STARRING DICK FRIZZELL

Space may not be the fi nal frontier it once was, yet the sun, the stars and the universe still hold a fascination for millions of people. Among them is artist Dick Frizzell, usually better known for his paintings and illustrations than his writing.

Frizzell studied at Christchurch’s Ilam School of Fine Arts from 1960 to 1963, before a long career in advertising running parallel with his successful artistic endeavours.

Kiwis have Frizzell to thank for pop art images such as Mickey to Tiki, the 4 Square Grocer, Da y to Da y, and many others as well as more traditional still life, landscape and portrait works.

In The Sun is a Star, Frizzell combines his lifelong fascination with astronomy and cosmology in a colourful book featuring illustrations by more than 30 of his artist friends, including John Pule, Greg O’Brien, John Reynolds, Judy Darragh, Grahame Sydney, Karl Maughan, and Wayne Youle.

Written with help from Samantha Lord, formerly an astronomer at Tekapō’s Mount John Observatory, The Sun is a Star demystifi es everything from White Dwarves and Black Holes to space travel.

Written with Frizzell’s hallmark self-deprecating humour, it is also infused with solid science and the sense of wonder he feels when he looks at the night sky.

As he writes, “The universe — and everything in it — is always expanding into tomorrow... What a scene, eh? More magic than magic. Magic, mysterious and beautiful. And here we are. On the third rock from the sun, fi guring it out.”

He admits to being interested in science since high school.

“I remember reading about the Big Bang, and it grew from there.

“You could say my interest in the universe parallels my interest in art.”

The latter has fi rmly cemented his place in New Zealand’s art history, not bad for a lad from Hastings who started out thinking he was the only boy there who knew how to draw. “I was always that guy in class who the teacher asked to draw things on the board.”

Pop art was his world in those days, and to a certain extent it still is, regularly interspersed among his other creations.

“I responded hugely to pop art when I discovered it, I knew immediately it was my wheelhouse.”

Decades on, Frizzell embraces numerous artistic styles, tailoring the look of a project to its demands.

As for the future: “I have another little book idea on the go, but there’s also always somebody wanting a painting.”

Published by Massey University Press, The Sun is a Star (below) will be launched later this year.

Art in the country

Whether you are wanting to fi ll a gap on the wall or searching for that something special, unusual, or unique, Lakeland Art Gallery may have just the piece you are looking for.

Only a 45-minute drive from Christchurch or Ashburton awaits the quaint town of Leeston and the friendly Ellesmere art gallery, Lakeland Art.

A small group of local artists, some from the long-established Ellesmere Art Group, came together with support from the local council and brought the gallery to life.

Since opening its doors in 2017, the gallery has been displaying beautiful art in various mediums and forms, featuring local and wider Canterbury artists.

A wide range of paintings, from established and new artists, are always on display, as well as ceramics, sculptures, and glassware. The welcoming space is open and spacious with great lighting, making for an enjoyable atmosphere to wander and get lost in the art.

The showroom is refreshed and changed monthly, meaning each time you come back you can discover new and exciting pieces, as well as the monthly featured artist display area.

For something more hands-on, the large workshop area o ers fun and educational tutorials, workshops, and various art and craft groups throughout the year.

It’s not a complete trip to Leeston without a visit to the Lakeland Art Gallery. Make a day of it by stopping for lunch at the local hotel or cafes, wandering around Lake Ellesmere and the bird hide, or checking out the little Rakaia Huts by the sea.

Find the gallery at 80 High Street, Leeston, open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. To get in touch email lakelandart@yahoo.com or phone 027 820 3045.

A wide range of paintings, from established and new artists, are always on display, as well as ceramics, sculptures, and glassware.

Looking ahead

Have you started planning for 2022? Are there any property transactions in your crystal ball?

It is hard to believe how quickly Christmas and the New Year are approaching. We are well into the second half of 2021 and as warmer weather approaches, many people are sitting down and wondering what the New Year will hold for them. CindyLee Sinclair from Harcourts Holmwood says that often that wondering involves making decisions around property.

“Whether you are upsizing, downsizing, side-sizing (not a real word, I know), or adding to or removing from your investment portfolio, property transactions can be complicated and timeconsuming. That is where real estate agents come in.”

“Buyers are pouring through my door, and I can say that keeping up with the level of enquiry is almost a full-time job. Using a real estate agent and their team of buyer’s agents ensures that you have someone with you each step of the way – someone who has the most up-to-date knowledge of new listings and often listings that haven’t even yet come to the market.”

If you are considering selling, now is a great time as the number of sellers and competition will only increase as the weather continues to improve. Get in touch with Cindy on 027 488 8616 or cindy.sinclair@harcourts.co.nz.

www.cindysinclair.harcourts.co.nz

Book & Lyrics by HOWARD ASHMAN

Music by ALAN MENKEN

Based on the film by ROGER CORMAN, Screenplay by CHARLES GRIFFITH Originally produced by WPA THEATRE (KYLE RENICK, PRODUCING DIRECTOR)

By arrangement with Music Theatre International (Australasia)

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If you are thinking of making a Real Estate decision, my team and I are here to help you every step of the way! Cindy-Lee

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