Queen of Arts

Landing back home after so long away seems almost surreal to me now, and a long time ago. I jumped straight back into full time work again, after applying for a job while looking around Birmingham… I guess the North of England had me feeling a little homesick, the thought of doing something so normal and basic again after so much travel had its appeal… even if only for a short time lol. I left that, landscaped all the garden and developed a kind of Tendonitis in my wrist that took a long time to heal. Of course I found it pretty hard to rest my painting arm, but I did learn to slow down a bit.

Getting back to painting during this time felt raw and pure. I started on my favourite spots first… Greece, Morocco and Chamonix became my first flights of fancy… followed closely by Croatia, more specifically, The Plitvice Lakes and Dubrovnik… so many memories to call upon, it’s almost overwhelming. I felt like my head would explode trying to order all my thoughts, and going to work from 1-10pm became my quiet time to get that done. 

I joined the Queenstown Art Society immediately after returning, getting involved and exhibiting artwork in their Laneway Showcase and their big exhibitions. I have to say, it’s been epic to get out there again with a few pieces, I never thought I’d win anything either, but they offered me third place in ‘The Mountain Remembers’ Exhibition. A big surprise for me, and I guess a real satisfaction in what I’m doing.

I exhibited a piece in The Arrowtown Autumn Festival Art Exhibition, another in The Wānaka Arts Exhibition at the Community Hub in Wānaka, a display at the NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival, and I joined the Committee at Wānaka Arts… a huge step for me. This month we’re getting ready for the big Labour Weekend Exhibition here and it’s all go. As Committee members, it’s our job to put this event on, and it’s been an incredibly busy time.

Onwards and Upwards they say… it helps to get involved.