Brush + Bloom + Kiln

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!

Brush + Bloom + Kiln

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...

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...

"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.

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