Rediscovering Art

Scattered Nudes

When I first moved to Devonport, almost three years ago, I was excited to see that I was within walking distance of the Community House. Walking distances are important when you don't drive, you see, and I was keen to get involved in some activities. Well, due to another committment, it was only three month ago that I started the Life Drawing class at DCH.

I say it's a class, but our tutor Suza, is happy to let us do our own thing, serving more as organiser than teacher. I love it! We've had a variety of models, and the group itself is also varied - all ages, skill level, and styles. It's a very social gathering, and a lot of fun. 

It had been a long time since I'd really drawn anything - I did art at high school, and oil painting with the art society before that. But, despite buyng supplies now and then, I really stopped painting and drawing when I started university. And given I was studing for near on 10 years, it was a long break! And I guess when I came out the other side, I was more "crafty" than "arty", making things more than statements.

Not that I'm making statements with my art now, but I am having fun. I've discovered a passion for soft pastels and pastel pencils, colour and shading, and love the no-pressure environment a lot. I'm glad I finally got around to going. Community Education is a bit in limbo in terms of funding, but to be honest, I don't expect the governemnt to subsidise my life drawing! I'd happily pay more than I do - thoguh I certainly understand the opinions of those running/attendng more vocational type courses. 

Auckland Domain

For a while, my "arty" moments were left for dabbling in amateur photography, but these days I'm more likely to be photographing yarn and knitted objects than anything else.

One thing I still miss about Christchurch is my proximity to lovely trees, interesting light, clouds, and sites. So, when I headed up to the museum a couple of months back (for World Wide Knit In Public Day, of all things), I took my camera and took a stroll through the domain on my way. Not quite the majestic oaks of Hagley Park, but good enough!.