It started with a Spoon

So, it has been a week into the month of March and this means another update.
Within the first two months and a bit of this year, already things have been quite eventful. I had my first ever solo show which took place at Corban's Estate, located in Henderson. Invited to witness a awesome artist at work. And been out and about checking out some awesome shows and events. First, lets reflect on the show.




The year started off with a work load. Clay sculptures, drawing, Peeling, sticking, framing, burning, filming, fire proofing, inhaling it all, trying to avoid fainting. All for the sake of art. Things were to be handed in on the 24th Jan and ready for opening night on the Thursday the 26th. The show would go on for a month, and was taken down on the 28th of Feb.

The view on the first wall after you enter, oh yeah!!!

My show was located in the first room on the right as you walked into the main gallery of Corban's. Titled It Started with a Spoon, the project focused on the idea of utilising a mundane object or tool (a fixed concept on use for it) and turning it into different forms of art of thought and visual processes (which I hoped would have brought about and altered perceptions of its function).

Video Still image, one of the videos exhibited in the show.

In result of the processes, I produced video, sculpture of hands, spoon installation, drawing and other experimental works seen in the show.

View from the ground, spoon installation - '99 spoons'

There was a sweet turn out for the opening night, with great support from friends and fellow art fanatics of whom I met during study and those I met way after graduation. Caught up with Leigh Ogier from Friends of the Auckland gallery, it had been ages since I had seen her, she showed me great support from the end of my high school days and throughout university.

Fellow ex-Whitecliffe graduates and myself posing for a photo. Love the support!

But since then the show has brought about some great feedback, which I was pretty happy about. Art for art sake! Makes myself feel a slight bit more accomplished as an emerging artist.

Toni helping me set up my show, sneaky shot.

Thank you Toni for helping me set up the show, and thanks to Lisa and CEAC for offering me this opportunity and space to have this show! These guys are amazing, such awesome support and kindness!




Eclipse - Open Air festival (Drum and Bass DJ performances outdoors).

Writing my name in the air!

Several weeks ago I had the honor of being invited to witness an amazing artist - Jun Arita (Winner of NZ Redbull stereopticon competition 2010 & E-cube illustrator) paint live at a Drum and Bass open air event called Eclipse. The weekend was filled with bubble blowing fun, crazy picture taking, light play, long drives, great conversations in the car, and nature/country loving goodness. Although the night did start out rocky with injury which couldn't have come in the worse possible time and scenario... but Jun did managed to finish his work eventually.

Our little team of loose creative farts. Barbra, Jun & Jared

The setting sun and view from our camp site.

What Barbra and I did after dark, before seeing the show.

The group of Drum and Bass lovers @ the main stage.

The next day, Jun Arita working on his masterpiece.

First Thursdays - March 2011

Last week, another great event took place on K'Road ... First Thursdays. Organised by the lovely Cleo Barnett, Meghan Geliza & Lauren Orlina, the event only gets better every time. With this event having fashion shows, opera, interactive works, more live painting, bigger craft stores and more venues to uphold the events reputation. With this event only being the fifth, First Thursdays has come a long way since Cleo started it in December 2009 with it only being in St Kevin's Arcade... now.. the event has venues such as Te Karanga Gallery, Rebel Yell, Verona Cafe, Iron Bank and Cross st.

@ Iron Bank looking up to see Opera singer, sitting down was Cleo Barnett & artist Michael Kennedy

The first place I had to stop by was the original venue of the event, St Kev's to check out all the awesome crafts, jewellery, tea towels, prints, shirts... an arty shopper's heaven!!!! Of course I walked out with some wicked Mario Brother's little Mushroom creature earrings and some batman shaped studs for a friend (by Danielle Yuen), a long with a tea towel printed by Boe Busch. But after that, I was on a mission, a mission that I always do, run around snapping pictures!

Askew One, live painting on infamous poster truck.

Wondered around and found myself @ Iron bank, checking out Opera singing, then found myself participating in some interactive panting.. sorta like wish/hope little paintings which will be hung @ Mayer Park. Wondered down to Cross st to find live painting on the infamous poster truck by Askew One, also live radio broadcasting by KFM.

In front of Rebel Yell, two of the Organisers Meghan and Cleo.

Wondered back to St Kevin's to discover there was Rebel Yell, went in to check out the neat exhibition with 3D works and 3D glasses to view them with. That was sponsored by lovely Tiger Beer. Along in the same corridor was a mini Auckland Zinefest, and Chemical Brother music being played (very appropriate since I went to the concert the night before).

Boe Busch behind her stall @ St Kevin's Arcade. Screen printed shirts and other items

Sadly after being lost in the variety of awesome stuff.. I MISSED THE FASHION SHOW!!! argh... would of loved to witness First Thursday's first fashion show event!

View from the stairs of Iron Bank, slow shutter, The White Wall in a blur

As the night approached its end, First Thursdays showcased a band named Heart Attack Alley whom performed @ Iron Bank. The stage broke out into a field of dancing and embrace. Performers of The White Wall showed their fluid-bodily movements in front of audiences. A wicked combination of two art forms to end the night with.

Breaking out into dance while Heart Attack Alley played live

I congratulate Cleo, Lauren and Meghan for another awesome and yet successful event. You guys are hard working and it is such a great pay off. Only a great turn out is a sign on the amount of hard work, passion and love put into organising this. This can only get better every time!

Lauren & I posing with Myspace camera styles

And so, I end this blog here. As time goes on I hope to keep updating with more events and exciting news! I thank those who has supported me with the show.. and I congratulate Jun, Cleo, Meghan and Lauren on their exciting successes!!!


Check out these links below:

Corban's Art Estate - http://www.ceac.org.nz/
Pop Artist, Jun Arita - http://www.junarita.com/
First Thursdays - http://www.firstthursdays.co.nz/
Artist, Meghan Geliza - http://www.sisterdarling.com/
Jewellery, Danielle Yuen - http://planetrawr.co.nz/
Artist, Screen Printing expert, Boe Busch - http://www.rodayobusk.co.nz/