Jocelyn Friis
SELF-TAUGHT SUSTAINABILITY
Jocelyn Friis went to a Steiner school in South Africa, where creativity is a part of everyday school life. This set the foundation for her creative life. “I have always loved to create. I believe strongly in pursuing what you love but it was only during my ‘mid-life’ years that I truly found my way in art. I realised I was not living true to myself. I am now free to express what I cannot with words. I love the freedom of intuitively laying down paint on the canvas. I see so much intertwining between painting and life – so many lessons to learn.”
Her biggest obstacle has been her mindset. “I have really had to work on believing that my work is worthwhile and contributing to the good in this world. Professionally, it is always a challenge to stay on top of things, stay visible and market myself. Perseverance is key and being able to take the losses with the gains.”
Gwyn Hughes
NATURAL PROGRESSION
NATURAL PROGRESSIONGwyn Hughes’ father and grandfather used to paint and it was a natural progression for him to become an artist. Gaining a National Diploma at Wrexham College of Art, Wales between 1980-1982, he was excited to explore his creativity and find his own path and as most artists do, he took inspiration from all of the great artists he came across. Gwyn tells us his story.
I first came to New Zealand in the 70s through a joinery internship. I joined a band, secured a couple of residencies in Christchurch and stayed for five years. After moving back to Wales from New Zealand, I would pop into a gallery run by a local artist, David Williams. I started to draw birds and local landscapes, and paint watercolours, and I was encouraged to pursue the arts as a career. I completed my four-year Illustration and Design Diploma in two years. I have never been a great one for entering exhibitions or awards but know as an artist it’s how you put yourself out there. I have been very lucky throughout my art career and I have received loads of support from family and friends who have always offered encouragement and critique.
Nancy Frazer
Nancy Frazer is a full-time self-taught artist who specialises in contemporary art, using acrylics on canvas with a strong emphasis on textures and vibrant colours. She has never had any formal training. “Growing up in Singapore, I always wanted to be an artist from a young age but circumstances did not allow me to pursue that dream. I married and moved to New Zealand in the early eighties, but it was not until the late nineties, after raising a family that I was able to fulfil my dream.
Nancy Frazer is a full-time self-taught artist who specialises in contemporary art, using acrylics on canvas with a strong emphasis on textures and vibrant colours. She has never had any formal training. “Growing up in Singapore, I always wanted to be an artist from a young age but circumstances did not allow me to pursue that dream. I married and moved to New Zealand in the early eighties, but it was not until the late nineties, after raising a family that I was able to fulfil my dream.“In 2008, I was one of eight artists selected by the NZ Art Guild to display a painting in London in aid of the NZ Shore Plover. ‘Suze’ in Mayfair, London agreed to exhibit the works in its gallery. An auction of the paintings was then held at the residence of the NZ High Commissioner to the UK. I was also invited by ‘Avinki Ltd’ to exhibit my artworks at the New Zealand Avant-Garde Showcase held in Hong Kong in February/March 2009. In 2012 I was selected as a finalist in the second art contest organised by ‘Artavista.com’ and sponsored by ‘World Wide Art Books’, where I received an ‘Honourable Mention’. I have also been selected as a finalist on two occasions, for the ‘Molly Morpeth Canaday’ art awards held in Whakatane.”
Lorna Allan
A PASSIONATE PROCESS
A PASSIONATE PROCESSOtautau Gallery in Southland and The Artists Room Fine Art Gallery in Dunedin are a far cry from Alaska, such is the range of locations and distance the artwork of Lorna Allan has travelled. “I have paintings in Alaska, other parts of the US, Australia and the UK.”
From simple beginnings of chalk on a blackboard, to what you see today highlights years of experience and expression. “I have had no formal training as in art school. In those days education for girls was considered a waste of time and money as we would only get married and have children. I recall clearly the first day I started school at High Street School, Dunedin. The teacher gave me a piece of chalk and I was allowed to draw on a board with my name on it while she got the other children onto their work. When I had finished, I took the chalk to the teacher to give it back to her. She said, “Oh no dear. That’s yours for always as long as it lasts”. I was overwhelmed with her kindness as I had been told I was to learn reading, writing and numbers and not to play around with “that rubbish” at school.”
