Bounty Store is a contemporary design shop and gallery in the heart of Thames, owned by Coromandel born Fiona Cameron. The store showcases local Coromandel Peninsula artists and New Zealand artists, displaying a wide selection of artwork including photography, jewellery, pottery, weaving, textiles, glass, and sculpture.
We recently chatted with Fiona about how Bounty came to be and everything you need to know about the upcoming Matariki Art Exhibition opening on Friday 25 June.
When did Bounty Store first open its doors?
“Bounty opened in Thames in 2008, I relocated to my new location at 754 Pollen St, Grahamstown 5years ago.”
Where did the inspiration for Bounty Store come from?
“I grew up in Coromandel Town, everyone was a potter, weaver, writer, painter… I remember helping my Grandmother & her friends in the Coromandel Craft Shop & playing at Driving Creek railway or watching my friends’ parents make pottery, write stories or weave in their home art studios…hence my love of pottery and the handmade!
I’ve worked in the New Zealand made art scene since I was 20 – I helped Ana Forman open Weta Design Store in Coromandel Town. I then went on to work in other galleries/design stores around NZ & overseas. I opened my own NZ made store/gallery when I was 25, Kina in New Plymouth – Bounty is my second business.”
Do you make it a priority to stock and showcase artisans from the Coromandel Peninsula?
“I always wanted to have my own craft shop, I knew this from a very young age. Many of my artists are local and I’ve worked with them for 25 years. I also have work from well known NZ artists….jewellery, pottery, sculpture,paintings, prints, homewares & other gift items. I find the connection between myself, the artist & my customers is one of my most important roles. I love working with creative people and representing their work in Bounty.”
Are you an artist yourself?
“I did have a period of time myself making pottery in my early twenties and went to a private art school in Christchurch when I first left school for a year. If I do have time I prefer to paint.. but I find all my creative energy & drive go into Bounty & my two little girls.”
What prompted you to start curating a Matariki themed exhibition at Bounty?
“I have always loved the special time of Matariki & have celebrated it in Bounty for a number of years working with some of my artists. This is the second year of our Matariki Exhibition, a joint fundraising event with St Francis Catholic School in Thames. My girls Uma & Eda are at the school & I’m on the BOT. I give the gallery commission from the exhibition sales to the school. It’s my way of giving my love of Aotearoa art & culture to my girls’ school & local community. Our first Matariki Exhibition was very successful, we had all just come out of Covid lockdown and I was blown away by the positive response from the public & artists – this year it’s even bigger!”
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate Matariki?
“Matariki is a very important time for Maori, it heralds their New Year and is a time of reflection, renewal & celebration. It’s also a time to create, harvest & plant for the coming warmer seasons. In recent years Matariki has become a time for celebration for not just Maori but for many people in NZ, and next year it will become a public holiday! This will be our first distinctively New Zealand Holiday… a time for all New Zealanders to celebrate & learn more about Matariki.”
What can people expect from the Matariki exhibition?
“It’s a big group show, about 30 artists are taking part and there will be a range of paintings, ceramics,sculptures, prints, weaving & mixed media works. Each artist has created a unique work celebrating Matariki and what’s unique about living in Aotearoa.
I have also worked with the school creating their own Matariki artworks. We had a whole school Matariki Crafts Day where some artists came into the school to work with the children. The children will be exhibiting their works in The Vibe, Mary St Thames, opening at 2.30pm Thursday the 24th June & running for two weeks.
I have really enjoyed curating this special exhibition in Bounty. I think Matariki is an opportunity to explore the different ways that people pass on & share their own culture & heritage.”
KEY INFORMATION:
What: Matariki Art Exhibition
Where: Bounty Store, Shop 1, 754 Pollen Street, Thames
Opening Event: Friday 25 June, 5pm – 7pm
Exhibition Dates: 25 June – 17 July
(Tues – Fri, 9:30am – 4:30pm, Sat 9am – 2pm and Sunday 10am – 2pm)
For any additional enquiries contact Fiona on (07) 868 8988, email or on Facebook or Instagram.
Article published 23 June 2021
