Article: Inhabitant
On The Edge - Art Gallery & Design A Retail Art Experience
When entering the unassuming staircase on number 69 Walton Street, leading up to the newly opened venture of Richard and Shari’s art gallery ‘ON THE EDGE’, I was quietly contemplating on how to confront both initiative takers, on the fact that their gallery is not that easy to locate.
However, those that seek shall find, and in the case of ON THE EDGE, it is well worth trying since when arriving on the top of that rather “unassuming staircase” I was greeted by a sensation that turned ‘unassuming’ into ‘rather fascinating’. Everything about the place feels right and you can sense immediately that there are people with a passion at work here.
Taking It All In
After having gotten over that initial warm and fuzzy first impression my eyes start to consume the many different works of art surrounding me. The colours on the walls that, even although they are bold and daring, complement the exposed pieces of art in an exquisitely beautiful way. I move myself from room to room soaking up the atmosphere and letting myself be engulfed by what is visually a feast to look at.
Look Touch Enjoy
There is so much to enjoy that not touching is not an option. Part of the current exposition, shows wall art from textile artist Francien Bot and her pieces, which incorporate a multitude of fabrics such as silk, velvet, and organza are that radiant and diverse that one is urged to touch and feel. Fortunately, both Shari and Richard do not have a problem with this, as a matter of fact, Richard is rather outspoken about his definition of art and he says that art is an experience to be enjoyed by each and every individual in their own personal way using all human senses. Richard’s aim and ambition with ‘ON THE EDGE’ is to let both seasoned art-loving visitors as much as the absolute novices enjoy his assemblage of every exposition.
For All To Enjoy
Many people can feel intimidated by art, believing that you have to have great intellectual skills in order to understand it. Contrary to what many people believe, you do not have to be a specialist in art in order to enjoy and criticise it. Anyone with an eye can look at a work of art and decide if they like it or not. The most difficult part is defending that opinion. The only way you get to experience this is by visiting as many art expositions as possible and with the beautiful collection currently on show at ‘ON THE EDGE’ makes for a great starting point.
ON THE EDGE Gallery & Design is determined to show a variation of art forms at each exposition; at present you will find glass, ceramics, and wall art using oils, acrylics, watercolours, and fabrics. The contributing artists sourced both locally as well as nationally are a mixture of acclaimed as much as new artists.
Name Dropping
They include Royce McGlashen from Nelson, who’s show-casing a range of pottery, functional and designed to capture the Kiwi affinity with the coast – pipi, cockle, clam and paua bowls, salt & pepper rocks to name but a few. Greg Barron & Jin Ling -these well-known local artists produce stunning pottery and ceramic work. Tanya Finlayson – showing linoleum cut work on wood blocks – a lovely range of native birds. Neil Beart –delightful paintings in watercolours. Francien Bot – vibrant explosion of colour expressed in fabric art wall hangings. Richard Cranenburgh – mixed media painter/artist and the co-owner of the gallery.
In The Workshop
Richard’s idea to bring art and the experience of art closer to you as an individual extends to him arranging a selection of ‘hands-on’ workshops. These workshops will enable you to get a closer understanding of a particular medium, its use, forms, and functions. Workshops tutored by experts are set out to inspire you to get creative in working with the chosen medium as well as providing you with the choice to look into learning more.
The first workshop on the agenda is a watercolour class tutored by Neil Beart on Saturday the 19th of November from 9.30am to 12.30pm. For spending $46,- per person, this hands-on course is designed for those with little or no experience and will provide practical water-colour painting techniques. Discovering the magic of using this easy to use medium in a relaxed and fun environment with a completed painting to take home with you at the end of the day will encourage you to get you started on your creative journey. All materials as well as morning tea are provided.
Photo: Francien Bot, showing one of her fabric wall hangings at On The Edge Gallery
