Image: by Val Cuthbert "Tribute to E7, Godwit" which is about the 11,700 k flight in 2007 of the female godwit (named E7 from her tag) from Alaska directly to NZ non stop in 8 days, the longest recorded flight of any bird to date. Like all godwits she arrived exhausted with feathers badly worn.
Artist’s Statement:
This month’s featured artist: Valerie Cuthbert
Websites: www.valeriecuthbert.com and www.valcuthbert.com
Where do I get my inspiration from?
I am always inspired by the New Zealand landscape and everything natural in it – birds, plants, shells – their beauty and uniqueness. Birds in particular fascinate me. I have painted and made prints of oystercatchers and godwits many times over because of their delightful shapes (I think oystercatcher bodies are like little light bulbs) and the migratory stories that are truly inspiring.
Who is my favourite artist?
I don't have a personal favourite. I am encouraged and inspired by other artists from time to time, but I remember seeing the paintings of Georgia O'Keef many years ago and being quite shocked by their contents – animal skeletons. It was the way she found beauty in the bones and was able to express this that let me see that everything has beauty – the work and skill is in finding it.
Has my art evolved since I first started?
I still strive to show a narrative in the final product whether it is painting or printmaking. To me, these are the most successful works. There have been many other pieces along the way that have helped me to refine the skills both need to achieve this end.
Am I a 'clean' artist?
Any printmaker will tell you that it is an exceptionally messy activity. Not many artistic endeavours require spending more time on cleanup than the actual making of the work. Painting is a breeze in comparison!
A recent art event that has impressed me.
I love the work of Jeff Thompson, and his recent show at Northart was exceptional. During the 1980's I used fabric as my medium, painting and dyeing it, learning that fabric can be manipulated into just about anything, and I see that Jeff does the same manipulations with metal.
What do I think makes good art?
Anything that makes someone stop and take time to look is good art.
What do I like most about Kumeu Arts Centre?
It has big, open, well lit wall spaces. Although the floor can do with some extra work.
This month’s featured artist: Valerie Cuthbert
Websites: www.valeriecuthbert.com and www.valcuthbert.com
Where do I get my inspiration from?
I am always inspired by the New Zealand landscape and everything natural in it – birds, plants, shells – their beauty and uniqueness. Birds in particular fascinate me. I have painted and made prints of oystercatchers and godwits many times over because of their delightful shapes (I think oystercatcher bodies are like little light bulbs) and the migratory stories that are truly inspiring.
Who is my favourite artist?
I don't have a personal favourite. I am encouraged and inspired by other artists from time to time, but I remember seeing the paintings of Georgia O'Keef many years ago and being quite shocked by their contents – animal skeletons. It was the way she found beauty in the bones and was able to express this that let me see that everything has beauty – the work and skill is in finding it.
Has my art evolved since I first started?
I still strive to show a narrative in the final product whether it is painting or printmaking. To me, these are the most successful works. There have been many other pieces along the way that have helped me to refine the skills both need to achieve this end.
Am I a 'clean' artist?
Any printmaker will tell you that it is an exceptionally messy activity. Not many artistic endeavours require spending more time on cleanup than the actual making of the work. Painting is a breeze in comparison!
A recent art event that has impressed me.
I love the work of Jeff Thompson, and his recent show at Northart was exceptional. During the 1980's I used fabric as my medium, painting and dyeing it, learning that fabric can be manipulated into just about anything, and I see that Jeff does the same manipulations with metal.
What do I think makes good art?
Anything that makes someone stop and take time to look is good art.
What do I like most about Kumeu Arts Centre?
It has big, open, well lit wall spaces. Although the floor can do with some extra work.
