The first part of the year has been nothing short of a whirlwind.
According to the Chinese Zodiac last year was the year of the Wood Snake. A year of growth, renewal and transformation. Themes that have I have felt heavily through out the year, as various changes have taken place in my work and my life. But like a snake, it must shed it's skin; giving way to the year of the Fire Horse. A year of intense energy, passion, and rapid change. A welcome influx of new energy and one that I've already begun to channel.
Started off strong with the Motueka Twilight Art Market. Featuring some old and some new work on my new (recycled parts) stand. It had been some time since I'd displayed at a market, and it was lovely to be apart of such a lively event with a community feel. If you get the chance to attend this market, I'd highly recommend it. I'm still thinking about the banh mi and local music months later.
My humble market stand.
The next few months were spent gathering inspiration and exploring my own ideas. Lots of playing around in Procreate. Getting in touch with my creative flow. Where was it taking me? What's coming to the surface? Is there a story to be told? Something that needs to be said? Colours and figures came to me, and the wheels began to turn. Soon I'll be able to share the fruits of this labour, but they're not quite ripe yet.
Then before I knew it I was headed south for something very special. Motorsport is a passion very dear to me, so when a group of friends announced a road trip for the 50th Anniversary Otago Rally; excitement was high. After many hours of driving and an absurd amount of gas money, we made it for the long motor roaring, gravel dusty, tire screeching weekend of thrills. And I had endeavoured to capture it on film. As I write this my 4 rolls are currently away getting processed, and I'm itching to see how they've turned out. Shooting very fast cars with a film camera is no easy task, but I've taken that many shots surely some of them will have turned out decent. There will be a full post once I've got them back.
Nelson Car Club showing our support for our friends in the event.
And that brings us to now. Still ticking away, deep in the mahi, and with a Nelson Suter Art Society project on the horizon. I find myself saying this a lot lately, but "Life happens fast, and it's happening all the time.". With this in mind I dive deep into the passion and embrace the changes.