Andi Merkens
Andi Merkens is a graduate of the three-year AUT Graphics and Design Course. For twenty five years she worked as a freelance illustrator for the advertising industry in Auckland.
Recently Andi has been working with iconic elements of kiwiana using iconic Kiwi materials. She has juxtaposed the house sparrow with kiwiana iconic logos and advertising imagery in a more contemporary style, painting directly onto distressed iron, timber and recycled materials. “I love the challenge that exists when using recycled materials. The recycled timber already has a unique character created by man and the elements over time. I am presented with a pre-existing palette of colours and textures which I can visually explore and engage with.”
Andi regularly exhibits in Auckland and has previously had numerous exhibitions in the South Pacific. Her Pacific-series work is held in several international collections.
Featured Artist
Amanda Brett
Amanda is a sixth generation New Zealander who comes from a family with a long history of artistic talent so it was only natural that she should build a creative life for herself filled with art in all of its forms. “There hasn’t been a time in my life without some creative endeavour, mostly drawing and painting but also including handcraft and fashion design when I designed and made bespoke ball gowns.” Her career also had an artistic flavour that included corporate training, marketing and a 20 year career in art direction.
Amanda’s commitment is to water colour in which she has undertaken private study. “There are effects that you just simply cannot get in any other medium. I love the luminosity I can achieve and I love the way I can leave the pigments to just do their thing. I love watching paint dry! My philosophy is that there is enough ugly in the world, I want to add beauty. I want to give you a painting that you can look at for many years and still find something new that will thrill you.”