Trisha recently moved to Whangarei Heads after 30 years farming sheep and cattle in the Hokianga. During that time she studied painting and sculpture by correspondance with the Learning Connexion. It meant juggling farm work with small children and art assignments.
But now her work sells in Auckland and Northland and to overseas buyers. Also a trained journalist, Trisha still writes freelance, mixing writing with painting and sculpture.
I believe art should be uplifting to look at.
If you are going to live with something on your wall it needs to brighten your day either with its colours, or subject. Art needs to make a statement that warms your soul. It shouldn’t need words to explain or justify it.”
“I especially love colour. The right colours can have such a powerful influence on our wellbeing and state of mind.”
I hope my works say to people, “Be bold. Choose happy.”
Trisha is also developing as a sculptor having taken part in several symposiums around the country.
“I love being able to combine the practical skills I learned on the farm with my more creative side. Being comfortable wielding a chainsaw or arc welder or axe is like the reward for those years of hard physical work. Now I can use them for artistic ends.”
Over the last three years Trisha has travelled extensively seeking materials and inspiration throughout Aoteoroa. New works include serpentines and granites from the West Coast and Coromandel, marble from Takaka and native hardwoods from the beaches on the West Coast and East Cape.
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