Hold on to Peace - Image courtesy Ira Mitchell-Kirk

Hold on to Peace - Image courtesy Ira Mitchell-Kirk

Wednesday 30 June 2010

Legato on Tour: Roccasecca (FR)


Legato opens again this weekend, having the honour of being the first official exhibition in a new gallery in Roccasecca (FR).


Stone walls well over 500 years old provide a very different context for the works, giving them a chapel-like setting.


Viewers coming down the stairs encounter first the powerful and poignant watercolour portraits by Sarah Scott. The reception area hosts the smaller, more personal works by Eleanor Wright and Kay de Lautour, while Ann Fletcher's work hangs peacefully over the piano, inviting quiet contemplation. Also to the left of the stairwell is the exquisite mosaic bust by Janice Corbishley, resting on a marble surface in front of an antique mirror which shows it to full advantage.

In the main gallery works by Margaret Piggott are grouped to tell a story. Theresa Cashmore's three works form one unified entity, adding a powerful message as the lights catch the gold leaf text and lead the viewer in to the many layers of messages. Across from this Ira Mitchell's "A Hero at Peace" is strong yet gentle as it offers solace to the bereaved.

The tombstone works by Sally Blyth are lit by candles in an alcove, picking out the softly incadescent glow not visible under the gallery lights in Cassino.

Late arrivals join the exhibition: Susan McPhee's work is on display for the first time in Italy and the four heart-shaped poetry/collage works by Beate Minderjahn combine to occupy one alcove of the gallery.


Other exhibiting artists include Margherita Giampietri, Frances Rookes, Pamela Tapp, Lorraine Beattie, Angela Laby, Rachel Olsen, Stan Blanch, Merv Appleton, Jon Stevenson, Helen Moore, Kari Lindsay-Beale, Lisa-Jane Harvey, Cath Sheard, Gail Boyle, Jenny Bennett, Katherine Batchelor, Linda Dickens, Lisa Taylor-King and Susan Edge.

Legato will be open to the public from this weekend, and may be seen by appointment throughout the summer.

(Photographs are a preview only, with some of the work not fully in place in these pictures).

Monday 21 June 2010

Poppies for Remembrance

Artist Gail Boyle chose poppies as the theme of two of her works for Legato. The bright and clear images not only drew on the theme of remembrance but also gave messages of hope and life and added to the distinctly New Zealand presence in the venue.
Remembrance IRemembrance II


Gail Boyle

Nato ed educato ad Auckland, dipingere e' stata una mia passione fin dall'infanzia.

E' diventata poi una forma di meditazione, nel modo in cui mi immergo profondamente in forme, colori, luci e tessiture.

Trovo incoraggiante lavorare con varie tecniche e stili: al momento sto sperimentando gli acrilici, anche se la mia tecnica favorita rimarra' sempre la pittura ad olio.

Il mio lavoro si sviluppa con le esperienze di vita, permettendo ad ogni dipinto di conservare la freshezza e la spontaneita' del momento.

Sono stato molto fortunato nel ricevere una carriera di successo, ad avere i miei lavori in buona vista grazie alle pubblicazioni sul mercato internazionale.

Amo condividere la mia passione con gli altri, attraverso mostre ed insegnando arte, in Nuova Zelanda e all'estero.

La maggior parte dei miei lavori viene creata nel mio studio/galleria in Browns Bay. Le mie opere sono tenute in collezioni private, di Businesses e Governative.

***

Born and educated in Auckland, NZ, painting has been a passion since childhood. It becomes a form of meditation as I deeply immerse myself in all shape, form, colour, light and texture. I enjoy the challenge of working in a variety of mediums and styles, but my favourite remains - timeless Oils. I am now totally enjoying Acrylics. My work evolves with life’s experiences, enabling each painting to retain the freshness and spontaneity of the moment.

I have been richly blessed with success throughout my career, my works being well sought after for publication on the international market. I enjoy sharing my passion with others, via exhibitions and teaching art groups both throughout NZ and overseas.

The majority of my work is held in my home Studio/Gallery in Browns Bay. My paintings are held internationally in private, Corporate and Governmental collections.



Gail's "Faith, Freedom and Fun" provided a bright splash of colour above the deep blue chairs in the venue, and the abstract work allows the viewer to explore the free movement and mingling of the fresh, vibrant work which lifts the spirits and brightens the exhibition with its splash of colour.


It was very clear that this collection of work was from another culture, and colour was one of the aspects that highlighted this. Another striking feature was the diversity of the works, both in subject and media, while all following the two themes of peace and remembrance.

Saturday 19 June 2010

Cool Kids Want Peace


Cool Kids Want Peace

Cools Kids Respect Other Cultures

Cool Kids Use Kind Words


German-born Kiwi artist Beate Minderjahn supplied Legato with tee-shirts to be distributed to local children. These shirts were given to young visitors to the exhibition, and more will be distributed, along with the message of peace, in two weeks time. Some went to America with tourists, but most will remain here in Italy. The messages, written in English, are mostly understood by the public, although some of the grandparents visiting with little ones have asked for translations.

My sincere thanks go to Beate for her very generous gift and positive actions, quietly but effectively promoting the message of peace.

Monday 14 June 2010

Try to Remember Everything.


"Try to Remember Everything" by Susan McPhee is a deceptively simple piece, and photographs cannot do the sensitive acrylic/mixed media art work justice.

The artist explains her symbolism and inspiration:

The concept for ‘Try to Remember Everything’ is a New Zealand Totara tree growing in an Italian landscape. Private Jimmy Landreth, my husband’s uncle, of whom this painting is in honour, was born and raised in Owaka, The Catlins, surrounded by native bush. The totara is a valued and highly regarded tree, important for its long lasting qualities and mighty presence in the forest. On the totara I have mementos hanging which mimic a soldiers ‘dog-tag’. The mementos represent soldiers, civilians, family and also the brutal, senseless aspects of war. There are 23 in total - Jimmy’s age when he was killed in action at Rimini, Italy.

‘Try to remember everything lest we forget’.


Il concetto del "cercare di tenere vivo il ricordo di qualsiasi cosa" e' come una pianta di Totara neo zelandese che cresce in un paesaggio Italiano.

Private Jimmy Landreth, zio di mio marito, a cui questo dipinto e'dedicato, e' nato e cresciuto ad Owaka, nel Catlins, una zona circondata da alberi nativi. Il totara e' considerato un albero di gran valore, di una certa importanza, per le sue qualita' durature e per la sua maestosa presenza nella foresta. Ad un totara tengo appesi "souvenirs", simboli che ricordano le medaglie dei soldati. Gli oggetti dedicati alla memoria rappresentano i soldati, i civili, la famiglia e anche il brutale, insensato aspetto della guerra. Ce ne sono 23 in totale, come gli anni di Jimmy al momento in cui venne ucciso, in azione a Rimini.

"Cercando di ricordare tutto, prima che vada dimenticato"

***

L'arte per me e' l'espressione propria della persona che la crea. - e' il linguaggio visuale dell'anima. Ho sempre avuto un debole per la creazione dell'arte. Sin dall'infanzia mio padre mi ha trasmesso l'amore per il disegno, ma e' stato soltanto da adulta che mi sono sentita veramente attratta da una vita creativa. Nel 2006, dopo aver conseguito un Diploma in Arte e Creativita' alla Learning Connexion, ho messo su il mio studio da casa in Balclutha.

Come artista sono interessata all'espressione o alla cattura dell'essenza del soggetto da me scelto. La mia speranza e' quella di evocare l'impressione di un posto o di un momento, o di un pensiero o un sentimento – per creare una connessione emotiva con l'osservatore. Sono costantemente ispirata dalla natura e dalla bellezza naturale che mi circonda, che sia essere nel mio giardino circondata dagli esseri che lo abitano, piuttosto che in un campo del paesaggio del Sud della Nuova Zelanda. Sono orientata verso gli oggetti vintage che hanno una loro storia passata. Anche gli uccelli sono soggetti ricorrenti, elementi che tendono a ricordarmi della loro funzione “ il mantenimento dell'equilibrio tra cielo e terra”.

La mia tecnica si e' evoluta dall'uso unicamente dei colori al mescolamento di immagini in tecnica mista – compresi collages, texture, stampe, carboncini/matite e vernici. La pittura si sviluppa tramite vari livelli, che spesso prendono una loro propria direzione, e questo e' quello che piu' mi soddisfa nel processo creativo del portare questi elementi alla vita.

Adoro fare ricerca di materiali e riciclare, trovando sempre un modo per farne buon uso nei miei lavori. Le mie opere sono originali, uniche e piuttosto stravaganti.
In memoria di James Landreth, 22esimo Battaglione Nuova Zelanda 1921 – 3/10/1944
Credo nell'ascoltare i sussurri della propria anima. Quando mi e' stata proposta l'opportunita' di una mostra in Italia per la “Pace e la Memoria” , mi e' da subito sembrata una cosa giusta da fare.

Nonostante nessuno dei membri della nostra famiglia sia direttamente connesso alla battaglia di Montecassino, Pte James (Jimmy) Landreth fu ucciso in azione a Rimini, nell'Ottobre 1944. E' sepolto al Cimitero di Guerra di Cesena, Forli'. Sappiamo che fu coinvolto nell'attacco a Firenze durante il Luglio del 1944, pochi mesi dopo la battaglia di Cassino. Il ritratto di Jimmy in divisa da soldato e' tornato in nostro possesso solo recentemente ed e' ora appeso nel nostro ingresso. Aveva 23 anni quando venne ucciso ed e' un privilegio per me onorare il suo coraggio e fare luce sulle oscurita'.


Artist Statement:

To me art is the unique expression of the person creating it – it is visual language of the soul. I have always kindled a passion for the creating of art. From childhood my father fostered a love of drawing in me but it wasn’t until adulthood that I was once again inspired to live a creative life. In 2006, after completing a Diploma of Art & Creativity with The Learning Connexion, I set up a studio at my home in Balclutha.

As an artist I am interested in expressing or capturing the essence of my subject. My hope is to evoke impressions of a place or time, thought, or mood – to make an emotional connection with the viewer. I’m continually inspired by nature and the natural beauty that surrounds me, be it my garden and its inhabitants or further a field to the Southern New Zealand landscape. I am drawn to vintage things with a past life or history. Birds are also a reoccurring subject matter and I’m always reminded of the message they bring - ‘for balance between heaven and earth’.

My technique has evolved from using purely paint to combining painted images with mixed media techniques - incorporating collage, texture, printing, charcoal/pencil and varnishes. Paintings evolve through layers, often taking their own pathway and I gain much pleasure from the creative process involved in bringing them to life. I love sourcing and recycling materials and devising ways of using them in my work. My artworks are original, unique and often a bit quirky.

In Memory of Private James Landreth, 22nd NZ Battalion 1921 - 3/10/1944

I believe in listening to the whispers of your soul. When the opportunity to exhibit in Italy for 'Peace and Commemoration' was presented to me it just seemed so right. Although our family member is not directly linked to the Cassino battle, Pte James (Jimmy) Landreth was killed in action at Rimini, Italy, October 1944. He is buried at the Cesena War Cemetery, Flori, Italy. We know he was involved in the approach to Florence during July 1944, a few months after the Cassino battles. Jimmy's army portrait has recently come into our possession and now hangs in our hallway. On researching Jim'my's life history his character seemed to come alive. He was 23 years old when killed in action and it is my privilege to honour his bravery and 'light up the darkness'.

Sue McPhee
New Zealand

Tuesday 8 June 2010

Specimens of War.

Katherine Batchelor's work for Legato held the attention of the historians and the children of Cassino for a particularly long time. Each specimen dish contains images and memorabilia, building up snapshots in time that are both personal and universal. Children wanted to understand the significance of every dish.


Katherine Batchelor

Nata a Helensville nel 1965, Katherine e' un'artista di tecnica mista, diplomata nel 2006 in Arte e Artigianato presso la Hungry Creek Art and Craft school e che oggi lavora nello studio di casa a Red Beach. Le esperienze personali, i problemi socio-ambientali, si mescolano nella creazione di opere espressive e suggestive.

Lyall George Taylor, D.O.B 29/3/1920
Service No: 408459
Rank Private
Seconda Guerra Mondiale NZEF 24th Battaglione - Italy
Durata del servizio - 3 anni

Lyall George Taylor, marito, figlio, zio, nonno, nipote e amico di molti e padre di quattro figli, Frank, Denise, Quinton e la sottoscritta Katherine, non ha mai parlato molto con noi della guerra.

Ma noi abbiamo sempre percepito l'effetto che questa ha avuto sulla sua anima.
Lui era orgoglioso di difendere la propria patria e deciso a morire per il compagno che combatteva accanto a lui, ma c'era una profonda tristezza nelle cose di cui ha fatto esperienza.
E questi effetti negativi sono stati tramandati a noi, ai suoi figli, nel suo modo di esserci padre.
Prego per la pace nel mondo.

***

Born in Helensville in 1965, Katherine is a mixed media artist who graduated in 2006 with an Art and Craft Diploma from Hungry Creek Art and Craft school and who now works from a studio at her home in Red Beach. Personal experiences, environmental and social issues intermingle to create expressive and evocative works.

Lyall George Taylor, D.O.B 29/3/1920
Service No: 408459
Rank Private
World War II NZEF 24th Battalion
Theatre of War - Italy
Length of Service - 3 years

Lyall George Taylor, a husband , a son, an uncle, a granddad, a nephew and a friend to many, and a father to the four of us {Frank, Denise, Quinton, and myself, Katherine , never spoke much to us of the war. But we felt the affect it had had on his soul. He was proud to defend his country and willing to fall for his mate beside him but there was a deep sadness about the things he had experienced. And those affects have been passed to us , his children, in the way he fathered us. I pray for world peace.

Thursday 3 June 2010

Legato continues to spread the message

Legato is on the move. A proud but still incredulous bus driver managed to load his delicate cargo with skills that would make a tetris player weep!

Paintings were sorted into "large, small, well protected, less cushioned, works with glass, extra fragile..." and then slotted into the van with great care. There wasn't a cubic inch to spare, and in fact the back view was all cardboard, right to the roof. Once safely on the move the driver called his father to warn that the mini bus might well be stopped by the carabinieri on the way home, and on arrival he photographed his handiwork before we began the task of unloading. Feedback still comes in from people who have seen, or wished that they had seen, the exhibition in Cassino. While most of the work is safely in storage awaiting the next showing in Italy, various pieces have had to come out again as people ask to see their favourite items again.

Twelve works by six artists have new owners, others are "under negotiation" and some work has returned to New Zealand with the artists to pre-arranged sales or other exhibitions. The remaining works can (just) fit into a mini-bus and will be shown again in Italy at other venues.

More interesting to me though are not the sales but the comments. Several pieces have emerged as having really powerful messages, and are much admired. These are also the pieces that should remain in a public collection rather than private homes. One in particular has "almost sold" several times, then on reflection the would-be owners have decided that the work would disturb them too much as they looked at it daily. We can be sure that that image ("Ritirata" by Margherita Giampietri), along with other images, has left an indelible impression on many viewers.

Comments include (in translation)
"Our compliments, this exhibition has touched us deeply. Best wishes and happiness to you from a couple whose hearts you have moved so much".
"You can feel that the works have been made from the heart"
"Thankyou for sharing your culture in this fantastic exhibition"
"Magnificent"
"Truly touching and emotional"
"Of a high level, congratulations"
"Very moving, you can "feel" the message that this exhibition is about".
"Touching and thoughtful works"
"These works should stay together as a collection and travel further, wonderful exhibition"
"That soldier really speaks to me"
"Many compliments, it is a beautiful exhibition"
"Very, very beautiful"
"This exhibition truly "makes you feel" that it has been created with great feeling and passion".
"An exhibition that is really "poetic", my compliments to the artists and organisers".

Visitors included people from Germany, Poland, America, Canada, New Zealand and of course local Italians. Many of the people from Cassino and nearby towns returned several times, really getting to know the works and the messages behind them.

My heartfelt thanks go to those who continue to spread the message behind the exhibtion, keeping it alive even now the works are no longer on display.

And, for some of the artists, there was time to relax a little, enjoy some good Italian food in the host town of Roccasecca, and reflect on their experiences of cultural differences and similarities, and working together for a more peaceful world.