The times are tough for artists….

I, like many other artists, am experiencing the financial pinch in the aftermath of Covid and Cyclone Gabrielle. Sales have slowed down and it seemed pointless to keep making more, so my beloved clay sculptures have been standing forlornly on the bench while I procrastinate. No point in forcing it, I told myself, I need to find another way.

But then at 7am recently an email arrived in my inbox from the Richard T. Nelson Sculpture Awards coordinator to say that two of my ceramic sculptures had sold from the exhibition being held in Wellington. My reaction was one of jubilation - I cheered and danced about the room, it felt wonderful to sell some work again.

photo caption: The Helpers, both works were finalists in the Richard T. Nelson Sculpture Awards 2023

So. What do other artists do when there’s a slow-down in arts activity?  I imagine artists are looking for paid work or finding gardening tasks to do instead of getting into the studio. Or, to keep up the motivation to create work they initiate an exhibition for their work in a community gallery - such a good way of getting through difficult times.

 So back in March I began the Level 4 Certificate course at the Toimairangi Māori Creative Arts School in Hastings requiring at least 21 hours per week of study and hands-on work for the rest of the year keeping me creatively occupied with drawing and painting techniques (no clay here). I am learning things of great significance to Māori, their indigenous art forms, values and traditional beliefs by reading, currently it’s Witi Ihimaera’s book ‘Navigating the Stars – Māori Creation Myths’ and visiting the library to study the books on Māori art.

 As a Pakeha New Zealander, there’s a lot I don’t know about the indigenous culture of Aotearoa, but I am interested to learn and discover the wisdom, art forms, grace and aroha. I am enjoying the experience, it is calming and satisfying work, I am in good company and I am learning new things.