Well, I’m back from the Christchurch Art Show and settling into some normality again! I’ve noticed that as I’ve now done a few of these shows, things are so much easier as I get used to how things go and the setup. Al gets on the end of the drill and while I’m fluffing around unpacking, he gets all the shelves up. It’s really nice knowing a lot of the artists now and having a good catch-up.

When I flew up to Auckland for a show, I had bought another couple of hard-cased suitcases which are perfect for packing works and lugging around. We just wheel them into the venue and get to work. Took the caravan and stayed at the Tasman Holiday Park (excellent accommodation!), it was a bit of a speedy trip this time as we’d been away a couple of weeks before.

The opening night was really busy; first time I’ve been near the sales desk so great to see things really buzzing! I’m starting to see a few people who have bought my work before or had conversations with me at previous shows. I always feel bad if I’m talking to someone who has been following my work or bought a piece and I can’t remember them on the spot. Usually, it comes later when I’ll think ‘aha, that was the person who …’ waay too late for that conversation though.

I think everyone has been in that conversation where you think the person’s name and context will come to you and you in too deep in the conversation to admit you can’t remember. They ask, ‘How the kids?’ (frantically wondering if they have kids and if you should ask likewise, will unknown person be insulted if I don’t ask or insulted if I ask and they don’t have kids?) “Hows the Hubby?’ (do I ask how their partner is, do I vaguely remember that they split up-is that something I remember knowing?) I have discovered mumbling is sometimes the best out here followed be a quick change of subject ‘great spell of weather we’re having!’ (weather is always a safe option)

I so love meeting and talking to people at these shows, I had light funny conversations and deep thoughtful conversations and everything in between. I was chatting with group of young people sharing some panels nearby and I loved the gritty energy in their work. The variety at these shows is great and good to see that young vibe sitting comfortably alongside more established artists.

Some people stayed for long and interesting conversations, and I met a few who I really gelled with. A few of my works headed off to new homes. I am so humbled by those who part with their hard-earned cash to purchase a piece of my art.

I am so grateful to be able to continue to create artworks, and having people buy some of them helps so much both financially and in motivation. I create because I can’t imagine a world in which I don’t but knowing that some people really see the work makes it so much easier.

Travelling on also headed off to a new home

While we were away, I found out that my work ‘The Crystal’ had got a special mention at the Otago Art Societies Autumn exhibition, alongside some really thoughtful comments by the judge.

This is a piece that I just had an idea about an animal carrying a special crystal. It also was a bit of a carry on from the ‘Warrior queen” idea (thanks Mary!), looking at more detailed smaller characters, in this case this one is leading the animal.

So back home now, I got some shelves for the studio to hopefully prevent myself throwing things all over the floor. So, feeling organised and looking forward to spending a bit of time making things over winter. I’ve also decided I’m spending waay too much time mindlessly scrolling on social media so I am trying to spend it drawing instead so I’ll see what comes of that.

Got some shelves so hopefully it’ll help keep things more organised

So, amongst list of jobs to do, more small dragons, another large wall lizard, maybe a crow, I want to try small bats, and I need to get my teeth into a bigger project, I have one circling around partly formed yet to reveal itself….

2026 Christchurch Art Show

Catching up