Things got REAL...

I have needed to take a creative break as I have had an artist-block for the past 3-4 years and have no longer had access to a dedicated space for painting/creating artwork...  I am slowly working at getting back into my creative side and working around the Parkinson's Disease (Parkies).  Im thinking that I will definitely do really BIG paintings and let the Parkies do the talking!! There are ideas for paintings floating around in my head waiting to be 'birthed'.  I will share those as they emerge...

Thanks to the beautiful soul Elaina, with whom I had a lovely coffee date this morning and who has given me a 'kick-start' to get back in tune with my creativity!

Thanks for being patient with me all my lovelies...sending love and light to all who have stopped by for a look at my work...

It IS What It Is...

I have recently ‘come out’ publically about having Parkinson’s Disease (PD…yep, like Michael J Fox).  I originally developed a ‘resting’ tremor in my right hand (and yes…I’m right-handed), which affects me when I’m trying to get to sleep, trying to relax, holding a cup or bottle or glass when I extend my arm e.g. holding a glass out to someone, holding the camera to take photos and most annoyingly, when I’m painting/creating artworks… I was diagnosed with PD by a Wellington neurologist about mid-2009.  My PD tremors become more pronounced when I feel strong emotions (stress, excitement, anxiety), in some social situations, if I’m unwell, too hungry or too cold. I used to try to hide the tremors by sitting on my hand or ‘pocketing it’ but I try not to do that anymore because…it is what it is…

Late in 2012 my partner and I discussed making the move with our little family to the Gold Coast (Queensland, Australia), to see if a warmer climate would help, to see a PD specialist for a second opinion, and to have an adventure!  By June 2013 we had made the big move.  Over two years on and we love the lifestyle on the Gold Coast - Paradise! I’m definitely appreciating the warm climate, we have a much more active lifestyle (cycling and walking the dogs) and I have lost a bit more weight (Yay – go me!).  I am seeing my new specialist about 6 monthly, he is a bit more ‘user-friendly’ and he is adjusting my meds as required to account for any changes in symptoms. The tremors have however become slightly more pronounced and I have also developed a slight cognitive processing delay, which affects my short term memory  and I sometimes have difficulty accessing words when I’m talking (haha, love it when my friends try to guess the word I’m looking for).  Stress and high emotions still exacerbate the tremors but again…it is what it is!

I use our converted garage as my art studio, for which I’m very grateful.  Although I did create a few artworks when I first set up, I have had ‘artist’s block’ since about June 2014 and I’ve just begun to paint again.  I spent that time studying/training to become a swim teacher, (which is a great job for keeping active), and working out ways to manage the PD.  I have begun to be a bit more patient with myself (yes, I had to take my own advice dammit!) and I have learned to ask for help when I need it, and rest when I need to.  As for creating artworks, I need to make sure that I’ve created the right conditions; that I’m fed, hydrated, warm and calm…and that I have given myself time to get in the ‘zone’. 

I believe that my main challenge has been getting to grips with the PD symptoms; the tremors (and the resulting aches and pains) which now affect my right arm and leg, the general fatigue, and the moments of frustration and fear that come with having PD.  I am by nature reasonably optimistic, I think that having a positive attitude helps and having so much to be grateful for.  I love living here in Paradise, and appreciate the support of my lovely family and friends and although I will have ‘off days’ I will not let PD define me.  And as for my artwork…if I end up so shaky that I can’t work in my usual style I will get BIG canvasses and let the PD tremors help me to create awesome abstract artworks!  

Decisions... Decisions...

Hmmm... I was thinking about popping a turtle or maybe a dolphin in this undersea wave action but now I'm thinking it may stand as is... What do you think? Please let me know what you think in the 'comment' section below or tweet me on twitter.com/littletaniwha  

"City to Sea" Painting

"City to Sea"

A homage to Wellington City and the City to Sea Bridge by Paratene Matchitt. 

You can't beat Wellington on a good day! :)))

Acrylic on canvas

600mm x 500mm

Op-shop Lamp/Canvas...new artwork

Found this lamp at the op shop, it was white with dirt and stains on it so of course I had to bring it home...I could see straight away the possibilities and got to work on the background...Now it's the Turtle Lamp :)) (Of course!) 

My Studio Buddy

Artwork for Our Living Room

On the wall of the Living Room ~ yay :)))

And here they are....both finished!!
Scroll down to see the progression photos...
Kapiti Island with Kowhaiwhai and Siapo patterns

Mana Island with Samoan Tatau patterns (frigate birds and taro leaf)
and Kaitiaki figure

Finally, I'm getting around to creating some artwork just for me and my family...  

 A combination of Maori and Samoan designs to represent my family, whanau, aiga...

 and representing places I love and where I belong...

Commission for Jenina and Neil - Kapiti at Sunset

This commisioned piece was done for my friends Jenina and Neil just before I moved to the Gold Coast, Queensland and depicts Kapiti Island from Pukerua Bay beach at sunset with the light of a driftwood fire lighting the branches of a pohutukawa tree

Commission for Lucie - "Kapiti with Moody Sea" - A Progression

Commission for Biddy and Al - "Fantail and Paua" - a progression

Brief: 

Kapiti Island, 

Pohutukawa Branch with Piwaiwaka (fantail), 

Paua Shell (abalone) and Paua colours throughout...

Background begun...

 Kapiti Island begun...

 Light and shadow....

 Sea and sky....

 Pohutukawa branch...

 Ghost Piwaiwaka (fantail)...

 Piwaiwaka done, lines done, ghost Paua...

 Paua done, pohutukawa flowers begun...

 Outlines done...

Finished!

Paua detail

 Piwaiwaka and Pohutukawa detail

My Farewell Exhibition

On Sunday 28th April I held a Farewell Exhibition consisting of my Turtle Series plus three of my Black and White Series to raise funds to help me get my dogs over to Oz with me....

The Pukerua Bay Angels organised, catered and helped me to set up, and friends and family came along and supported....Thank you so very much ladies...you were awesome...and thank you too to everyone who came and supported, hung out and enjoyed the afternoon. :)

My sister Dee, me and the Pukerua Bay Angels - Jane, Jenina,  Lucie, and Carla.

                                              This painting I donated to The Koha Shed to help raise funds for advertising

Commissioned piece for Angela - "Puke Rua" - a progression

Finished Painting "Puke Rua" (Two Hills)

Progression of Artwork...

Sketched up

Background done...

Puke Rua...Two Hills

Mokomoko - lizard started

Samoan Design started

Getting there

Nearly finished Samoan Design

Puke Rau - outlined and finished

Samoan Design finished, Puke Rua finished, Lizard nearly finished

 Te Atua (God figure) started

Getting there...