Johnnies Joint!

Neighbours that are friends make your living environment, outside the house, something of a pleasurable life. I look forward to catching them, chatting, venting and of course 'gossip'. Besides that-it's fun, sociable and safe. Being lucky enough to have 'Johhny' as neighbour however is a rare find. Truly the most giving 'man-friend' that I know and allows us to enjoy his railway cottage in Rangataua, Ohakune, Mt Ruapehu. Built in the early 1900's, a rustic getaway with pure heritage luxury (the cottage was also used in the New Zealand iconic movie - 'Smash Palace' released in 1981).





Johhny brought the joint in 2004 in a crumbling state and with his own hands (and devoted friends helping) restored the building to it's current glory. Most of the furniture is from his sisters business - 'In House Furniture', however historic and vintage pieces are used to give atmosphere and experience. Above the fireplace is found objects from the grounds while digging. A lead toy race car, a vintage rosebud dresser handle, tins, horse shoes and rusted iron railway nails to name a few.

Summer shores ahead.

The above artwork was commissioned for an in-home business (introduction/dating service).
My brief was for the room to be inviting, relaxed, airy and non-gender specific.
The apartment was extremely new and extremely cream, including furniture (the couch by the way was not to have any cushions and the owner didn't want any floor rugs). A blank space that needed complementing tones with a hint of vivid 'pop out'.
Close to the beach therefore the painting was inspired by sea colours and movement. I hand painted the vases to match the tones from the artwork and of course orange Tiger Lilies (not shown as sat in corner) set off the amazing tea-light holders.
Acrylic on canvas.
Hope you like, until we meet again...

My Place!

You can't say my place isn't colourful.
Surrounded by a sea of blue with off sitting primary colours is the abode that I reside in. Rob Roy yellow, deep chillie reds and victor blues. Hints of fresh green give it life.
I love my home, it's always warm and never unhappy.
I've still got the accents of the ball droplets from Christmas hanging in the lounge. An added interest that visitors always comment on.
One of my pieces of artwork, 'The Red Rose' (shown above) took me around 5 days to complete. Acrylic on canvas but with many layers to almost take on the texture of oil painting with a glass, transparent element. However I don't take art seriously, it's an outlet for me and I only do it when I have the urge. I go through patches of not doing any and then all of a sudden I see a space, get inspired and go hard out. No pre-drawing or research, just 'do it'.
I'll post more artwork as I get the hang of this blog so until we meet again....

A new expression!!

So lillylove to be here.

Who am I?
I am an artist, a creative, someone who appreciates good design and inspired creations - anything beautiful. I am a Visual Merchandiser, Window dresser, Interior Designer, Display worker and gets to enjoy my life within a retail environment. I am the General Manager of "The Pyjama Co" in New Zealand, Auckland.
www.pyjama.co.nz
Above is one of the many window displays I have created. 'Springtime in Paris' is the first of September stock, showing elements of rich colours through bold backgrounds and feminine flowers. Black is still strong and sexy but is softened by the scene. A rewarding display that enhanced the store and merchandise.
Throughout my blog I will be showing my displays. I hope to inspire others, receive constructive comments and grow.
I hope to see you all back for more. Until we meet again...