Give Give Give

Give, give, give - what is the point of having experience, knowledge or talent if I don't give it away? Of having stories if I don't tell them to others? Of having wealth if I don't share it? I don't intend to be cremated with any of it! It is in giving that I connect with others, with the world and with the divine. - Isabel Allende

You don't loose anything by giving .....

Guideposts to peace

"To be glad of life, because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars;

to be satisfied with your possessions, but not contented with yourself until you have made the best of them;

to despise nothing in the world except falsehood and meanness, and to fear nothing except cowardice;

to be governed by your admirations rather than by your disgusts;

to covet nothing that is your neighbor's except his kindness of heart and gentleness of manners;

to think seldom of your enemies and often of your friends... these are little guideposts on the footpath to peace."

- Henry van Dyke

Point to ponder

One's first step in wisdom is to question everything - and one's last is to come to terms with everything. - Georg C. Lichtenberg
- Sometimes very hard to do - once you have questioned - to then be able to accept ...

Creativity is so delicate a flower that praise tends to make it bloom, while discouragement often nips it in the bud... Alexander F. Osborn.
- I think this quote really goes quite perfectly with my post from last week about Gordon Ramsay vs Dale Carnegie

There is a spark of good in everybody, no matter how deeply it may be buried, it is there. It's waiting to govern your life gloriously. - Peace Pilgrim

- I do believe that there is good in everyone - sometimes it's just buried a little deeper. It's so important in life to not make absolute statements - too often people seem to throw the baby out with the bath water - i.e. the good with the bad - they loose site of reality and often the facts and one little thing can cloud their judgement completely.

Someone may do something that you don't like or necessarily agree with - but it's so important to also remember the 100 wonderful things they have done well - the positive qualities they have - and to try and focus on that rather than the 1 thing you think they may have done wrong.

I have said before that life is too short to hold grudges - and requires too much energy to maintain them - focus on the positive in people and situations - don't dwell on the negative - ultimately the only person you are hurting is yourself. And remember there is good in everyone - you just need to look ......

Look at the beautiful side of each and help him through that, even though inwardly you may have noted the other. We must seek ways to respect a brother; to the man of enlightened vision nobody nor anything is despicable. - N Sri Ram

When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves - William Arthur Ward

Life has the habit of getting away on us

I've been sooooo busy that I just havent had the time let alone energy to write in my blog - which is really sad because Kay left such a lovely comment last week saying how great it was that I was back! .... only to have me disapear again. Sorry Kay.

Anyway - Saturday night saw the start of the auction on Trademe for Reach Out!! It has already met reserve and received nearly 6000 views!! Awesome!



88 artists from the NZ Art Guild have joined forces to raise awareness & funds for the Mental Health Foundation of NZ by creating this amazing artwork called "Reach Out"




** 20% of the proceeds from this sale are being donated to the Mental Health Foundation **

TO PURCHASE GO TO : http://www.trademe.co.nz/Art/Paintings/Abstract/Mixed-media/auction-166724806.htm

TITLE: Reach Out
SIZE: 127cm x 152cm x 3.5cm
MEDIA: Panels and framing are wood. Artworks incorporate various mixed media including acrylic, oil, pastel, mosaic, resin, collage
BACKGROUND COLOURS: Titan buff and cadmium red medium
ARTISTS: 88 artists painted 90 individual panels (names listed on auction listing)
EXTRAS: hanging brackets, artist list & background information
DESIGNED BY: Sophia Elise, Melissa Muirhead & Tanya Dann

Each year the NZ Art Guild creates a collaborative artwork which all members have the opportunity to participate in. This year artists were commissioned to complete an artwork on a small wooden panel that was provided for them. The inspiration was the phrase "On Your Mind".

The overall image of the artwork is kept secret, even from those participating in it, until the unveiling of the artwork on the opening night of the NZ Art Guild Annual Members Exhibition at the Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna - officially opened by Mayor Williams on July 1st.

This artwork is only available for sale via trademe but is currently exhibited at the Bruce Mason Centre until July 30th.

Judi Clements, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation says "We're delighted to be working with the NZ Art Guild to promote awareness of depression through such a vibrant project. Depression affects men and women of all ages, races, and economic groups, and is not something you can just snap out of. "

The Foundation will use the funds to raise awareness of depression through their "Out Of The Blue" campaign.

Gratitude - one of the most important ingredients to happiness

Psychologists say it's virtually impossible to feel grateful and unhappy at the same time.

Gratitude is made up of two parts
1) by feeling a genuine appreciation for the life you have
2) by making a conscious decision to focus on what's right in your life rather than what you think is wrong or missing.

Gratitude makes you feel satisfied. Ingratitude leaves us always looking for something else.

It's not just enough to feel grateful though - you need to express it regularly. Research has shown this will make you happier, healthier and less prone to depression. William Arthur Ward said, "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." So take the time to appreciate you good fortune and let the people around you know how you feel.


"If you look to others for fulfillment,you will never truly be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you."- Lao Tzu

When you start to appreciate every small thing in life you realise just how lucky you are - so .....
get excited if it doesn't rain on you while you walk to the shops! If it does rain - rejoice in the fact you live in a country where rain and water is plentiful ... either way you're blessed and there's something to be grateful about ....

Envy - is a wasted emotion and stops happiness

Title: Truth #1
Media: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 25cm x 25cm
SOLD

Why is it that people seem to rank their happiness based on what they have, compared with others? Envy in not only a waste of time, it creates dissatisfaction and denies us contentment. Not to mention it's an insult to ourselves and entirely self imposed.

There is nothing to be gained from envy - the reality is we all know people who are richer, better looking, more intelligent - so what? Thinking like this only stops you from appreciating your own uniqueness and decreases your self worth.

Concentrating on your own blessings and improving lives of others is going to generate more satisfaction than comparing yourself with the Joneses. Also remember, you don't always know what the Joneses are actually going through - and if you did you may just prefer your own life instead.

The route to happiness is not by comparing yourself with others - nor is it by begrudging others their blessings - count your own instead and combine it with a strong sense of purpose.

Four ways towards happiness through purposeful action is
1. Deep love and family commitment.
2. Meaningful work and career.
3. Social and political involvement.
4. Transcendency and spirituality.

Gordon Ramsay really should read ....

Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People".

I'm sick (which is a very rare thing for me - I don't have time to be sick) ... so today I actually watched TV ... (something else I don't have time for)

Well I have to say that watching Hells Kitchen was something that I really could have lived my whole life without seeing. I think more disturbing than Gordon Ramsay's total lack of respect for the people on there - was the peoples lack of respect for themselves in allowing anyone to talk to them in the way he does.

Ok yes - I realise this is "reality" TV - and obviously this is his "thing" swearing at and abusing people ... but come on! what example are we setting our children by promoting this man, giving him a TV programme, making him rich and famous and allowing him to act in such an appalling manner towards people. This send the wrong message to our children - that we actually condone this behaviour - and if you want to make it in this world then you can treat people with such an appalling lack of regard and respect.

Now why can't we have a reality programme showing us Dale Carnegie's way of life in action - I really think that would be far more conducive to promoting the type of society that we all would want to live in surely.....

I actually wonder if these chef wannabes really learn anything - Gordon has such an opportunity to teach these people - to mentor them - to mould them - these people are eager to learn from him (goodness knows why!?) ....

I suppose if he was kind and positive it wouldn't make for interesting TV viewing - what a sad reflection of our society ...

Right I suppose I should get off my soap box now ... oh and yes ... before you ask .. the TV does have an off button .. which I used ...

Rather than having Gordon's negativity ringing in your ears - I will leave you with a couple of pearls from Dale instead...

First of all you need to build a positive relationship - one of the most important ways of doing this is
1) Never criticize, condemn or complain -Criticism is never welcome. It makes people become defensive and resentful. Positive reinforcement is far more effective.
2) Make the other person feel important - People want to feel important and appreciated.
Praise their strengths and they’ll strive to reinforce your opinion of them.

If you need to "criticise" then ensure it is from a place that is positive and driving for improvement ....
1) Begin with praise and honest appreciation. - It is easier to take criticism after some praise. Look for things done well before calling attention to failings.
2) Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person - Creates a common bond. No one is perfect. Use the fact that you have overcome the same challenges to work as motivation for the other person.
3) Call attention to people's errors indirectly - Direct, harsh criticism can destroy incentive to improve. (I hope Gordon Ramsay realises that!)
4) Let the other person save face - The fear of embarrassment can make people become defensive. Always try to give criticism in private.
5) Make the fault seem easy to correct - Encourage them by making the faults seem easy to correct and new skills easy to learn.
6) Praise the slightest improvement and every improvement - Praise reinforces positive behaviour
7) Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to - eg. “You’re very capable, but your recent projects aren’t up to your old standards.” Respecting others’ capabilities will empower them to succeed.

"Believe that you will succeed, and you will" - Dale Carnegie

Dreams with Deadlines - Dream it, Plan it, Do it

Title: Journey of Life

Media: Acrylic on Canvas ( another dot painting )

Size: 20cm x 20cm
SOLD

I received this via email the other day from my friend - I really wanted to share it wiht you - although its long it has some great messages in it!

Dreams With Deadlines

by Alexander Green

We all dream. And our dreams tell the world - and ourselves - who we really are.

Some of us dream of financial independence. Others of traveling the world. Or learning to play the piano. Retiring to the country. Raising money for cancer research. Becoming an expert on wine. Writing that novel. Learning to speak Spanish.

Of course, if you aren't pursuing your dreams, the real question is what's stopping you? For many of us, it is a lack of specificity... and a deadline. Our thinking is too nebulous. What we need are realistic, well-articulated goals. Dreams with deadlines.

For example, "I want a comfortable retirement" is a wish. "I want to have a $1 million net worth on my 65th birthday" is a goal. "I'd like to do something for charity" may be a heartfelt a desire. But "I want to raise $30,000 for the International Rescue Committee by December 31st" is a definite end.

Goals give your life meaning and direction. They focus your time and energy. They shape and set your priorities, giving you a reason to get up in the morning. Without them, we tend to drift. Millions of Americans, for instance, have fallen into a largely meaningless cycle of eating, sleeping, working and watching TV. After a while, a sort of existential ennui sets in.

But when you have a goal that inspires you - whether it's traveling to all 50 states, reading the world's great books or meeting the person you want to spend the rest of your life with - you feel motivated. Goals are empowering. You know exactly what you want and the idea of attaining it energizes you.

As the English novelist Charles Kingsley observed, "We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about."

Transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau agreed. He said, "If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours."

Of course, setting goals and achieving them are two different things.

A few years ago, I saved an article by author Michael Masterson titled "How to Accomplish All Your Most Important Goals... Without Fail." Here, essentially, is what he said:

1. Take out a sheet of paper. Title it "Life's Goals" (if you have no shame) or "Stuff to Do Before I Croak" (if you are afraid someone will see it).

2. Now make a list of everything you want to accomplish.

3. Narrow your list down to four main goals. Think in terms of a long-term wealth-building goal, a long-term health goal, a long-term personal-relationship goal, and a long-term personal growth and development goal. These are your top priorities, your bottom-line objectives.

4. Convert each of these into annual goals and then break them down further into manageable, bite-sized weekly objectives.

5. Once a week, spend one hour establishing your priorities for the next seven days.

6. Finally, spend about 30 minutes each morning organizing your day around them.

His approach is straightforward: Dream it. Plan it. Do it..

"It may sound like a lot," says Masterson, "but you're really spending no more than the equivalent of a few days a year to map out your strategy for achieving your long-term Life Goals. "When I put my list down on paper, I feel powerful and confident. Here are the things I will accomplish this year. Clean and simple. I imagine how I will feel when they are completed, and that feeling is good... "There is something about this particular system that seems to work. It works so well, in fact, that I encourage everyone who works for me to use it."

Of course, some of us never make an honest attempt to achieve our goals for a single unspoken reason: fear of failure. Yet there is much to be gained in pursuing your dreams, whether you ultimately achieve them or not.

African-American minister Benjamin Mays said "The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal, The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. It isn't a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream. It isn't a disgrace not to reach the stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for. Not failure, but low aim, is a sin."

So follow Thoreau's advice and go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Take action. Live the life that you've imagined.

As Mark Twain observed, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

Carpe Diem,

Alex

Time to paint! YAY!

Title: Look Up

Media: Mixed Media, acrylic on canvas

Size: 40cm x 50cm

SOLD

Another gem from my friend Lesley - who's birthday it is today ... HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!! Hope you are having the very best day - you deserve it :-)

When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bounds. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be. - Pantanjali

Studio Sell Out

TITLE: Round in Circles

MEDIA: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 20cm x 20cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

The other week I received some of my art back from the gallery that closed in Christchurch - so I've decided to do a clear out - check out my Trademe listings to pick up some real bargains!!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=1675330

When opportunity knocks - always say yes

Title: Making Waves

Media: Acrylic on canvas

Size: 20cm x 20 cm

SOLD

I was talking to a successful business owner the other week. I asked him how come he was so busy when other similar businesses are struggling and even going under in this financial economy. He credits it to his "always say yes" philosophy.

He said that the first thing he learned in business was, when someone asked if he could do something to always answer yes regardless. He said afterwards you can say to yourself "f*@# how on earth am I going to do that!?" By saying yes you've set yourself a challenge - you don't want to let down your customer so you always work out a way to achieve it. The flow on effect from one "Yes" can be HUGE - as can the negative flow on from one "No" and you never miss out on an opportunity by taking that route.

So don't let fear and uncertainty hold you back and be the motivation for saying no. If you do say no make sure its for the right reasons.

Another gem from my very good friend Lesley ...

I'm just way too busy at the moment to sit and write on my blog - which is really sad because I enjoy it so much - hopefully things will quieten down a little soon ....

In the meantime my very good freind Lesley is keeping me supplied with gems each day that I can share with you ...

When a deep injury is done us, we never recover until we forgive. -Alan Paton


Last night was a great night - Sally Blyth and I spoke at the Rotary Harbourside in Mission Bay. We did a double act - I spoke about the NZ Art Guild, what we do, the different initiatives and the Mental Health Foundation of NZ. Sally spoke from the heart about being an artist in NZ.

What a lovely group of people the Harbourside Rotary are - they welcomed us in - were interested and so friendly. Was such a lovely evening.

The Rotary Organisation does amazing work within the local communites and internationally too.
Take a look at http://www.rotary.org.nz/club.cfm?ID=5&District=5

Quote of the day

The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious - the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science. - Albert Einstein

Life's Balance - for New Zeland Shore Plover Appeal

Title: Lifes Balance (from my journey of life series)
Size: 45cm x 45cm
Media: Mixed Media and Acrylic on Canvas (the whole background is actually textured)
FOR SALE by Auction in London, United Kingdom
Select NZ artists have been invited to exhibt at the event below - including several NZ Art Guild Members - This piece is my contribution.

The New Zealand shore plover “Thinornis novaeseelandiae” is one of the rarest plover species in the world. It is a Nationally Critical ranked species (the highest possible threat status) and is a small, colourful shorebird that was once widespread in the coastal areas of New Zealand, but by the late 1800s had become confined to a small population on the Chatham Islands. The current world population, including birds in captivity, is estimated at less than 250.

This year’s appeal, exhibition and auction which will be held by the New Zealand Society in association with the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC). The Appeal this year will raise funds for the New Zealand Shore Plover, and will be use to continue the five year reintroduction programme on Mana Island and to upgrade the captive breeding aviaries at Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre.

Suze in Mayfair, London has agreed to exhibit all the donated works of art in it’s gallery from Monday 1 September until Thursday 9 October. Then on Friday 10 October the pieces will be sold at an auction and gourmet food evening to be held in the Penthouse in New Zealand House.They are expecting there to be attendance from some very high profile New Zealanders in London, as well as great interest from the UK conservation and bird conservation interest groups.

In advance of the Auction they also plan to hold an “invitation only” preview evening at Suze with Derek Leask (New Zealand High Commissioner) as their host. They will be inviting London art dealers, New Zealand businesses with a UK presence and UK based NZ press to this event where we will also be offering some work for pre-sale. This is a unique event which will expose NZ art to a wide and interested audience.

For more information go to
http://www.nzsociety.co.uk/

Or Contact
Kip Brook
Word of Mouth Media
kip@wordofmouthnz.com
www.wordofmouthnz.com

Wisdom from Childrens Movies

This weekend my kiddies and I went to see "Kung Fu Panda" movie - both being involved in karate this was an easy choice that they were both in agreement of.

One line in particular stayed with me - "We often meet our destiny on the road we take to avoid it" - which is an old French Proverb

NZ Art Guild latest sponsorships

The NZ Art Guild is excited to announce the following new sponsorships:

1) Tauranga First National Art Awards
The winners from each category will receive one year free years subscription to the NZ Art Guild. We will also be sponsoring the prize for the Best Watercolour $500.
The Tauranga Art Awards will be held from 10 – 16 November 2008 in Tauranga.For more info see http://www.gardenandartfest.co.nz/

2) Lewis' Invitation Art Exhibition - Waikato Emerging artists award.
This event is now in it's third year. The winners from 2006 and 2007 will receive an annual subscription to the NZ Art Guild and the 4 winners from this year will also receive an annual subscription.
The Opening night is Friday 15th of August 6:00 start , and the exhibition is open 10 – 4 over the weekend at Cambridge Town Hall.

3) For the second year in a row we will also be sponsoring the ARA Art Awards which will be held in February 2009. These awards are given to the top year 13 art students from 25 schools in the Auckland Area. Each of the students will receive one year free years subscription to the NZ Art Guild.

Also, Sally Blyth and myslef will be speaking at Rotary Harbourside in Mission Bay on Wednesday 9th July about the NZ Art Guild, Mental Health and about art in New Zealand.

For information on the Harbourside Rotary Club visit http://www.rotary.org.nz/club.cfm?ID=5&District=5

Limited Edition Prints of Reach Out For Sale

LIMITED EDITION PRINTS
$5 from the sale of every limited edition print goes to the Mental Heatlh Foundation of NZ.

The NZ Art Guild are selling limited Edition prints of Reach Out. So grab yours now - the print run is limited to 500. They come un-mounted so that you can choose your framing and are printed on archival quality art paper by specialist art printers. All prints come with a certificate of authenticity and are 380mm x 460mm in size. You can purchase prints for $85 each excl. postage. They are available by going to http://www.nzartguild.co.nz/reachout.htm


PRINTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL PIECES
Each of the 90 artworks that create Reach Out are available for purchase as individual prints. These are printed on photographic paper and come mounted on a black boxed wood frame ready to hang. They are 210mm x 150mm in size. You can select any of the 90 artworks and as many as you like. You can purchase these for $30 each excl. postage. They are available from http://www.nzartguild.co.nz/reachout.htm

I want to say a special thank you to all the participating artist who have made this possible! You guys rock!!

Reach Out Revealed - NZ Art Guild 2008 Collaborative Project

Here is it - finally after all these months!!

Measuring 1.27m x 1.52m this artwork is huge in talent and size!

Many different pieces make it up and to see individual photos of each of the 90 artworks please go to http://www.nzartguild.co.nz/reachout.htm

88 artists have contributed to 'Reach Out' by creating one small individual artwork each. They were provided with a small wooden panel and given a theme to paint to. The theme this year is 'On your mind' and interpretation of this is entirely up to the artists. When all of these individual artworks are combined they create an overall image and a stunning one of a kind artwork measuring 1.27m x 1.52m. The overall image of the collaborative artwork is kept secret, even from those participating in it, until the unveiling of the artwork on the opening night of the NZ Art Guild annual exhibition - Make it Memorable

Information
Artists: 88 individual NZ Art Guild Artists painting 90 separate panels
Media: Wood (some artists have incorporated mixed media also)
Size: 1270 x 1520mm
Extras: Sold with hanging brackets, artist list & informational story
Designed by: Sophia Elise, Melissa Muirhead and Tanya Dann

FOR AUCTION!!
To be listed on Trademe at 8pm Saturday 19th July - auction closes 8pm 29th July

20% of the proceeds will be donated to the Mental Health Foundation of NZ http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/


PARTICIPATING ARTISTS (Rows 1 - 9 left to right)

1.Erika Hussellmann 2.Trish Muir 3.William Rutledge 4.Ronda Turk 5.Rochelle van der Werff 6.Jude Blake 7.Megan Morris 8.Sophia Elise 9.Viv Hansen

10.Sharon Burger 11.Julia Dungan 12.Jen Longshaw 13.Carol Winterburn 14.Tessa Birks 15.Damian Barnshaw 16.John Sargeant 17.Lisz Bodsworth 18.Margaret Ngawaka

19.Tereana Davies 20.Wendy Murphy 21.Catherine Outwin 22.Donna Steel 23.Angela Laby 24.Trish MacReady 25.Sher Green 26.Wendy Matthews 27.Helen West

28.Deanna Gracie 29.Christine Dempster 30.Tanya Dann 31.Sophia Elise 32.Melissa Muirhead 33.Lynn Morrison 34.Anne Lengauer 35.Terri Dangen 36.Maria Hartley

37.Jennifer Christiansen 38.Eleanor Wenman 39.Melissa Muirhead 40.Anni Morris 41.Beate Minderjahn 42.Ingrid Boot 43.Tineswari Maruthamuthu 44.Cath Sheard 45.Sandra Toornstra

46.Rachael Inch 47.Paulette Shepherd 48.Pam Buffery 49.Tracey Stringer 50.Elissa Ramsey 51.Tony Brown 52.Des Lattey 53.RifRaf 54.Marlene Faithfull

55.Ricky Kazmierczak 56.Shiree Meikle 57.Shelley Van Soest 58.Lyn Hurring 59.Elspeth Alix Batt 60.Lyn Murray 61.Liz de King 62.Chris Cruickshank 63.Cheryl Irwin

64.Jane Bold 65.Tracy MacDonald 66.Natalie Makeef 67.Silver Dunlop 68.Kelly Gatchell Hartley 69.Helen McNamara 70.Peter Augustin 71.Sally Blyth 72.Cairyn Tomokino

73.Joanne Louise 74.Bobby Shen 75.Natasha Wheeler 76.Alison Mulgrew 77.Lesley Carew 78.Sharlene Ngatapuna 79.Ron Esplin 80.Michele Bluck 81.Fiona Woods

82.Gail Boyle 83.Kirsty Black 84.Jane Santos 85.Lynette McKinstrie 86.Sarah Jayne Woodward 87.Chavah Kinloch 88.Teresa Rodger 89.Michele McCreedy-Shaw 90.Jan Amohia

Opening night!

Left To Right

Shaughan Woodcock (Chief Executive Assistant, Mental Health Foundation of NZ), Melissa Muirhead (NZ Art Guild Moderator), Sophia Elise (Manager, NZ Art Guild), Mayor Andrew Williams (Mayor of North Shore City)

I have to say it was the best opening night we have ever had!!! 150 people - Mayor Andrew Williams officially opening, Shaughan Woodcock from the Mental Health Foundation of NZ speaking, fabulous art by 62 NZ artists and of course the unveiling of Reach Out!!! Did I mention also that we had 5 sales of artworks, 1 limited edition print, 1 small print, 2 new member applications and 2 guild artists taken on by a gallery.

For more photos from opening night go to Melissa Muirheads blog http://melissamuirhead.blogspot.com/

Exhibiting artists are:-

Jan Amohia, Peter Augustin, Elspeth Batt, Kirsty Black, Sally Blyth, Lisz Bodsworth, Jane Bold, Ingrid Boot, Gail Boyle, Tony Brown, Pam Buffery, Claire Burton, Shan Li Chen, Jennifer Christiansen, Chris Cruickshank ,Terri Dangen, Tanya Dann, Tere Davies, Liz de King, Christine Dempster, Julia Dungan, Silver Dunlop, Tanya Edwards, Sophia Elise, Marlene Faithful, Sher Green, Viv Hansen, Rachael Inch, Ricky Kazmierczak, Chavah Kinloch, Angela Laby, Desmond Lattey, Pauline Lattey, Anne Lengauer, Jennifer Longshaw, Joanne Louise, Trish MacReady, Natalie Makeef, Tines Marathumuthu, Wendy Matthews, Lynette McKinstrie, Helen McNamara, Shiree Meikle, Beate Minderjahn, Megan Morris, Lyn Morrison, Melissa Muirhead, Alison Mulgrew, Lyn Murray, Sharlene Ngatapuna, Elissa Ramsay, Rifraf, Judy Rowe, Cath Sheard, Ronda Turk, Rochelle van der Werff, Shelly Van Soest, Eleanor Wenman, Natasha Wheeler, Michelle Whitehouse, Sarah Jayne Woodward

Monday 30th June - Hanging Day

Well this was a full on day - starting at 9:30 at the Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna. Tony Brown, Melissa Muirhead, Michelle Whitehouse and Rifraf - all artists and members of the NZ Art Guild and Allan Muirhead (long suffering hubby of member lol) worked tirelessly to get things set up for the other artists to hang their art at 1pm. Here's a couple of photos of us ...

The artists arrive at 1pm and what a buzz that was - lots of people - fabulous artwork - meeting new friends and old ones too. Awesome experience!!

We finished up at about 5pm ..totally exhausted but very happy!

Catch up time!

WOW! 4 days since I last posted - things have been chaotic!

Sunday night I finished my artwork - and here's the photo finally - not the best sorry

Title: Lifes Battle

Media: Mixed Media - Flax weave and acrylic on canvas

Size: 90cm x 60cm

This artwork is about the battles that we face on an often daily basis - some are bigger than others - some times it's smooth sailing - the texture represents all these different periods in our lives.

The dot part is from my journey of life series and represents the different paths that we take in life - the twists and turns, the branches ....

Life is harder for some - that's the reality - and we all need to realise that every person we meet in life may be bearing some kind of load that we cannot see ... treat everyone with love, sensitivity and understanding.