The Book of Flowers

 

 

The Book of Flowers

 

Here is a picture from my latest project which I have just begun, it is called The Book of Flowers and  will contain some native flowers of New Zealand.  This is a specimen from our neighbour's pink manuka or Leptospernum scoparium.  The flowers range from white to pink and red and it is a favourite with the bees.

 

 

 

Pink Manuka

Watercolour on paper

 

All images copyright Frances Jill Studd 2013



Mantle at The Mahara

Mantle at the Mahara Gallery


My exhibition 'Mantle' opens at the Mahara Gallery, Waikanae on Tuesday

17th December at 4pm - all wecome.  It runs until the 2nd February so you can catch it over the holidays.  Here is another photograph from the series:

 

 

This photograph is made from a combination of images, the main one is an

historic christening gown

 

 

 

all images copyright of Frances Jill Studd

Thinking about drawing

 

 

Thinking about drawing

 

 

 

I have been doing some drawing when time permits, this one is titled:
 

Two three four tell the people what she wore....

Frances Jill Studd copyright 2013



Dolphins at Enclosure Bay

Dolphins at Enclosure Bay

 

Here is a pic of the dolphins there were probably at least twenty in the pod

 

 

 

 

all images copyright of the artist



Mantle at Tivoli

I've just spent four weeks on Waiheke Island installing an exhibition 'Mantle' at Tivoli gallery and bookshop.  It rained most of the time we were there but we saw dolpins playing at Enclosure Bay during the last week.

Here is a view of the exhibition

The Denniston Plateau

Denniston

 

 

 

 

I made these knittings of our giant native snails Powelliphanta Patrickensis to support the fight against open-cast coal mining on the Denniston Plateau.  Unfortunately the government has given the go ahead for a new open-cast coal mine which will destroy 200hectares of a unique rocky plateau on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. 

The giant snail, the green geko and the great spotted kiwi are just some of the rare and unique species found amongst the unusual rock formations on the Plateau.  Powelliphanta Patrickensis is only found on the Buller Coal Plateau and is gradually loosing it's home, attempts are being made to translocate its cousin  Powelliphant augusta from the neighbouring Stockton Plateau, but so far they have failed. 

 

 

 

 

All images are copyright to Frances Jill Studd 





Mantlle at Tivoli

New Work by New Zealand artist Frances Jill Studd

 

 

Mantle

 All images copyright Jill Studd 2013

Mantle is the title of a new series of photographs.

 

This photo is a mantua the form of which evolved in the late seventeenth century.  They began as a loose overdress but developed into very formal court wear of the style and shape of this one.  This is what fascinates me, by the very design of such a garment the wearer becomes restricted in both movement and attitude.  We are immediately aware of her status and of the expense of such elaborately embelished clothing and that it is only suited to a formal gathering with those who are similarly dressed.  The wearer cannot be seen but is still present.

All the photographs in this series look at clothing as symblols, symbols of power and status and seduction.  Who wore the garments and why is a mystery, but they retain a sense of time and purpose.  I have re-worked found materials and images to create these photos, they will be on exhibition at Tivoli in Oneroa, Waiheke Island from late August.