From Sky to Sea

Vessel Art in Thames is hosting a show by new Coromandel artist. Julie Dann is inspired by her home by the sea, surrounded by native bush. “Because the inlet is tidal, every day the outlook is different. I start blocking in colour with big brushes to get it down quickly. I’m not aiming for super-real. I just want to capture the unique light and feel of the Coromandel.” From more traditional landscapes, Julie has moved into semi-abstract work in the past year and is enjoying freedom to experiment. She also designs and screen-prints by hand her own T-shirts, which are for sale too, and runs an accommodation business – studio531.co.nz. This show at Vessel Art, a local arts and crafts co-operative in the funky Grahamstown part of Thames. It follows on from Julie being one of four artists in the recent Connect Four exhibition in Coromandel town, which was a great success.