Friends put their art on the cover

Two Mahurangi artists and friends are combining their talents for an exhibition that puts a creative twist on the traditional book cover.

Painter Maureen Roke and fine art photographer Jonathan Bourla will present First Editions at Charlie’s Gelato in Matakana, from November 13 to 29.

Both members of the Mahurangi Artists Network, the pair have been busy creating artworks inspired by the idea of book covers, bringing together two different artistic approaches.

For Bourla, who lives at Snells Beach, the exhibition has provided an opportunity to move beyond his traditional black-and-white photography into bolder, more colourful imagery.

Originally from England, Bourla trained as an engineer at Oxford University before moving to New Zealand in 1993 and pursuing his passion for photography.

Inspired by renowned American photographer Ansel Adams, he has spent much of the past 30 years working with a traditional large-format view camera.

His work has been exhibited internationally and recognised in photography awards in Tokyo and Paris.

Roke, who describes herself as a “creative adventurer”, draws much of her inspiration from her Sandspit home, overlooking the harbour and surrounded by bush.

She first studied watercolour while living in the United Kingdom and has since explored acrylics, oils and collage.

Her paintings are held in collections around the world, and she has published three small books featuring sketches of local scenes and everyday observations.

Roke is also a member of the New Zealand Watercolour Society and enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for sketching through teaching.

The friends say preparing for the exhibition has been an enjoyable creative experience.