Queenstown Arts Society presents our exciting spring members exhibition - Lost in Hue!

ARTIST BIO AND STATEMENT

Al Salomon

Instagram - @alsalomonart \ email - contact@alsalomon.com

Artist Bio :

I am an artist based in Queenstown, originally from Toronto, Canada. My paintings are a free and intuitive layering of colours, shapes, marks, and lines. At the heart of my work is a deep exploration of connection, resulting in a balanced and harmonious image.

Amber Timpany

Instagram - @ambert.art \ facebook - @amber.timpany.art

Anais Weimer

Instagram - anais_weimer

Ariana Alexandra

Instagram - @arianaalexandra_art

Artist Bio:

I am Ariana Alexandra, an artist inspired by the relationship between emotion and the natural world. My work explores themes including entrapment, escape, and the impact of humans on nature, encouraging viewers to reflect on their lived experiences.

Recent pieces, such as Entangled In Blue and Fragile Bonds, navigate emotions and celebrate connection. I am thrilled to share artworks in exhibitions like Lost in Hue.

You can connect with me and explore my art on Instagram at @arianaalexandra_art and on Facebook at 'Ariana Alexandra Artist'.

Artist Statement:

Artwork 1

"Entangled In Blue" illustrates the relationship between feeling trapped and searching for escape. The figure is enveloped by dark, flowing strands, highlighting the inner struggle of being lost in an overwhelming weight of emotion. The scattered blue petals symbolise fleeting moments of clarity and calm amid chaos, while the deep blues with hints of green and gold create a sense of depth, evoking themes of sadness and feelings of submersion.

Artwork 2

“Fragile Bonds” explores connection amidst isolation. Two bellbirds on bare branches symbolise a yearning for companionship in a lifeless environment. Their disconnection highlights the challenges of communication while the deep green void represents emotional barrenness, inviting reflection on our resilience in relationships and the possibility of companionship.

Becky Reid

Artist Bio:

Becky Reid is an Arrowtown based artist who graduated from the Dunedin school of Art with a Bachelor of Visual Arts in 2021. Her surreal paintings are derived from her dreams and memories and intend to express the lessons of hope and sympathy within them.

Artist Statement:

Ashes to Ashes was inspired by a dream. I could see something of myself in all things, creatures and elements alike. This dream served as a reminder to always have compassion for those that you do not understand. Just as you are made from the earth, so is everything around you, after all none of us are so far removed.

  Ben Jackson

Website- https://benmaxjackson.myportfolio.com/work

Artist Bio:

Ben Jackson is photographer, painter and visual artist. Ben is a graduate of BA Applied Media at Plymouth University. His main work focuses on landscapes and car photography. Painting in acrylic or charcoal. Experimenting with 3D stereoscopic photographs, surreal collage, infrared photography.

Formerly working with Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Cornwall, UK, which Ben created a series of 3D photographs, limited hand- made book and an exhibition. Other works include filming and editing music videos. And many solo and group photography exhibitions.

Artist Statement:

These paintings were created with acrylic paint and designed into photoshop, inspired by the clear beautiful colours of the rivers and lakes in South Island, New Zealand. Wanting recreate the colours and movements of the Otago lakes in experimental paintings.

Brian MacPherson

Artist Bio:

Brian MacPherson is a Queenstown artist who has sought out a number of tutors (7+) to learn how to paint and develop an individual style

Artist Statement:

This work is to create a general happy late summer scene with 3 girls hunting for appropriate flowers

Brigid Allan

Artist Bio:

A sole parent of two young people, I find my work is often a visceral response to my lived experiences in the world around me. A practising artist for over twenty years, Brigid Allan is currently residing in Wānaka.

Artist Statement:

This experimental sketch, is part of a series of works completed using the backside of Dunedin City Council’s discarded aerial photos of the region, from the early 1980’s.

Carolyn Dakin

Website - www.dakincarolyn.myportfolio.com

Artist Bio:

Carolyn in a painter, digital artist and photographer, based in the beautiful Wakatipu basin. Her art is inspired by the beautiful South Island wilderness. She loves to create whimsical and transformational stories telling the stories of the songs of the land. Her work has been exhibited and sold widely in New Zealand and Australia.

Artist Statement:

Artwork 1 - This piece was inspired by the ephemeral beauty and complexity of an unfolding rose. This transformational process reveals hidden depths and colours.

Artwork 2 - This is a whimsical view of a flower garden under the sea, tended to by colourful fish. The source for this painting was initially created as a digital artwork, layering many photographic images together to tell a story.

Catriona Cunningham

Instagram - catrionacunninghamartist

Artist Bio:

I am a practising artist and art educator working independently within the Fiordland region. I use painting, photography and video to explore my interests in the natural world and wider cosmos.

Artist Statement:

Both paintings are process driven pieces that utilise the force of gravity to direct a flow of water downwards to allow the applied watercolour pigments to sweep fluidly across the surface of the paper. In Auroral the colour has been applied minimally to create a luminosity, whereas in Colourfall I have gradually built up the painting with layers of transparent coloured washes to create varied hues and shifting translucency.

Eric Lim

Artist Statement:

In Lost in Hue, I explore a journey of self-discovery through an unexpected palette of pink, a colour that rarely finds a place in my work. For me, embracing pink challenges familiar boundaries, pushing me to uncover layers of strength and vulnerability within myself. Each cell of pink represents facets of expression, creating a landscape where colour and emotion intersect. I invite viewers to contemplate how they connect with this hue—allowing personal memories and reflections to surface. This piece is a gentle nudge toward rethinking our own relationships with colour and identity, asking: What feelings arise within you here? May this work become a mirror of curiosity, courage and openness.

Erin Gallagher

Instagram - awaveofadelaide

Artist Bio:

Erin is a Tāhuna based artist. Currently, she is exploring oil painting as her main creative outlet. However, she loves to explore drawing and cyanotype printing on occasion.

Artist Statement:

Artwork one plays with the non-traditional colour pathways. The rich oil paint and pastels capture the calm moment as well as envoking interesting marry of brilliant colours.

Gabrielle Coppola

Instagram - @gabrielle_coppola_art

Artist Bio:

I grew up in and live in Queenstown. I tattoo at Amorem Studio in Sunshine Bay, and paint at home with my petting zoo of cats and rabbits in Goldfield Heights. I draw, paint, and do photography, and am starting to dabble in small sculptures and jewelry. I am inspired by nature, neurodiversity, and femininity.

Artist Statement:

Artwork 1: Amanita Muscaria

I painted this small study in Autumn after being inspired by the abundance of Amanita muscaria mushrooms that sprout all around Queenstown. Amanita muscaria are high toxic if eaten, but can be prepared to induce shamanistic journeys instead of death. Don't try it at home though.

Artwork 2: Roots: Prism

This piece is part of a new series I'm working on called Roots. The pattern here can be looked at as plant roots, mycelium, branches, veins, rivers, or lightning. We recognize this imagery in many naturally occurring phenomena and call them Purkinje Trees, which deeply fascinates me.

Ira Mitchell

Instagram & Facebook - @artbyiranz

Artist Bio:

Queenstown born artist, Ira Mitchell travels with her art, locating herself in international and NZ based art residencies. Currently she is based in Oamaru, contracted as a Creative in Schools by the Ministry of education. Her work is bold and vibrant, with visible movement and layers of exploration. Ira has shown international, including Le Carrousel du Lourve, Paris in 2024.

Artist Statement:

Painted in the heat of Summer, in steamy New York. This work is my emotional and expressive response to the joy, location, of the GOLDEN residency, the opportunity to create in isolation, in Summers dazzling light and colour.

Jade Hardy

Instagram -  @studio1dam.nz  Website: studio1dam.nz

Artist Bio:

Jade Hardy is a self taught jeweller and sculptor from New Zealand. Jade has over 15 years practice in painting but has redirected her craft to 3d art. This artist loves a good challenge when making her sculptures, playing with light and colour. Jade is the founder of STUDIO1DAM " 1 Delightful Art Maker,' where she sells 1/1 functional art and punk earth-core jewellery.

Artist Statement:

Artwork 1: hand crafted and NZ standard regulated lamp designed off of the shape of a fuchsia flower, sticked together with thick stainless steel wire.

Artwork 2: This is a self portrait of me sitting in the sun, on my sofa bed listening to Nirvana, feeling enlightened by my own peace.

Jenny Geelan

Facebook - Jenny Geelan Artist

Artist Bio:

Jenny Geelan is an eclectic artist from Kingston whose work spans various mediums, including oil paints, watercolours, yarn, jewellery, ink, and crayons—essentially anything that channels her vibrant creative energy. Driven by a passion for exploring and expressing her world through art and writing, Jenny creates daily, finding inspiration in the ever-changing landscapes of her life. As a dedicated teacher, she runs workshops and supports the creative growth of both adults and children, fostering a space where imagination and self-expression thrive.

Artist Statement:

Artwork 1: BLOOM bursts with the essence of summer, capturing Mother Nature's radiant vibrancy and movement in full bloom. The canvas is a symphony of colours blending and colliding in a dance that feels alive and pulsating.

There’s a musicality to the piece—a visual symphony where each colour sings its note, harmonising with the next to form a melody of nature’s splendour.

The intention behind *BLOOM* is to evoke a personal journey for each viewer. It’s a moment of immersion, a pause to soak in the beauty and movement of life. As you look deeper, perhaps you’ll find your own stories within the bursts of colour and rhythm, feeling the invitation to explore what summer’s abundance stirs within you.

Jo Jago

Website - www.jojagoart.com

Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Snapchat - @jojagoart + @oceanartbyjojago

TikTok - @jolovestopaint

Artist Bio:

Jo finds beauty in the little things in life, a curiosity that breathes life into her stunning watercolour and ink creations.

However, her passion doesn’t stop at painting; it extends to teaching art to all ages. Jo especially enjoys venturing into rural areas to spark artistic joy and challenge those eager to learn. Jo provides high-quality artist-grade materials for students, so beginners don't need to invest heavily in supplies.

Jo has been the driving force behind "Art for All" a not-for-profit organization aiming to make creating art an enriching and affordable experience for everyone, everywhere.

2023 saw her awarded two prestigious scholarships, and in 2024, she graduated with Excellence.

Contact Jo to enquire about an original, one-of-a-kind artwork or her print & greeting card ranges. If you're keen to learn, ask Jo about her weekly classes, weekend workshops, online classes, private lessons or paint & sip events, where fun is always the name of the game, along with understated learning. Unleash your inner artist with her talented guidance.

Joeke de Vries

Artist Bio:

Born in The Netherlands but I have lived in NZ since 1986. Now based in Jacks Point.

My work has come from semi-abstract landscapes to full abstraction in colour spaces.

Artist Statement:

Artwork 1- Inspired by Blue Lake in the Nelson Lakes area, a memory of colours and bush leading to Abstraction

Artwork 2 - going deep into a colour range I love and no reference to place but just a small horizon.

Judith Ragg

@leka_pie

Artist Bio:

Judith Ragg is a New Zealand Maori photographer brought up in Fiji. Judith was a former Photo Journalist for The Fiji Times and Mai Life Magazine, Fiji and has been published widely across the Pacific.

She contributed to "A Day in The Life of New Zealand" 1983.

In 2005, one thousand women were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. 1000 women called for reconciliation, transformation, conflict resolution and risked their lives for their community.

Judith was the Photographer of the women nominated from the Pacific & the first national indigenous women of Kupa Piti Kungka Tjuta people in South Australia. Her photos were published in the 1052 page book "One Thousand Peace Women Across the Global" 2005.

Judith has been a photographer since the age of 17 and is currently preparing for a retrospective exhibition.

Artist Statement:

Artwork 1 A Room with a Hue is my first Aurora Australis

Artwork 2 Winter Hue from Shotover Bridge

Julie Deavoll

Instagram - Julie Deavoll Weaver

Artist Bio:

I have lived in beautiful Queenstown for over 30 years.

I learnt to weave in Art school Sydney and the Christchurch Art Centre.

I have worked with Architects to produce work for public places during the time I had a Gallery in Queenstown.

I love fibres and the challenge of working on designs and shapes.

Artist Statement:

Artwork one.

I enjoy working with fibres especially hand dyed and hand spun wools as I have used in Sunset Through my Curtains.

Artwork two

Finding different fibres in similar shades and weaving them into this wall hanging was an enjoyable experience.

Karen Scott

Artist Bio:

I am locally based in the Wakatipu. I am inspired by my natural landscape especially the native flora and fauna.

Artist Statement:

The birds and animals co- exist in the native forest. However there is often another presence to make them take flight.

Kasia Hebda

Website - kasiahebda.com

Instagram - @kasia.hebda.studio

Facebook - @kasia.hebda.studio

Artist Bio:

Kasia Hebda is a Polish multidisciplinary visual artist, art conservator, and graphic designer based in Queenstown, New Zealand. Since moving to Queenstown in 2019, Kasia has drawn inspiration from New Zealand's stunning landscapes, diverse fauna, and vibrant flora.

Kasia holds a Master of Fine Arts in Conservation and Restoration of Paintings from Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, Poland. She is strongly influenced by art history, psychology, and the natural world. Currently, she explores human psychology through the patterns visible in nature, seeking ways to convey ideas and express our inner struggles by comparing them to natural phenomena.

Dedicated to crafting distinctive designs, her multifaceted work combines scientific knowledge from art conservation with the attention to detail and imaginative mind of an artist. Kasia also helps others find their creativity through her workshops and courses.

Artist Statement:

Wild Tatras: The Eye of The Sea:

Reflections have always captivated me, and lately, I've been exploring their depth through landscape painting. This piece is particularly close to my heart—'Wild Tatras: The Eye of the Sea,' inspired by one of the most iconic lakes in the Polish Tatra Mountains, near Zakopane where I’m from. Despite being a bustling spot for tourists, the lake holds a serene beauty that reminds me of the sea, my ultimate sanctuary. I hope this painting brings a touch of that magic and peace to you as well.

Lake Matheson:

In this piece, I explore the harmony of complementary colours to capture the essence of early golden hour over New Zealand’s most reflective West Coast lake. The reflection is not an exact mirror—it carries deeper tones, suggesting a distilled, almost abstract representation of form. A mist lies between the mountains and their reflection, dividing the composition in half and adding a sense of quiet duality. This contrast invites the viewer to linger on the subtle differences, experiencing the lake as both a real and an imagined landscape.

Kelly Pearce

Instagram - kellypearce.art

Website - kellypearce.nz

Artist Bio:

Kelly Pearce is a visual artist working mainly in painting.

Currently, Kelly is focused on oil painting, in abstract and semi abstract styles, with landscape as her subject.

Born in Dunedin, Kelly has spent her life in both Southland and Otago. At present dividing her time between her Southland farm studio, and her Queenstown studio in Te Atamira Frankton. In her work, Kelly hopes to evoke the feeling of dwelling within, and connecting with the land, rather than simply observing it.

Artist Statement:

Reflections, movement and water are recurring themes in my work lately, using fluid movements and transparent layers. I intend there to be a wondering about wind, trees, water, reflection and movement, in the composition.

Kirsty Mills

Instagram - Kirsty.mills art

Lisa Devlin

Artist Bio -

Inspired by life & nature – Moments of magic, colours, forms & vibrancy.

Capturing those dramatic moments that move me in an overwhelming way – “I just have to paint it”.

Artist Statement:

Artwork 1

Sunset on the Remarkables Mountain Range

Artwork 2.

Swan on Kawarau River

Lisa Doran

Instagram - @ldorandesigns

Artist Bio:

Kia ora, I'm Lisa Doran, an artist originally from the UK with a passion for capturing the beauty of nature through my artwork. Growing up in North Devon, I began my artistic journey by selling country landscapes and wild animal paintings. Over time, my style evolved to encompass life drawing, portraits, and a deep exploration of landscapes. A transformative oil painting course in Amsterdam ignited my love for the medium, although the practicality of travelling with oils led me to embrace watercolours. Since relocating to New Zealand a year and a half ago, the stunning landscape has become my primary muse.

Lucca Rodriguez

Instagram - Artist.LuccaRodriguez

Artist Bio:

Based in the breathtaking surroundings of Queenstown, my journey as an artist has always felt deeply rooted in my environment and my work. By day, I’m a social worker, drawn to connect with people, listen to their stories, and navigate the complexities of human experience. This vocation fuels my art, as each interaction leaves an imprint, deepening my understanding of resilience, struggle, and hope.

Art has been an intrinsic part of my life, almost like an emotion that’s been with me for as long as I can remember. There’s always been this internal drive, an unexplainable need to create, to transform thoughts and feelings into something tangible. My connection with art is almost like a relationship; it’s a space where I feel free, a place to process my experiences and give life to ideas and emotions that might otherwise remain hidden.

Being immersed in Queenstown’s natural beauty and the human stories I encounter, I find endless inspiration in the ever-changing landscape around me and in the powerful resilience of people. Each piece I create feels like a way to honour both the world I inhabit and the journeys of those I meet.

Artist Statement:

Artwork 1 :

The human mind is steeped in falsehoods, sinking deeper into a darkness every day, where misinformation spreads like shadows across social media and envelops us. We are flowers withering in a storm of endless data, suspended between fragments of truth and myths masquerading as reality. The textures and colors here are like scars: deep blues evoke the vast ocean in which we are submerged, while soft pinks hint at a delicate resilience, a fragile hope blooming in the depths. This painting is a silent reminder of the strength needed to reach the light in a vast sea of ​​uncertainty.

Artwork 2 :

In a world where we’ve lost our critical gaze, we fragment daily under the relentless bombardment of misinformation that surrounds and confuses us. This painting, broken into shattered pieces, reflects that sense of dispersal, as though we exist in a thousand fragments. The deep black background symbolizes the oppression of misinformation, a darkness that engulfs and distorts us. Yet, the bright colors that emerge offer a glimmer of hope, small bursts of clarity and resilience that survive amid the confusion. The figure in the painting has no eyes left to see what surrounds them, having exhausted them in the struggle. This work reflects our fight to hold onto truth in a vast ocean of shadows.

Lucy Jerram

Instagram - @lucy6131

Artist Bio:

Lucy is a textile and surface pattern designer who loves creating with the textures of New Zealand plants and landscapes to reflect the bounty and creativity of the natural world.

Artist Statement:

This repeating pattern was sketched during a walk through beech forest near Mt Crichton. As a wallpaper or fabric it aims to soothe the soul with restful greens and soft leafy textures.

Maria Laura Muniz

Instagram - @mlm.artstudio

Natalia Suchowolak

Email - nsuchowolak@gmail.com

Artist Bio:

I am Natalia Suchowolak, a Polish abstract artist with a background in architecture. My work is deeply inspired by the natural world, the vibrant colors of diverse landscapes, and the dynamic energy of different places. After traveling across Europe, I decided to seek inspiration from the magical nature in the furthest place from home. Queenstown, New Zeland.

My artwork embodies all the energy that I encounter, capturing the essence of my experiences with passion and intensity. My artistic journey reflects a fusion of technical precision and boundless creativity, resulting in pieces that are both structurally intriguing and emotionally resonant. I focus on the interplay between structure and color, creating dynamic compositions that invite viewers to explore the beauty and complexity of the world.

Each of my creations offers a unique perspective, showcasing the transformative power of nature and the vibrant energy of the places that have inspired me. Through my art, I aim to evoke deep emotions and connect with the viewer on a profound level, celebrating the ever-changing moods and magical essence of the natural world.

Paula Gray

Artist Bio:

Based in the breathtaking surroundings of Queenstown, my journey as an artist has always felt deeply rooted in my environment and my work. By day, I’m a social worker, drawn to connect with people, listen to their stories, and navigate the complexities of human experience. This vocation fuels my art, as each interaction leaves an imprint, deepening my understanding of resilience, struggle, and hope.

Art has been an intrinsic part of my life, almost like an emotion that’s been with me for as long as I can remember. There’s always been this internal drive, an unexplainable need to create, to transform thoughts and feelings into something tangible. My connection with art is almost like a relationship; it’s a space where I feel free, a place to process my experiences and give life to ideas and emotions that might otherwise remain hidden.

Being immersed in Queenstown’s natural beauty and the human stories I encounter, I find endless inspiration in the ever-changing landscape around me and in the powerful resilience of people. Each piece I create feels like a way to honor both the world I inhabit and the journeys of those I meet.

Artist Statement:

Artwork 1

. To me the towering peaks of the mountains are awe inspiring and frightening, they are fearsome, dangerous, remote and so breathtakingly beautiful. Sitting in the mountains on a riverbank or lakeside, I feel a sense of peace and tranquility, it is a truly enriching experience and one that fires my imagination and creativity. I am constantly filled with awe and wonder at the sheer majesty of the landscape.

Artwork 2

I love the ruggedness of Central Otago landscape, it is amazing and beautiful, with harsh rocks, sharp thorny Matagouri bushes, that mingle happily among soft moss and fragrant Thyme.

Autumn brings a constant glow of gold, yellow, red and hues of green, grey and brown.

A sense of completeness engulfs me, and it brings back happy childhood memories playing and scrambling over the dusty hot rocky terrain with my brothers, attempting to catch the scurrying lizards, thankfully most made it to safety.

Pearl Sidwell

Artist Bio:

Pearl Sidwell is a photographer and artists based in Lower Shotover Queenstown.

Her mysterious photography generates curiosity and delight. Her photographic art draw the viewer to take a second look.

Through photography Pearl has developed a new technique for us to view our familiar landscapes, people and companion pets.

Of Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Te Ati Awa and Ngāti Toa Rangatira iwi and English descent Pearl first exhibited her artistic photographic work at the Pacific Arts Festival in Tahiti.

She has been a Māori events and tangi photographer before iPhone cameras.

Inspired by Queenstown arts, culture, people and place Pearl is developing a local portfolio of work.

Artist Statement:

Artwork 1

Koanga (Spring) 1

Chasing Springtime Shadows captures the joy exploring the Otago trails following Springtime rains.

Artwork 2

Koanga (Spring) 2

Kawarau after Springtime Rain.

Rachael Linton

Website - www.RachaelLinton.com

Artist Bio:

Artist Rachael Linton is from the South Canterbury village of Peel Forest. After spending a decade in the UK honing her skills as a gilder, she returned home last year to establish an art gallery.With over 50 exhibitions across New Zealand, the UK, and Europe, Linton is renowned for her mastery in traditional gold leaf gilding and the innovative technique she developed for fixing 'cymatics' (sound waves made visible) onto glass and wood panel paintings, earning her publication for her discovery. Her fascination with cymatics began during her Master’s studies in Design in Digital Media Artistry at Massey University in Wellington, 2008. Enchanted by the potential to create a visual medium that aids meditation and encourages positive physical and psychological outcomes, she produced kinetic art installations and resonant paintings that feature colorful, luminous cymatics that help her viewers enter trance-like states of contemplation and relaxation.

Incorporating genuine gold leaf and lustrous fine art pigments, Rachael's artworks are traditionally hand-crafted & framed with quality to ensure luxury & longevity, making them coveted additions to any art collection. During her time in the UK, she founded 'Tilia Gilding' contributing to prestigious projects such as Westminster Palace’s Queen's Robing Room and the Cutty Sark. Now, as director of 'Green-Gold Gallery' in Geraldine, Linton supports local artists while teaching gilding and pushing the boundaries of her own artistic practice.

Artist Statement:

Dubbed an "acoustic alchemist," Rachael Linton is an intuitive abstract painter who draws on themes such as harmony and chaos, radiance and illumination. From the microcosm to the macrocosm, she explores the invisible threads of the universe, depicting the quantum field as symphonies of harmonic pattern. By crafting her works with cymatic vibrations and genuine precious metal leaf, light reflects off the work, illuminating the room with radiant energy. Linton’s process balances traditional craftsmanship with intuitive painting, allowing an aspect of the unconscious and numinous, a state of cosmic consciousness, to enter her work. In these two works, 'Nebula Drift' and 'Gamma Drift' she portrays the movement of celestial bodies, inviting viewers to contemplate the sound of the universe and their place within it. These artworks feature Genuine 12ct white gold powder and genuine oxidised black silver which symbolises a connection to light and the divine. Her work bridges art and science as she collaborates with unseen forces of nature like sound, gravity, and hydrodynamics to create immersive experiences which create ripples in the fabric of space-time.

Raquel Carter

Facebook - www.facebook.com/Raquel.Carter.Artwork/

Rebecca Freeman

Web - www.beccafreeman.com

Artist Bio:

I’m Rebecca Freeman, a California born-and-bred fiber artist based in Queenstown, New Zealand. My primary medium is wool, though I also work with silk and plant fibers, applying them to various substrates, often canvas. My artistic practice encompasses techniques such as knitting, spinning, twisting, felting, wrapping, draping, and sewing.

My journey with wool began in my youth as I learned to knit from my mother. Knitting fostered a sense of community among women and allowed me to create one-of-a-kind garments. Over the years, my practice has evolved from following patterns to exploring the nuances of color, texture, and scale. I’ve also begun working with wool in less processed forms, relishing the opportunity to connect with the sources of my materials. Living in New Zealand has enriched this experience. I can visit the farms, meet the sheep, engage with the farmers, and connect with the artisans involved in the production process. Spinning, in particular, links me to the far reaches of humanity, as the drop spindle is a universal tool that transcends time and culture.

Artist Statement:

My pieces are meditations on color, texture, and movement, often manifesting as landscapes or seascapes. I explore both subtle transitions and bold contrasts, experimenting with scale and engaging each fiber in multiple ways to uncover what it ‘wants to be.’

The unique qualities of Otago's sunlight and shadow profoundly influence my work. I am also captivated by the interplay between microenvironments—like delicate mounds of moss—and the monumental expanses of mountains and lakes. Through my art, I strive to evoke a sense of movement and perhaps, surprise.

Reina Jao

Instagram - @Reina Jao

Artist Bio:

Since I was young, I loved to draw. My notebooks at school were filled with drawings. I came to New Zealand to study Diversional Therapist in the year 2014 at Auckland. I had a part time job at Snells Beach. The serenity of the place made me draw again. My passion for drawing reawakens. After I finish my studies, I got a job offer in Hamilton. I brought with me my drawings and one day, sitting at the lake with my drawing, I find the picture so plain so I decided to put colour in it. That’s the start of my painting. With busy schedules and high demand of time in my career, I only paint whenever I’m free. I also had an extensive 3 day course of portrait painting in the Philippines. I’m just a collector of my own arts. Recently, my father was diagnosed with cancer, it gives me motivation to produce more paintings and use the gift that God has given me. It’s hard for me to let go of my paintings but I find joy even just displaying it and showing different beauty to the viewers.

Artist Statement:

Since I was young, I always to draw. My notebooks at school were filled with drawings. I came to New Zealand to study Diversional Therapist in the year 2014 at Auckland. I had a part time job at Snells Beach. The serenity of the place made me draw again. My passion for drawing reawakens. After I finish my studies, I got a job offer in Hamilton. I brought with me my drawings and one day, sitting at the lake with my drawing, I find the picture so plain so I decided to put colour in it. That’s the start of my painting. With busy schedules and high demand of time in my career, I only paint whenever I’m free. I also had an extensive 3 day course of portrait painting in the Philippines. I’m just a collector of my own arts. Recently, my father was diagnosed with cancer, it gives me motivation to produce more paintings and use the gift that God has given me. It’s hard for me to let go of my paintings but I find joy even just displaying it and showing different beauty to the viewers.

Ruhi Ruhi

Instagram - stargirl_cosylife

Ryan Bejaa

Instagram - @ryan_inks_and_sketches

Tiktok - /@ryan_creates

Artist Bio:

I am a Filipino artist and currently based in New Zealand, a place known for its beautiful landscapes and serene atmosphere, which deeply influence my creative process. It provides the perfect environment for introspection and creating art that reflects inner emotions and ideas.

I create detailed portraits, often using pointillism and other techniques. My work focuses on themes of identity, emotion, and introspection.

I’ve always been inspired by the power of art to express emotions and stories that words sometimes can’t capture. As an introvert, art has become my way of communicating with the world, offering a quiet yet powerful outlet for self-expression. The intricacies of the human face and the endless possibilities of color continue to fascinate me, pushing me to explore new ways to bring these elements to life in my work.

Artist Statements:

This artwork depicts a portrait where a face is created using pointillism, while vibrant, flowing colors wrap around and partially obscure the figure. The contrasting styles—precise dots for the face and abstract swirls of color—create a dynamic interplay between form and abstraction. It explores the theme of losing oneself in color, both visually and metaphorically.

I created this piece to represent the idea of being "lost in hue," where emotions, identity, and perception blur into abstraction. The colors serve as a metaphor for the complex layers of thoughts and feelings that often envelop us, sometimes making it hard to distinguish between what is real and what is internalized. I wanted to convey how we can feel both grounded in reality and swept away by emotions, much like how the face is clear yet surrounded by flowing, dreamlike colors.

This piece combines two artistic techniques: pointillism for the portrait's face, providing precision and realism, and abstract color swirls using soft, flowing lines that represent the hues. I meticulously dotted the face with ink, ensuring each detail was captured, while the colors were blended with pencils to create smooth, organic waves. This duality of techniques helps illustrate the tension between clarity and the intangible emotions we experience.

Sally Paterson

Instagram - sallyp_melb

Website - www.sallypatersonphotography.com

Artist Bio:

Sally Paterson is a fine art photographer who enjoys capturing images of the natural and urban environment as well as creating abstract and vibrant imagery using various creative techniques. Sally balances her passion for photography with a busy corporate career.

Growing up in Hawkes Bay, Sally typically was the person in the family capturing moments with a point and shoot camera. Her inspiration to take up photography more seriously came in 2017 after completing two introductory courses to study technical and anaesthetics of image making.

Since then, she has been drawn to creating beautiful photographic images across a range of genres. In addition, Sally has been awarded for her photographs in Australian and international competitions and has exhibited and sold images at a number of art shows and galleries.

These creative landscape images are part of a limited-edition collection: Nature’s Canvas: Central Otago Edition – unveiling the beauty of the local natural environment using a variety of in-camera creative techniques.

Sally Januszhiewicz

Instagram - @offtobecreative

Email - sally@offtobecreative.co.nz

Artist Bio:

New Zealand born and bred, Sally Januszkiewicz is an emerging artist residing in Queenstown. She discovered her creative self as a young child and in her teens, explored her art further through painting, printmaking & photography. At 18 years of age, Sally was diagnosed with endometriosis, a chronic condition which she battled for the next 25 years. With multiple surgeries, debilitating pain and no cure, her creative spirit was lost.

Sally married in 2006 and despite the odds, conceived two children. The next phase of her life was dedicated to raising family.

In 2015, Sally’s health was again compromised when she suffered a spontaneous subdural haematoma. This potentially life threatening event and brush with mortality, created anxiety and uncertainty. It was followed by a second subdural in 2020.

Creative expression became an outlet for healing from the trauma. Sally’s yearning to paint became too loud to ignore and "Off to be Creative" was born. Painting is a place she now finds calm, balance and harmony.

Sally loves to travel. She is particularly fond of Europe, but finds inspiration wherever she visits. Taking time to paint is a gift she gives herself. It is a time for reflection and gratitude. Through her art, Sally weaves together her life experiences, love of colour, texture, nature, people, animals and objects. Her hope is that others may connect in a small way and find joy in her perfectly imperfect creations.

Artist Statement:

The inspiration for this painting came from my trip to Portugal in April 2024. I visited a locally owned and operated ceramic factory in the tiny town of Corval in the Alentejo region. The hand-made ceramics were beautifully crafted and painted in striking colours. This painting is my interpretation of the entrance to the factory, tucked in off the roadside. My eyes were drawn to the aqua blue iron gate, the rambling roses twisting their way up the wall behind, the oversized terracotta pot perched on top of the gatepost and the brilliant bright blue sky that went on forever.

Tracy Porteous

Instagram - @porteous.tracy

Website - www.tracyporteous.com

Artist Bio:

Tracy Porteous is a photographic artist currently based in Queenstown, New Zealand. She was awarded a Master of Fine Art (Hons) in 2012 from Whitecliffe College of Art and Design in Auckland.

Porteous uses traditional analogue and digital cameras and lenses to make her images. Through experimentation with processes and post production she takes her work out of traditional presentation and into conceptual abstractions.

“I believe that light is humankind’s greatest romance and that photography has a unique genius with which to explore this concept for it is at once a language of light and an imitator of human sight. It is in subverting this dichotomy that I find fascinating visual outcomes that speak to my creative aspirations."

Artist Statement:

I often find inspiration in books that I read and this piece was inspired by the book ‘The Darkness Manifesto’ by Johan Eklof. Rhodopsin means ‘violet sight’ and is the name of the substance in the rods of human eyes that allows for low light vision. The beauty of light changing to darkness is ephemeral and fleeting and I have looked to create a visual poem about it in this work. It also advocates to protect the natural experience of darkness."

Victoria Naboka

Instagram - @vikanabke

Artist Bio:

I live in Invercargill but visit Queenstown often due to the stunning views and great projects at Te Atamira. I was born in Kyiv but grew up in the Far East. I recently started learning about Māori visual arts and found lots in common between tukutuku patterns and Ukrainian embroideries for traditional clothes. I enjoy experimenting with colors and patterns.

Artist Statement:

Artwork 1: This abstract composition is a reflection of blossoming trees under the snow this spring in the Lakes District area.

Artwork 2: Using the traditional technique of tukutuku panes, this Ukrainian embroidery pattern is represented as a framed piece.