Project Sculpture Northland

Hi everyone,

Well, the dust (both literal and metaphorical!) is finally settling after a rather intense period. I'm thrilled – and honestly, quite relieved – to announce that my last ceramic sculptures has been successfully finished just a day before installation for the Sculpture Northland exhibition at the Whangarei Quarry Gardens.

Getting these pieces ready was... an adventure, to say the least. As many fellow creatives will

understand, the journey from concept to finished piece rarely runs exactly to plan. Time seemed to stretch, and tasks I thought would take hours cheerfully consumed days. Our living room gradually transforming into a studio extension, filled with tools, glazes and works-in-progress. It's the classic artist's conundrum: we're brilliant at conjuring ideas, but perhaps a little too optimistic about timelines! Here a big thank you to my husband Tom, who did put up with a sub optimal situation….

Adding another challenge this time was the weather. The stormy rainy weather lately and the high humidity are the enemy of drying! Glazes didn’t dry and the art works were lining up for the hot water cupboard…. Patience is always key in ceramics, but with a deadline looming, the slow drying was nerve-wracking.

Sadly, the combination of the damp conditions and the ticking clock meant I lost a few pieces along the way – they simply couldn't dry thoroughly enough in the time available. It's always heartbreaking when that happens, especially after investing so much energy into them.

But struggle often makes the achievement sweeter! Seeing my finished sculptures safely delivered and finding their place in the beautiful Quarry Gardens feels fantastic. Knowing they are now part of Sculpture North, alongside works by many other talented Northland artists, makes all the chaos and stress melt away.

I would be absolutely delighted if you have the chance to visit the exhibition. It's a truly special venue, and experiencing sculpture in that natural environment is wonderful.

Sculpture North is on this coming week at the Whangarei Quarry Gardens from Wednesday 7.5. to Sunday 11.5. from 9am to 4pm.

Thank you, as always, for your support and interest in my work. I hope you get to enjoy the exhibition!

xox Gabriela

Click this link to Sculpture North Facebook site