CARMEN SIMMONDS
Carmen was the first artist I really connected with personally, and I am so thankful to her for the encouragement she gives me.
She has an ability herself to conjure up amazing pieces incorporating her love of glass and sometimes textiles that constantly evolve. She also finds the time to share her expertise and knowledge through hosting frequent workshops which inspire so many people.
She is also just a beautiful kind person.
Her use of colour is exceptional and it is impossible to visit her studio without buying something!
Carmen is starting a new exciting venture experimenting with recycled glass as a base product for artists, since the previous manufacturer, Gaffer has moved overseas.
OLIVER CAIN
The first time I saw Oliver’s work was at the Pah Homestead in Auckland and although he is a ceramics artist, this piece in particular was bits of bubble gum he had chewed then hung over a stainless rod in a cabinet to resemble nipples - I wanted it SO bad I took lots of photos of it and even contemplated taking up chewing gum myself!
I have a small plate of his life sized biscuits on the table that look so real the grandkids still want to check each one to make sure they can’t eat them and when I left my job of 17 years, my workmates put in and bought me one of his ceramic fertility gnomes (not that our family needs it!) which I love.
I have also vowed one day if we ever build a new home it will have one of his ceramic (art) urinals on the wall..
CHRISTIAN NICHOLSON
Christian’s sense of humour in how he sees the world comes oozing out of anything he creates whether that be his movie or his art.
Kathrine, the life size naked lady screen printed onto a microcapa slab has greeted people both here at Tanners Point and at our old home in Devonport for more years than I want to think about. Plus Ben the Asian Tourist who hangs out in our garden has caught out many people thinking he is real..
Interesting fact (not that it’s a competition), but the most expensive piece of art we own is one of his - Hounslow Tabernacle Jubilee After Party.
SO MANY MORE TO SHARE SOON…WATCH THIS SPACE!
Do you own a piece by one of our featured Artists? We would LOVE to see where you placed it, reach out to connect. x