We are proud + excited to share with you three incredible artists, each inspired by the ephemeral and fleeting beauty of flora and nature. Each artist has rendered their work using contrasting materials, yet share a love for colour, texture and form. We hope you enjoy this wonderful celebration of the living world as much as we do!
We are proud + excited to share with you three incredible artists, each inspired by the ephemeral and fleeting beauty of flora and nature. Each artist has rendered their work using contrasting materials, yet share a love for colour, texture and form. We hope you enjoy this wonderful celebration of the living world as much as we do!
CHARLOTTE SUGGATE IS A WELLINGTON BASED ARTIST, HER WORK BRINGS A JOYFUL CONNECTION FROM THE OUTSIDE BOTANICAL WORLD INTO THE HOME, A SLICE OF NATURE PERMANENTLY CAPTURED. “BRUSH, BLOOM & KILN" IS A COLLECTION OF PAINTINGS THAT INVITES VIEWERS TO IMMERSE THEMSELVES IN THE WORLD OF WILD BOTANICS, CELEBRATION OF SPRING AND COLOUR, AND THE QUIET ALLURE OF THE OFTEN UNSUNG HEROES OF NATURE.
Through close-up, detailed compositions, this collection unveils the captivating essence of the botanical world, showcasing a range of botanics. Daisies are always the muse and feature heavily in this collection - also included are overgrown lawns and meadows, which may be perceived as ‘weedy’ to some, yet hold their own unique charm.
In “Brush, Bloom & Kiln," I encourage you to look beyond the surface and discover the captivating stories that wild daisies or a grassy meadow can tell. These paintings are an homage to the strength and resilience of wildflowers, in particular daisies, reminding us that even in the most unexpected places, true beauty can thrive. May "Brush, Bloom & Kiln" remind us of the beauty of all botanicals and their ability to flourish, unapologetically, amidst the chaos of the world around them.
HOLLIE RYAN, A SELF-TAUGHT ARTIST, INITIALLY PURSUED A CAREER IN LAW AFTER UNIVERSITY. SEEKING A MORE CREATIVE OUTLET, SHE EXPLORED DIVERSE PATHS, FROM DIAMOND JEWELLERY BROKERING TO ARCHITECTURAL AND INTERIOR DESIGN PRODUCTS.
Hollie's creative process involves careful study of references like photographs, botanical drawings, and real plants. She painstakingly strings tiny beads onto wire to sculpt petals, allowing room for refinement as needed. The time required for each flower varies, from simpler designs like daisies that take hours to complex pieces that demand several weeks. Her dedication lies in perfecting the initial pattern and experimenting with colours to capture a realistic likeness with her chosen materials.
Maximalism defines Hollie's design philosophy. Her work is guided by her obsession with colour and her love of abundance. On occasion, she explores minimalist styles while staying true to her artistic spirit. Her enduring fascination with flowers, botany, and nature in general continues to provide a wellspring of inspiration due to their form, colour, and the emotions they evoke.
Hollie aspires to pursue her craft full-time and explore innovative methods to enhance the realism achievable with glass and wire. She also plans to continue exhibiting her work and is deeply grateful that beaded flowers became a part of her creative journey, preserving fleeting pleasures while inviting reflection on the beauty and transience of nature.
SINCE EARNING HER BFA (HONS) AT ELAM SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS AND THE RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN, ANNIE SMITS SANDANO HAS EXHIBITED EXTENSIVELY THROUGHOUT NEW ZEALAND AND ABROAD FOR OVER 16 YEARS AS A PAINTER, PRINT MAKER AND MOST RECENTLY A CERAMICIST.
Fourteen solo exhibitions have marked an exciting evolution in her award-winning practice. The last 3 years have seen Annie selected as finalist in the New Zealand Painting and Printmaking Award, Molly Morpeth Canaday 3D Award, Portage Ceramics Award and the Walker and Hall Art Award. Three installation works have been selected as finalist for the Waiheke Walker & Hall Small Sculpture Prize for her ceramics in 2020 and 2023. Annie is the recipient of the 2023 Benefactor’s Merit Award for her ceramic wall installation piece Portrait in Clay III. Other recent achievements include a piece featured in Prince William and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge’s private collection.
"I developed and formally presented my first collection of ceramics in London and Copenhagen in the summer of 2019. A cohesive collection of ceramic works was the resulting effort of consolidated hand building, firing and glazing skills during this period. The development of this work led to having an installation piece, "Banquet", selected as one of the finalists for the 2019 Portage Ceramic Awards . This piece was shown at Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery in Auckland and Australian ceramicist Merran Esson was guest judge. “Banquet” was also the Portage Ceramic Award catalogue cover that year.
Leading on from this initial work, I have found my way of working with clay is to push and explore the possibilities within infinitely expressive material. Able to take on shape, form and texture, clay is a plastic surface capable of registering what our minds and bodies are experiencing through touch – a fixed gesture documenting an emotion. Building on the works I had already developed, I aimed to push the tactile nature of the Billow series pieces – continuing with what has now become my ceramics language – operating within the haptic, visceral, inviting touch, expressing emotion wordlessly but through form. Generating an unspoken understanding between viewer and ceramic piece. " - Annie Smits-Sandano.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to the artists, designers, makers, and creatives who have shaped Kina over the years. Your talent, dedication, and creativity are the foundation of this space, and your work has left a lasting impression on our community.
Louise Douglas is a long standing jewellery artist here at Kina, creating delicate and distinctive works inspired by her natural surroundings. We had the pleasure of asking Louise about what makes her tick and what her creative process looks like.
Holly Roach is a versatile artist known for her gorgeously emotive landscapes. Sweeping brush strokes and a striking array of colours inspired by natural surroundings set the tone within her luscious compositions.
We are excited to invite you to participate in our upcoming exhibition, Journeyscapes, which will be held in August 2024. This exhibition will explore the multifaceted concept of journeys, delving into both the physical and metaphorical paths that shape our experiences and identities.
