MANGAWHAI'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER
|
|
Keeping it in perspectiveA new exhibition at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery uses art to demonstrate the many meanings of Keeping it in Perspective – from reflections prompted by Covid lockdown, to the spontaneity of the moment, and the balance and composition of a painting or photograph. Angela Chamberlain and Deb Hunter-Whitlock use different media to illustrate their different points of view. Based in Mangawhai, Angela was drawn at a young age to photographs, which in turn led her to the camera. Despite no formal training her photography has since developed into a passion. “I love it because it’s spontaneous and unrehearsed,” says Angela. “It's always in the moment whether it be the light or seeing into someone’s soul. It’s about the way I can frame particular subjects. “Ultimately the art of photography happens organically: something speaks to me and lights a spark in me. I will stop and see if I can capture the shot in that moment. Often there is just that one moment to translate onto paper the image the way I see it. Quite simply, I just love taking photographs!” The collection of photographs for this exhibition is drawn from Angela’s adventures around the world, New Zealand and our very own Magical Mangawhai over the years. Deb Hunter-Whitlock was born in Auckland, attended art school in Nelson and now resides in Waipu Cove where she paints full-time from her art studio. The paintings for the exhibition were created over the past 15 months. “This was a reflective time, a time to keep things in perspective despite the major changes occurring throughout the world,” says Deb. Deb creates landscape paintings, with an intention to evoke a ‘sense of place’ rather than record an actual place in time. “Current environmental issues also have an influence on my work,” says Deb. “For example, the extreme weather patterns that cause erosion and silting in waterways, estuaries and harbours.” There are subtle references within the titles of some paintings such as ‘Waterways’ or ‘Veil of Rain’, and the painting ‘Rust Hills’ refers to the drought-stricken hills. Describing her approach to painting, Deb says: “The creative process for each painting begins from a series of drawings and photographs, followed by a larger drawing to get the compositional elements and size of the finished work. These are used as reference points during the painting process, along with intuition and memory.” Keeping it in Perspective is open daily at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery, 45 Moir St, Mangawhai from 10am to 3pm until midday Wednesday June 16. Visit mangawhaiartists.co.nz
At their combined exhibition, Deb Hunter-Whitlock (left) and Angela Chamberlain use art to demonstrate the many meanings of Keeping it in Perspective. PHOTO/SUPPLIED |