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27/10/2024 0 Comments Painting Soar Purpose Soar Purpose by Xanthe Wyse Soar Purpose, the painting, has flown to a new home. Since this painting was so significant, I dug through my archives to put together this blog post. I actually forgot to take some final pics, after I'd touched up the edges and signature before exhibition. So these photos are from when the painting was originally done in 2020.
This blog post shares some of my creative process, which I have put together, spanning years. I added most of the images first, then the writing. Which is actually how I mainly create: visuals before words.
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 Today, I set up original paintings, ready for exhibition. I am taking part in the Art Expo (2024), a group exhibition in Taupo, this Labour weekend.
1/9/2024 0 Comments First Father's Day Without DadI've been depressed lately, and I know a lot of it is because the first anniversary of Dad's death is coming up. I decided to do two small paintings linked to Dad. I often paint as a form of processing (grief, trauma). I painted Dad in his younger years, plus one of his tools, a hand plane. I called both paintings 'Reliable', to reflect Dad's character plus his tools and workmanship.  'Reliable' (Dad using Buzzer) 15/8/2024 0 Comments Voice of CourageI recently went on a long bus trip to visit my sister. During the trip, I received a notification with some feedback about the speech I did at a hearing, to decision-makers about arts grants. I actually have two Soar Purpose blogs so sometimes it's hard to decide whether to write a blog post here (more arts focussed) or at the other blog (broader creative expression and mental health). Although they overlap. I had a very rough day with my mental health, so have been in hibernation in my room (hardly emerged). Very burnt out currently with a lot of recent triggers (PTSD).  Fantail Rose In addition to being a semi-professional artist, I am also a hobby photographer. I take the reference pics for my paintings. This year, when I decided to go from hobby to semi-professional with my art, I invested in a camera which is more suited to make fine art prints from my original paintings. Also, more suited to dim lighting conditions. I entered three photos into the 2024 NZ Amateur Photography Awards, NZAPA, (run by the NZIPP - New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography).  Secret Bees' Business 30/7/2024 0 Comments Art Saved My Life 'Phoenix Kereru' by Xanthe Wyse I am not exaggerating in the title. Art gave me a reason and a purpose to keep going, after I lost everything, including my mind and relative health, from circumstances beyond my control. Clinicians say I have permanent impairment from a mental injury (primary diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD and bipolar disorder).
22/6/2024 0 Comments The arts have valueI don't like meetings but I was invited to one and I went as it was about an important issue. It's about proposed changes to art funding grants in my local community (Taupo District). I had difficulty with taking in the information but I gather the Taupo District Council (TDC) is proposing merging different areas such as sport and arts (plays, music, visual arts etc) under one banner. I was triggered in the meeting, yet still encouraged to try make a submission on behalf of vulnerable people in the community who may be isolated and overlooked in favour of larger projects with more backing.  Spinning Orbit by Xanthe Wyse 21/6/2024 0 Comments Climbing MountainsI recently painted 'High Hopes', inspired by photos I took with my phone. A kereru (New Zealand wood pigeon) flew towards me when I was sitting down, having a rest. Mt Tauhara, my local mountain was in view (to me) in the left. I used creative license to bring them together. I signed the painting, deciding on top of the mountain was best, before I painted the bird. I wanted to ascend that mountain even metaphorically.  "High Hopes" by Xanthe Wyse I am not exaggerating in the title. I saw an artist define a professional artist as someone who lives off their art. I don't meet that definition, as I don't live off my art. I have disabilities and don't have the output to be able to. However, I create original art to the highest standard I can, have exhibited and sold art. I call myself an artist (semi-professional as part-time). But someone can be an artist and not sell any of their art. An artist is someone who does art (whether selling any or not). Yes, that includes amateur artists, in my books.  Recent paintings by Xanthe Wyse as a banner 21/4/2024 0 Comments From Sore to SoarAnyone who has followed my art since my mental health advocacy days will likely know that flight is a recurring theme for me. I like to paint flying creatures, especially birds. I've previously painted more abstracted works. Sun Flutter (below) is my first attempt at painting a monarch butterfly. Also, my first attempt at painting a more realistic sunflower.  Sun Flutter by Xanthe Wyse |
AuthorMinimally edited raw stuff on art journey. Archives
October 2024
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