A retrospective of an artist considered “New Zealand’s best” by his friend Barry Brickell when it came to railways is going on show in Coromandel town along with work by three local artists.
Painter and printmaker Gary Tricker, who died in 2021, is well-known here and overseas for his whimsical and witty style. His pieces often featured trains, black cats and quotes from literature about our landscape.
His work will this month be exhibited alongside that of local painters Elisabeth Carter and Julie Dann, and potter Murray Rainey, at Hauraki House Gallery, Kapanga Rd, Coromandel.
It runs from February 15-25 and is open from 10am-4pm daily. Entry is free. Carter, who is also the town’s florist, paints in a variety of mediums. The vibrancy of her work brings landscapes, flowers and portraits to life.
“Creating has always been essential to me,” she said. “My work is highly emotive, often with many layers and texture.”
Julie Dann loves being free to paint after years in a busy career. She has a passion for capturing local seascapes and delves into the world of abstract.
“The buzz I get from painting when it works is worth all the missteps,” she said. “I have found my own unique style and keep developing.”
Coromandel is not only renowned for its painters, of course. One of the town’s talented potters is Murray Rainey, who believes art is about expressive intent.
“When at my pottery wheel, I feel part of me is imbedded into the piece,” he said.
“Whether it’s a single piece or a repeat form, it still carries on. A lot of my art is functional, so typically has a use.”
