Urban Birds

Taylor-Jensen Fine Arts proudly hosts an exhibition of new work by Tokomaru-based painter, Jacquie Anderson. Urban Birds showcases a variety of work by this talented artist; approximately 25 acrylic works and watercolours will be displayed. The exhibition opens on Friday 5th March with a reception to honour the artist from 5-7PM at the gallery. The public is cordially invited.

Jacquie writes: “After many years of being known as a ‘bird artist’, I found myself feeling uninspired. I still had a heart for the birds but there were so many other things that caught my attention. During a recent trip to Wellington, my friend and I went exploring (a favourite pastime). We found many nooks and crannies that took over eight hours of walking to discover. There is magnificent architecture in Wellington. And yes, I saw many layered houses and the paintings that represent them. The sights could be amazing. But behind it all there is a culture that stops me in my tracks.

“For years I have felt the desire to open eyes to the beauty and plight of our native birds. I do still feel this way but there is more at risk in our beautiful country: our kids. As my friend and I approached the fishmongers in Cuba Street, I was drawn down an ally to the side of a building. Half way along I stopped to take a photograph of a window. My friend continued until he got to the back of the fishmongers. I saw his face as he exclaimed, ‘But wait till you see this!’

“As I arrived to where he was standing, it hit me like an emotional blast. The end of the alleyway opened into a tagging gallery. Instantly I was overwhelmed with a flood of inspiration that I haven't felt for a long time. No gallery has left me with such chills as this backhanded, back-ended display of art. The colours, the words, the undertones. I felt like I was surrounded by so many kids exposing everything they needed to say. The tension of forbidden expression spilled out from every wall that surrounded me.

“I was staying in Mount Cook, Wellington. From my bed I could hear the sounds of the Tui echoing. As I looked out the window, the clumsy movements of a large black bird, with the sun highlighting the sheen across his back and the stark contrast of his white throat feathers as he stumbled from one flimsy branch to another of the Kowhai tree. So close, I could almost touch him. Birds waiting to steal your food if the pleading looks they give haven't inspired you to throw the occasional tidbit in their direction. Birds know how to keep just out of the way of busy feet, cars and buses.

“This exhibition is about the beauty that survives in trying situations. Beauty that is found in perceived ugliness. The cheeky little sparrow raiding a rubbish bin to a dark, quiet, hooded figure creating a space of his own.”

Although mostly self-taught, Jacquie completed her Diploma of Arts and Creativity with the Learning Connexion in 2007. In 1985 her artwork was entered an exhibition for the first time. “This initial hurdle was daunting and it took my mother to enter paintings behind my back to get me started. I did extremely well. Thanks, Mum.”

Jacquie has artwork in private collections in the UK, USA, Dubai and Australia as well as in numerous collections throughout New Zealand. In 2009 to her delightful surprise she won the Premier Art Award at the Feilding and District Art Society Art Awards.

“I feel I have lived a charmed life as an artist. I have enjoyed the response of new clients and the continued appreciation of previous patrons. Recently as the result of empty-nest syndrome, I have realised my horizons have opened and I have time to devote to my art and myself. Another award would be nice this year, but whatever this year brings I will still be a full-time artist!”

Event listed by Stuart Schwartz

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