The shimmering orange Dots and two lines was the one that got away for a Wellington business. The Greytown-based artist and architect Gina Jones offered the large vinyl and lacquer work to her husband to hang in his premises. But they decided it was way too bright for their space, so I entered it in the Friends of Aratoi exhibition instead, she said. A few weeks later, it scooped the top prize.
Selector former Pataka director Helen Kedgely said she was looking for works that “spoke with a distinctive voice” and noted that many in the show reflected the Wairarapa region.
And while Jones piece seems a long was from traditional landscape painting, it is inspired by the local environment. “I was looking at road signs while I was out on early morning bike rides, especially the effects on them when there had been some rain, says Jones.
She used fluorescent auto paint and reflective vinyl cut by local panel beaters Athol Ross according to her digital plans. She has previously incorporated light effects in her work, and this piece plays with the optical effects of grids of spots being bent and warped.
Jones aims to create an intense experience for the viewer. The skill is to balance the coldness of these materials with the warm and mesmerising slowly changing light, she says.
The Highly Commended prize was awarded to Carterton artist and designer Rebekah Farr. Drift also bears out a strong sense of place, this time the route the keen horsewoman travels early mornings in the Riversdale Road area with her beloved horse .
It's an emotional landscape too because Farr's horse is now suffering from arthritis and she knows that their days together are numbered. That's where the idea of an old man with baggage comes from. It's the path me and my horse are taking. I know what the end point is going to be and it's about how to appreciate everything along the way now
Farr said the award meant a lot to her because in the past 10 years since she moved to New Zealand she's been working as a designer and illustrator. The challenge has been to eliminate the client and paint for me!
The third award went to Featherston-based Jake Walker who will spend a week at the New Zealand Pacific Studio, Mt Bruce. Visitors can vote on the People's Choice Award, which will be announced at the end of the exhibition. 2015 Friends of Aratoi Art Award, until 7 Feb 2016.
