From the 18th of February Ōtaki based artist Birgit Moffatt will show her latest work in her solo exhibition ‘Dialogue with Papatūānuku’ at our gallery ‘from out of the blue studio gallery’ in Opunake. We are very excited to have this special opportunity to engage with Birgit’s art practice which uses unconventional materials.
Birgit has woven together a new Body of Work that reflects her deep connection with Te Taiao, the natural world using a wide and sometimes unusual range of natural found objects, such as bark, vines and sticks.
‘My work is very much tied to my environment, physically and spiritually. I am spending many hours on my walks, exploring my neighboorhood at the footsteps of the Tararua Ranges. Often I come home with my pockets and hands full of precious gifts from Papatūānuku: leaves, bark, sticks, seed pods, feathers, even empty birds nests or fallen tree branches.’
In her studio she is transforming her findings into works that are aesthetically appealing, highlighting their rich textures and organic forms by stitching, weaving and hand manipulating.
While also being an artist in residence at the gallery, Birgit will begin to develop new work in response to the coastal environment of the small town on the Surf Highway.
‘I am excited to explore this part of Taranaki, an environment quite different from home, ‘up the (Ōtaki) Gorge’.
Birgit is running a wire looping workshop and is also giving a talk about her work, both on the 27th of February.
The gallery is open Thursday – Monday 1pm – 5pm , 18 Halse Place Opunake.
For workshop bookings and more info please contact Viv at the gallery (021407424).
Beautiful prints from the natural world of barks and leaves elevate the sensual silk fabrics into functional art works.
Wall Adornment – Vine, five finger petiole, waxed linen.
The Circle of Vine – Ivy, Random Woven.
In Balance With My Wairua – Mahoe wood, waxed linen, steel stand
Bark Song – Cotton, wool, eucalyptus bark, naturally dyed, whatu taniko.