'From 2022 we have offered artists’ residencies at the restored and repurposed 1876 Methodist Church in Rawene on the glorious Hokianga Harbour. The aim has been to create an opportunity accessible to talented and committed creatives across all disciplines who are at a stage in their practice where it can support their progress and development.
Creatives from across Aotearoa and beyond have been welcomed into the Church and the friendly local community with residents including Maureen Lander – internationally esteemed weaver, multimedia installation artist and recipient of the 2022 Walters Prize, Adrienne Martyn – respected Wellington photographer, Geoff Clendon – playwright and actor, Ana Iti-installation artist and recipient of the 2024 Walters Prize, Andy Wallam – clay and electronic music artist, Greg Hall – novelist, Tony Johnston – painter and sculptor.'
Linda Blinko Creative director of The Church
www.thechurchrawene.com/story.html
The list of talented creatives who have enjoyed and benefited from this wonderful creative opportunity is extensive. Fiona Cable, a member of our gallery collective, took up her place with the residency 2 years ago, and now our collective member Linda Gair is going to join this list of creatives with a 5-week residency in October this year.
My primary 'practice interest' is painting on wood - both old and sometimes rough wood, often recycled wooden objects, or newly milled wood.... but I'm always asking the form for their 'stories', by which I mean that my painterly application helps to assist a wooden object to 'tell' its raison d'être.
I have for years collected old and often ordinary and oddly collectable wooden objects, and mostly well in advance of their 'soon to be upcycled' life, but nearly always well before their 'elevated' new 'object trajectories'.
I'm always asking myself how a 'form can hold a story', well worthy of its shape, form and function as an object.
Linda Gair. Read more ...
We wish Linda all the best with this creative journey and look forward to viewing the work she produces. Linda has been collecting relevant objects for a few months now, in preparation for the residency. She is looking forward to creating in this beautiful space and allowing the surrounding landscape and community to speak to the work.
We will keep you updated with her progress. Exciting!
