Extra

ARATOI VOICES From another world

Extra

With the constant uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, I fi nd myself more and more out in the garden.

I love digging and fi nding all the insects and creatures that call my veggie plot home. It gives me a sense of the bigger picture. So, when Lindy McLachlan came in with her work for the new exhibition at ConArt Gallery and Studios, Artist Showcase #1, I could see myself walking through the long grass and wildfl owers, through the meadow, feeling the breeze, smelling the earthiness, and transporting me somewhere out of my everyday world.

Art is a powerful tool to escape reality, but it can also give you glimpses of another world, one that is right outside your window but one that you may never have noticed.

Jim Simmons has cleverly taken photos of the everyday, of places

Lindy McLachlan, Just over there, 2021 Acrylic on canvas. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

unseen or ignored. Take “Retired” for example. A striking black and white photograph of a pile of old broken cars. This view can only be seen from the train as it whistles past Masterton; you can’t see it from any other viewpoint. But I wonder, how many commuters actually look up and take notice? What else are we missing?

Shelley Vernon’s beautiful everyday objects can be compared to these photographs. How often do you look at tableware or a coloured jug and wonder how it was made or why the artists used the colour that they have? Vernon’s collection is made to be held, used, and enjoyed, bringing a little beauty into the day-to-day routines we all have.

Mikayla Forster’s paintings are from deep within, showing the struggles of a young artist, the challenges and growth that come with age. This body of fi gurative oil paintings communicates ideas with understanding what shapes us as individuals, how challenge leads to growth and the feelings felt throughout these processes.

So next time you feel overwhelmed, take a walk in the wild garden, look out a train window, or come into Aratoi and become transported into another world.

• ConArt Gallery and Studios Artist

Showcase #1 is on display until 3 April.

MIDWEEK PHOTOS

Have you got a photo you want to share with Wairarapa?

Whether it’s a reader photo, a cutie, or a snap of you with your Midweek, email it to midweek@age.co.nz with ‘Midweek Photo’ in the subject line, and it could be featured in this segment.

READER PHOTO

There’s always time for spot of bodyboarding! William Ray (left), Lucas Ray and Jackson Hunt made the most of last week’s wild weather - taking their boards to Sparks Park in Carterton for some fun in the ood waters. Debbie Hunt (Jackson’s mum) sent in this photo. PHOTO/ DEBBIE HUNT PHOTOGRAPHY

NIBBLE AWAY AT YOUR DOG REGO

Dog registration fees are due at the end of June, but there’s an easy way to take the pain away from payments. For as little as $5 a week, you can cover the cost of registration in instalments – and avoid late fees. Contact Masterton District Council’s Animal Services team to set up an automatic payment for dog registration fees. Phone 06 370 6300 or email animalservices@mstn.govt.nz, and don’t forget to update your contact details if they have changed.