Pictured above is a detail of Karo in Yellow, my painting made exclusively for Patreon subscribers this month. It was made using Karo, Muehlenbeckia, Griselinia, Fern, Kowhai and the leather leaf fern which grows on the trunk of Pohutukawa trees. (see pic below) The leaves used in this work are from the banks of the Tamaki Estuary and my own garden. Karo is a small tree with tough, rounded leaves that are soft and furry on the underside which makes them perfect for leaf printing. The black seeds of Karo are an important food source for native birds such as Tui in late winter. It is just past midwinter here in New Zealand, when sunlight and time outside can be scarce. Perhaps that is why I felt a burst of warm yellow and orange tones was needed to give one a boost during these cold winter days.
I have been continuing experiments in printmaking using lino and whilst I think I’m still a way off making a finished edition, I’ve been enjoying the process of learning and exploring new techniques. Pictured are some prints in progress on silk paper and Fabriano Rosaspina paper. The craft of printmaking is really fascinating, it encourages one to slow down and really think through carefully each stage of the process. Accidents are, however, surprisingly useful and I’m trying to stay open to experimentation whilst learning more about the rich tradition of printmaking.
It was a pleasure to see my painting Mānawa (Mangroves) included among some really interesting artworks at the Estuary Art Awards Exhibition this month at Malcolm Smith Gallery. The exhibition is on until 15 July 2017. I recommend a visit to the excellent cafe at Uxbridge as well if you are heading out to Howick to see the show.
Mānawa (Mangroves) was made using foliage from the Tamaki Estuary area including fallen Mangrove leaves, Samphire and reeds.
More recently I discovered some dwarf Pohutukawa blooming nearby (in winter!) and so made this small A4 size painting (below) using some of the blooms and other native New Zealand plants. I’ve been slowly adding to my Pohutukawa paintings over time. I read recently that fossilised Pohutukawa has been discovered in Tasmania, a relic from the Gondwana era as it is no longer found in Australia. I’m planning some more Pohutukawa paintings in summer to develop this theme further.
Celeste Sterling 