This week we had the pleasure of chatting to the incredible Kiwi born artist, Greer Clayton. Greer paints in dark and earthy tones to create a stunning moody aesthetic. Her artwork evokes typical New Zealand landscapes, effortlessly capturing the beauty of our country. You can place these masterpieces anywhere in your home to create a calming or dramatic effect. Cooper Interior's current favourite is the 'Heading for the Holidays' piece, one of Greer's brighter paintings. It's even available to shop now from the Parnell Gallery in Auckland!
Can you tell us a bit about your background, have you always been creative?
I have had a longstanding love affair with paint. Lucky for me I had great art teachers at school, supportive parents who helped and encouraged me through art school and a Granny who used to paint in oils which I always found fascinating. I was pretty serious about art in my high school years preferring to hang out in the art room at lunchtime. Art school holidays were spent painting commercial buildings and interiors for my father. Eventually I came out with a fine art degree a commercial painters licence and a diploma in interior design. I continue to work with paint products supplying content to Resene as well as colour specification, but primarily my time is spent in the studio working on exhibition pieces.
What are you working on currently?
I'm currently working on some stock pieces for my dealer Parnell Gallery and smaller works for a show in Dunedin later this year at Gallery DeNovo.
Do you currently have plans for any future projects or collaborations?
Another project I've been fortunate to work on is some textile designs for James Dunlop Textiles. The benefit there is working with my sister Celia Faris who is the merchandising manager and we often work on creative projects together.
What is your favourite piece of work you've ever created and why?
There have been two significant works, 'Treetops' and the following year 'Rockledge'.
At first I was unsure about Treetops and I sent a photo through to the gallery and they immediately said 'don't change a thing bring it in' so I resisted the temptation to overwork it. Although quite different paintings in themselves they signalled a transition, introducing more distinct land forms which I continue to bring into the work, sometimes obvious and sometimes subtle and more abstract.
What does your studio or work place look like?
We are currently renovating a heritage workers cottage in Devonport and replacing the old garden shed with a custom designed studio space so in the meantime I'm setup in the garage where we rent. It's a tidy mess and gets a good clean out every now and then. I work directly onto a wall with two or three different sized brushes and normally have two or three pieces on the go at once.
Which part of your creative career has been most challenging and how did you overcome the challenges?
Believing in myself and putting it out there also could be a challenge but when I exhibited in Sydney when the kids were babies this got me back into the fold and when we returned to NZ I just got painting and getting the work out there. The best thing is having someone buy a work and hang it in their home and then tell you how much they enjoy it...that is the biggest confidence boost...or when visiting a friend's house and spotting an old work and thinking that still looks good like Toi-tois which was a work I painted back in 2006. Even just hanging a work in a different part of the house can make you appreciate it all over again or looking at earlier work and learning from it.
The older I get the longer it takes to perfect a work, some days its a battle to get a painting 'happening' and its reworked or overworked but the feeling of satisfaction when its finally complete, off the studio wall and hung in the gallery overrides the angst! I feel fortunate to have a good dealer gallery, the professional representation has been hugely beneficial to my career as an artist.
Who is your favourite Kiwi creative and why?
We recently purchased a still life piece by Parnell Gallery artist Neil Driver. There is a stillness and calm to his work and his landscapes capture Central Otago so vividly where I grew up and where we spend holidays, so it resonates with us.
How would you describe New Zealand's art & design culture? What are your thoughts on how it is evolving?
I think art and design is becoming more and more accessible. Kiwis travel far and wide and with social media platforms we can showcase our style to the world instantly. It's a fast paced world out there where people want more and they want it now but I believe quality beats quantity and to support NZ artists and designers is the easiest way to ensure the quality of craftsmanship. I think we are looking for that something different and where possible commissioning or going bespoke. To get something unique and handcrafted is very exciting and it enables us to be part of the creative process.
All imagery and artworks are credited to Photographer Belinda Merrie and Artist Greer Clayton. To find out where to view and shop Greer's stunning masterpieces, visit greerclayton.com. You can also follow her on Instagram here and like her Facebook page here.
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