GARETH BARLOW
’Through The Veil’
Available Artworks Catalogue
Who
and what inspires your artwork?
For me, my art has mostly been about connections. Connection to people, to land, to culture. Traversing the relational space between Pākehā and Māori worlds. Exploring my own deep whakapapa through my Celtic and Nordic roots, yet expressing it through a spiritual connection to Tangata Whenua and their philosophies. A connection made stronger through six generations of my family who rest in this land.
What can we expect to see in this upcoming exhibition?
‘Through The Veil’ reflects on birds as icons of our identity as New Zealanders. Quintessential Kiwi symbols that resonate for all. Something we identify with as both Māori and Pākehā. Through both Celtic and Māori traditions, birds are seen as messengers. Conduits between our world and the spirit world. They are kaitiaki of our special places. I like to paint and draw these beautiful animals in large formats so we can explore the details and complexities of these otherwise, simple little creatures. Maybe it can be a way of getting to know them better, in hope that one day they may listen to us, and take our little message to someone we once loved.
info@artbay.co.nz | www.artbay.co.nz | 03 442 9090
Tell us more about your creative process?
I’m still a 9 to 5 kind of guy. Well, 7.30 to 4 at least. And generally when I am in my studio I am creating. After 30 years as a conceptual creative, I often think about ideas in my head before getting anything down. So when I do get into my studio, I can hit the ground running. I have three different disciplines and I would be happy to describe myself and a prolific maker. Although I do enter my studio with a general idea of what I am doing, I do love to let things happen organically. Colours and compositions that manifest as you work create a wonderful energy. Māori believe artists are simply conduits through which the gods create. I love that notion. And wherever possible, I like to open an invitation for ancestors and beyond to join me in my journey and creative process.
13 Marine Parade, Queenstown, New Zealand
