You probably can see from the photo about what a fabulous opening we had last night. We are glowing with joy - so much so that I have taken to calling us the "Three Joys!" Unfortunately Nada from de Nada design was unable to get back from Australia in time but we did her and her fabulous clothing line proud! Just check out the crowds of art lovers and supporters who turned out en masse to share our joy.


We had an awesome night...Amie's new series of work made a huge impression on heaps of people -they were gagging to touch the pieces so I asked Amie for permission for them to stroke the wax...so yummy...smelt divine and Ron from Exhibitions Gallery (who I invited) loved several of the pieces and is going to talk to Amie next week about them...so well done Amie for having the courage and playfulness to try something new...and well done Paul Hutchinson for teaching us!

Deanna's work was a big hit too...so stunning...unbelievable...my friend said it was the best jewellery she had seen...and she knows a thing or two...her family come from a long line of artists......I fell in love with the earrings she wore to our breakfast where we all met for the first time! Isn't that a hoot..arranging an exhib and never having met....

There were heaps and heaps of people - all responsible drinkers..so we even have wine, which was generously given to us by Tohu Wines, left! Tohu wine is divine....

Gosh - you really get a feel for personality types when colloborating..I am definitely the "starter"..not so flash on finishing...Amie and Deanna are pro's there...so I was really rushing it to get all my pieces on the wall and only finished the price list 20 mins before people arrived! Mind you, to my defence, I will add that I was working full time while trying to get ready for this exhibition and the 15 works that I had dropped off at the framers the minute I landed back in NZ after Max Gimblett's workshop in Hawaii, had only been finished that morning!

The great thing about this exhibition was the amazing opportunity to collaborate with amazing talented, positive, passionate artists and mutually inspiring companies like Tohu Wines and businessmen like Graham Petherick who let us use this premium space. MWAHxxx

It was great to catch up with previous clients I have coached over the years - and to see that they are still happy in the work I helped them find. It was great to see good friends too...

ohhhh and it was so FANTASTIC to sell two of my favorite works of art. I loved that both the people who purchased them loved them as much as I did...as I have always said, works created with joy creates joy in return.


If you haven't had a chance to come and have a look at the Joy'ance exhibition yet there is still time. You can view all the pieces at 128 Featherston Street, Wellington daily from 10:30 to 5:30 until Friday 5 September. You can also view and purchase on line in my E-store

Have a wee peak at one of my favorite pieces I created in Maui. This will definitely be a piece of my heART I will be sad to part with. On the positive side, I know that who ever buys it will have bought it with passion!

Don't forget to come and see the Joy'ance exhibition for yourself - we'd love to see you there!

Labels: Exhibitions and competitions

posted by Cassandra  # 03:15  0 Comments

Often when money is in short supply and every newspaper is full of bad news stories and comments about recessions and depressions the first thing people do is cut back on what they perceive to be non essentials - the things that give them joy. In fact the opposite is true - the things that give us joy give us the sustenance and courage to get through the tough times. Beleive me I know...if I didn't beleive in the expansive, healing power of art I wouldn't be sharing the list below with you. I'm talking from experience - both mine and others!

Here are 8 powerful reasons why people should buy art during a recession:

1.) It could be a great investment - good art appreciates over time like a fine wine. Diversify your investment portfolio and minimise the impact of the downturn in traditional investments like the housing market or share market

2) Gorgeous, joyful pieces of art can be uplifting and sustain you during troubled times and your darkest hours. Great art makes you feel better ever time you look at it. As Paul Klee said, "One eye sees and the other feels."

Even Henri Matisse, who was down to his last penny knew what a positive investment art was. Above all he revered the work of Cezanne. He purchased Bathers at a time when he had to make real sacrifices to raise cash. He never regretted it, and said of the painting years later: "

it has sustained me spiritually in the critical moments of my career as an artist; I have drawn from it my faith and perserverance

. " Wow! Powerful stuff. Here is bit more info re this

Quote:
After being steered towards it by Camille Pissarro, Henri Matisse bought this painting from Ambroise Vollard who, in turn, had acquired it directly from Paul Cézanne. Matisse could ill afford to spend money on other artists' work at the time, but was so moved by this piece that he signed a promissory note to Vollard for 1,200 francs in December of 1899. He paid this debt off in installments.

Over the years, Three Bathers remained an immense inspiration and affirmation to Matisse. When he donated it to the Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris in 1936, he wrote this in a letter to art curator and author Raymond Escholier (1882-1971) on November 10 of that same year:
"In the thirty-seven years I have owned this canvas, I have come to know it quite well, though not entirely, I hope; it has sustained me morally in the critical moments of my venture as an artist; I have drawn from it my faith and my perseverance; for this reason, allow me to request that it be placed so that it may be seen to its best advantage...I know that I do not have to tell you this, but nevertheless think it is my duty to tell you so; please accept these remarks as the excusable testimony of my admiration for this work which has grown increasingly greater ever since I have owned it."

3.) Great art lasts. Unlike other ways people spend their money to feel better - like an expensive dinner out, new clothes or an expensive holiday, a great piece of art, which may have been expensive initially, stands the test of time and keeps on "giving"

4.) Paintings and other creative works instantly put more colour in your life. They are a cost effective way to change the decor and atmosphere and personality of your home.

5) Great art boosts other areas of your life and can give you "more bang for your buck". People selling their properties often employ house staging companies to give their home a quick image update - often one of the key things these people add are pieces of art that show off the home to best advantage

6.) Buying a piece of art can help motivate you to achieve your goals.

Every time I look at Max Gimblett's painting "Choice" I am reminded to make fantastic, life affirming choices. I'm also motivated to get out and earn more money so I can pay for it!

7) Buying art supports artists and supports the economy. Countries like China actively promote the importance of art because they know how much income creativity and culture generates

8) Visual art is a powerful communication tool. Just look at what "Choice" says to me. Why read a hundred page book on achieving goals or motivation theory when this painting says more than a thousand words!

ohhhh I have just thought of two more:

9) Buying a painting can help memories of a visit to a beloved place last longer! (This probably goes part way to explaining why landscapes and scenes of Venice, Tuscany and Provence etc are so popular).

Here is a painting I inherited this year by CN Worsley...very sentimental (not to mention now v. valuable). It was brought by my paternal grandfather Henry Gaisford while he was visiting Italy over a hundred years ago! It was going to be gifted to The Auckland Art Gallery but on the back of the painting they found in my aunt's writing "for Cassandra...purchased in Italy by her grandfather in 1908." Lucky me!

oh so now I have next point

10) Buying art leaves your heARTprint for future generations....how fabulous to be able to leave such an enduring piece of the things that inspired you.


Come along to our Joy'ance exhibition and see what art can do for you and the ones you love!

Labels: Exhibitions and competitions