Katie Blundell the jung

Left to right: Watermelon in the hot; Katie Blundell with some of her ‘Fruity’ series; Lofty Dreams.

Katie Blundell –

THE JUNG AND THE SCULPTRESS

Based at Clevedon’s Riverhaven Artland, Katie Blundell is at the heart of art in our region. Recently, JON RAWLINSON made the pilgrimage to this splendid sculpture park to chat with her and her father, Guy.

Clevedon’s Katie Blundell is an impressive artist; following Carl Jung’s concept of the collective unconscious, it could also be said that she is merely the conduit through which impressive art is channelled.

“In a way, that’s true – I’m as much a product of my work as my work is of me,” she says. “I have some idea of where I’m going when I start a piece but I feel the process will inform it. I think others relate to the thoughts and feelings that come across because they’re all based on human experience. I wear my heart on my sleeve, anyway, and that’s definitely so when I’m making art.”

But, if Katie creates based on signals from a collective human psyche rather than personal experience, I must ask who gets paid when her work is sold? “I do, obviously!” she laughs.

In efforts to ham-fistedly sum up a complex theory one could (mis) quote the wise words of another great philosopher, Jiminy Cricket, to say Katie ‘lets her unconscious be her guide’.

When it comes to her choice of medium, despite printmaking being the focus of her Masters degree, Katie does not play favourites, equally enjoying painting and sculpture. While making a habit of mixing up her media, there are some common stylistic aspects regarding the messages conveyed. “I see myself as a multimedia artist. The medium I reach for will be decided by the idea. I really love abstract expressionism, expressionism and Japanese woodcuts. I think those kinds of style are apparent,” she says.

“I don’t have a fixed message; it’s all open to interpretation. Sometimes people tell me narratives they’ve drawn from my work which I never considered and I think ‘well, yeah, maybe it was that after all!’ It doesn’t really matter what type of reaction you’re getting as long as you’re getting a reaction.”

Last year, Katie added to her extensive portfolio with her Stay Local series, mostly created during last year’s lockdowns.

“The artworks are relatively uplifting and designed to raise spirits during a difficult time.”

Katie grew up with a love of art, inspired both through school and on the home front.

“When I was a kid, I loved Walt Disney and drew cartoons, which was one of my first introductions to art. I don’t do cartoons anymore but I guess you can see humour in my work. My mum [Sue Blundell] was a hairdresser but she was very creative, Dad is too, and my auntie, Sue, also went to Elam [School of Fine Arts], so art was always celebrated in my family,” she recalls. “My experiences in education [Clevedon Primary, Diocesan School for Girls and Elam] were also positive. I had a lot of supportive teachers who encouraged me and inspired me to travel and get into teaching.”

After finishing her Bachelor of Fine Arts followed by a Masters degree, Katie worked as a tour manager for Contiki, an experience which definitely broadened her mind.

“It was fantastic! I got to travel Europe while getting paid, exploring galleries and learning history. It was an invaluable experience.”

After a year or so, Katie returned to New Zealand where she studied teaching before taking up positions at Onehunga High School and, later, her alma mater, Diocesan. In 2014 she took a leap of faith to pursue art fulltime.

“It was a major step, quite the lifestyle change. I enjoyed teaching but pouring a lot of energy into helping students didn’t leave a lot in the tank for my own work.

“I’m really happy now, focusing on art. However, I still run workshops and mentor other artists, which is rewarding and inspiring; I learn from them too.”

Although winning awards has never been her main aim, this enterprising creative has been well recognised nationally, even reaching the finals of the prestigious Wallace Art Awards in 2019.

“I totally cried!” she grins. “It was very fulfilling. I don’t set out to win, not especially, but I do have a competitive streak, they open up opportunities and you get to meet wonderful, inspiring people along the way.”

HOMESPUN TURNS ON TALENT

Since her school days, Katie has exhibited regularly at a wide range of galleries. Currently, her work features in the Homespun exhibition (on until March 13) at Pukekohe’s Franklin Arts Centre.

“I’ve included pieces from my fruity series, which was made for the Pride Festival,” she explains.

“I wanted to talk about pride in authentic ways – I grew up on an orchard but it’s also about the stereotype of flamboyance and I’m using fruit as a narrative for climate change as well, so there’s a ‘bunch’ of things going on.”

More information about Homespun is accessible via www.facebook. com/FranklinArtsCentre.

Katie’s art is also on permanent display at her own gallery, as well as Art Industry gallery and Corner Kitchen and Bar in Clevedon.

Tours of Riverhaven Artland (and/or Katie’s gallery) are available by appointment. See www. riverhavenartland.com for contact details.

Katie and Guy with Katie’s sculpture What’s the time Mr Wolf.

RIVERHAVEN – A SANCTUARY FOR SCULPTURE

Riverhaven Artland founder, Guy Blundell, is as down to earth as they come but he’s no stranger to artistic musings either. In total, the sculpture park showcases pieces by (approximately) 20 artists, all appearing to ‘live’ in harmony – and sometimes, deliberately, in opposition – with their surroundings.

“I was interested to see if I could do it; turns out I could. It just took a lot of bloody hard work!” Guy laughs.

Another trait common among good artists was required to develop this English country garden in Clevedon further, into ‘a place where nature meets art’. seemed natural to add sculptures. That requires hard work, too. We don’t just plonk them down, we do a lot of earthworks to make sure they all fit into the landscape and look like they are exactly where they’re supposed to be.”

Originally run as a dairy farm, Guy’s parents later converted it to a fruit orchard. Guy began replanting the property as an arboretum some 20 years ago, soon after his wife (Katie’s mum) passed away.

“I’ve always loved the autumn colours from exotic trees. I didn’t really have a plan but I just kept planting and planting, thousands of trees. In a way it was [a memorial] to my wife and my parents, and that I thought it was something nice to do with the land.” While an esteemed philosopher is among his daughter’s muses, Guy credits Bev McConnell (of Ayrlies Garden, Whitford fame) for motivating him with his creation as well as a world renowned landscape gardener.

“Capability Brown should be considered alongside the greatest artists in history because he created so much beauty. He always planted the difficult bits of land while leaving the flat parts open, which creates an illusion of space. I’m not comparing myself to him, but that’s what I’ve tried to do here, on a much smaller scale, and I think it’s worked.”

Guy selects sculptures for the park but says Katie’s input is vital; she also organises Riverhaven’s involvement in the annual Franklin and Clevedon Art Trails.

“It’s nice to work with other artists and for people to be able to talk with artists about their work,” Katie adds. “I don’t see anything more authentic when it comes to experiencing art than that.”

The recent Riverhaven Artland Summer Sculpture Festival helped raise funds for Franklin Hospice.

”My wife received hospice care,” Guy adds. “The people were wonderful so it is very important to us, on a personal level, to help give something back to these amazing organisations while sharing something we love.”

RETIREMENT ON THE drawing board?

FINDING THE PERFECT GIFT

Is someone in your company or office about to retire and the ideal farewell gift hasn’t yet come to mind? Depending on budget, here are a few thoughts which could be suitable without being dreary.

• A designer accessory such as a wristwatch, necklace or handbag • A gift hamper filled with chocolates, teas, jams and cookies, even a bottle of wine or whisky! • A backpack, walking pole or pair of binoculars for outdoor

activities they’ll now have time for. • A recliner chair so they can put their feet up. • A voucher for a luxury weekend away – hotel, dinner and perhaps a show. • A set of garden or handyman tools or an assortment of craft

supplies if there is a leaning to such hobbies. • A kitchen gadget such as an espresso machine, fast blender or air grill. • A gag gift such as a coffee mug or T-shirt with a funny inscription presented prior to the ‘main’ gift. The key to choosing a great retirement gift is to consider the person’s interests or hobbies they might be keen to explore. While some people look forward to retirement, others may be worried about how to fill their days once they stop working. Perhaps the right gift will enspire fresh ideas.

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ALLAYING BOREDOM CONCERNS

For those who are worried about remaining busy in their retirement here are some ways to spend your time and find fulfilment:

VOLUNTEER: If you have an abundance of free time, consider donating some of it to a cause that’s close to your heart. Nonprofit organisations, libraries, religious groups, schools, meals on wheels and hospital visiting are some areas seeking helping hands. Even if you volunteer for just a few hours each week, it’s an opportunity to give back to your community and meet new people.

STUDY: If you spent most of your career developing knowledge and skills in a particular field, retirement is a great opportunity to explore new passions and rediscover old interests. Consider joining a study class or a hands-on workshop. Whether you enjoy learning about history, politics or travel or prefer to attend a class in cookery, photography, painting or mastering the computer, there are countless options.

CREATE: Do you have a knack for building furniture, knitting mittens, painting landscapes or sewing a fine seam? Whatever your talents, you’ll have plenty of time after retirement to refine your skills. You could even choose to sell your creations, gift them to loved ones or donate them to a charity fundraiser.

GRANDPARENT DUTY: Not everyone will have young grandchildren but one way seniors can be useful to working parents is to become the new ‘taxi’ – picking up children from school, ferrying them to after school activities, supervising them for a hour or two and ensuring homework is underway until mum or dad are home from work. Go on the occasional school trip with your grandchildren or even prepare an evening meal for the family from time to time. It’s a great way to spend time with ‘grandies’ and see what they are up to and if you don’t have grandchildren consider becoming an ‘adopted grandparent’ to a child with little family.

These suggestions are just a drop in the activities bucket but if you’re still unsure about what to do once retired, consider speaking with a life coach. He or she will help pinpoint priorities and map out new goals.

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Freeride, take it... easy?

When the surf was up down at Karioitahi Beach recently, our own hot shot photographer, Wayne Martin, headed along to capture the action. And, action there was, as these photos reveal. A showcase of watercraft – ie: jet skis – the annual Festival of Freeride saw talented riders making complex manoeuvres seem easy.