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Mandy Fleming in her garage where she transforms old tools, cutlery and engine parts into art.
Mandy Fleming did not set out to challenge gender stereotypes, but since she started creating ‘junk art’ 18 months ago, she has taught the tradesmen of Warkworth that looks can be deceiving.When she visits mechanical and engineering workshops, junk yards and the hospice garage sale to hunt out materials for her quirky creations, Mandy is the epitome of femininity. Back in her Sandspit workshop with a mig welder in hand, she is simply an artist.
Mandy will be taking part in her first exhibition this month when she enters four pieces in Martakana, the 10th annual art exhibition and sale organised by Warkworth Wellsford Hospice. It will be held in the Matakana School Hall from January 22 to 24.
Mike Pero Matakana is the major sponsor for the show, which will feature around 200 artworks from artists throughout Auckland and further afield. Almost half of the 64 artists are, like Mandy, exhibiting at this event for the first time.
Mandy will be selling creatures and creations made from steel objects such as cutlery, engine parts and tools. Having taught herself to weld because she wanted to do something more adventurous than knitting and sewing, her motivation is to have fun and to give old items new life.
“I’ve always looked at stuff differently and I hate throwing things away,” she says. “I like finding the stuff and putting it together – it’s so much fun and I’m only just beginning.”
Her next project is to persuade husband Bruce to build her a proper workshop so they don’t have to share the garage. Bruce may be forced to give in to prevent his tools and bicycle from accidentally becoming part of Mandy’s next artwork.
Martakana opens its doors at noon on Friday, January 22, with the official opening at 6pm that evening. Entry to the evening event is by donation and guests will enjoy food, wine and music as they browse the art.
The exhibition and sale continues with free entry from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, January 23, and 9am to 2pm on Sunday, January 24.
The proceeds will help fund the local hospice service, which provides nurses’ visits, grief counselling, information and practical support for patients and families who are living with a life-shortening illness.
All services are offered free of charge, regardless of the patient’s age or the family’s financial circumstances.
