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Carolyn Annand, whose work features in the Hibiscus Hospice art exhibition and sale this weekend, first took up a paintbrush around 16 years ago, encouraged by a good friend and a DIY mentality.
She wanted an artwork for her two-year-old daughter’s bedroom, and took her artist friend Tania Parrott’s advice to make something herself.
She says although she had put her creativity to good use in other areas – including a career in hairdressing – she was hesitant at first to put the paint on the canvas.
Carolyn was happy enough with that first work, but before she continued, she took some courses.
“I never had any formal art training so I wondered if I was missing some of the pieces of the puzzle,” she says. “ So I did lots of art courses but I realised that although there are some things you have to get right, especially if you’re going to sell your work, there is no set process and you can find your own style.”
Carolyn’s style was about pattern, colour and texture. “I don’t want to paint something I could take a photo of,” she says.
Recently birds and flowers have featured in her paintings. “I started painting birds, although I don’t like birds anywhere near me,” Carolyn says. “I guess I wanted to explore why I don’t like them and as I’ve painted more birds, I have come to find them quite cute – as long as the real ones don’t come too close!”
As well as painting, Carolyn makes 3D pieces out of recycled wood and found items such as cotton reels, railway sleepers, driftwood and chair legs, rusty washers and other pieces of metal.
Carolyn has exhibited and sold her work successfully and has had more time to devote to her art since giving up hairdressing due to arthritis.
Although arthritis can also restrict her art, Carolyn says that doing it fulltime means she can adjust things and take time out if needed.
This is the fifth time that Carolyn’s work has featured in the Hibiscus Hospice art show.
The show is on Queen’s Birthday weekend, June 1-4, at Estuary Arts Centre in Orewa.
More than 400 works in a wide variety of media are up for sale or auction including pieces by 20 artists new to the show.
Prices range from less than $20 to more than $2000.
While a percentage of all sales goes to Hibiscus Hospice, many artists also donate works for the live and silent auctions, from which 100 percent of the proceeds benefit hospice.
