on him and helped him gain courage to get on with and make the most of his life in his changed circumstances.
Mr Okabe has since become a successful artist specialising in clown paintings, believing clowns bring people out of themselves (in the same way that he has fought to overcome the physical constraints of his body) and encourage people to see the best of life.
Now 61 years of age, Mr Okabe intends to visit New Zealandto thank the team members personally and express his gratitude to them through the exhibition of 50 or so of his paintings at Pataka.
