A Green Forest Moth

The Exquisite Emerald

 

This green moth is known as the Exquisite Emerald, it is a beautifully patterned insect

which lives in South Island forests.  As a forest dweller it rests on tree trunks where it is so well camouflaged.   The caterpillars live on wild buttercups which grow in the open

near the forests, this is the best place to see it.

 

It has a cousin which lives in both Islands but has paler markings.

 

Frances Jill Studd website

Midnight Collective

 

All images copy right Frances Jill Studd 2014

 

Pohutukawa leaves from the New Zealand Christmas Tree

Pohutukawa Leaves

 

I made some small watercolours of Pohutukawa leaves which I collected from Point Chevalier in Auckland.  A row of very old trees stands in front of the small beach which is so popular in the Summer months.   There was a carpet of fallen leaves under the trees, they always fascinate me as you can find so many different colours all at the same time.

 

This time of year the trees are sporting their new Spring growth ready to burst into bloom at Christmas time.  Their blooms are heavy spiky red bundles which cover the trees attracting nectar feeding birds and lizards and of course the bees.

 

At Cape Reinga an old pohutukawa tree is believed to be the leaving place for the spirits of the departed as they begin their journey to the underworld.

 

 

It is probably the best loved of New Zealand trees.

 

Frances Jill Studd website

Midnight Collective

 

All images copyright Frances Jill Studd 2014

 



Clematis in the New Zealand Bush

 

Puawhananga

Here is the puawhananga or New Zealand clematis growing wild in the bush.  This is one of seven varieties which grow naturally here, I have seen a beautiful green flowering one and also an alpine one but this is the most showy.  Clematis paniculata or puawhananga (flower of the skies) grows throughout the country in the bush, and is regarded as a harbinger of Spring by Maori.

 Across the valley on Waiheke Island I can see large showers of the white flowers, this plant is growing in the bush beside the cottage where we are staying.  It does particularly well here as there are no opossums on the Island.

 

 

 

Frances Jill Studd website

Midnight Collective blog

 

 

All images copy right Frances Jill Studd 2014

 

 

 



Knitted Art at Gallery

A Mingled Yarn at Tivoli

 

A Mingled Yarn is now showing at Tivoli, Oneroa, Waiheke Island, Auckland.  The exhibition includes knitted work made over a number of years for different venues, it was hung on a glorious Spring day on Waiheke Island.

 

The puawananga or native clematis is flowering in the bush in cascades of white against the dark green foliage, a lovely sight which welcomes us here each year.

 

The work in this photo is called 'Slips' for obvious reasons, and was made for an Art Fair.

 

 

If you are visiting the Island Tivoli is open from Wednesdays to Saturdays 10am - 5pm and is in Pendragon Mall, 118b Ocean View Rd, Oneroa. A Mingled Yarn will be on until October.

 

Frances Jill Studd website

Midnight Collective

Tivoli website

 

All images copy right to Frances Jill Studd 2014

 

A Knitting Exhibition

A Mingled Yarn

 

This is the poster for my exhibition at Tivoli.  

These are some knittings made from magazine features showing accessories and makeup. 

Makeup has a sense of theatre which is irresistible.  Even the word 'makeup' shows

that what it achieves cannot be real, just an illusion.  What is a 'madeup' person?

 

 

'A Mingled Yarn' will be showing at Tivoli, Oneroa, Waiheke Island, Auckland from

6th September 2014

 

Frances Jill Studd website

Midnight Collective

 

All images copyright Frances Jill Studd 2014

 

 

 

 

 

Two Great Uncles from the First World War

 

Archie Studd & Felix Alexander

Here is a photograph of my two Great Uncles who died in the First World War.

Archie Studd was a Private in the London Regiment (London Scottish) and died on the first of July 1916 in the battle of Gommecourt he was 26.  Felix Alexander was a Private in the Northumberland

Fusiliers, Norfolk Regiment and died on the 14th of November 1916, he was only 20.  They are both remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.

Both my Grandparents spoke of them - they have always been remembered.

Archie is on the left and Felix on the right

they are shown here with a white poppy for peace.

Frances Jill Studd website

Midnight Collective

All image copy right to Frances Jill Studd 2014

Knitting for Exhibition at Tivoli

A Mingled Yarn

 

 

This work is going into an exhibition called 'A Mingled Yarn' at Tivoli, Oneroa, Waiheke Island, Auckland.  It is part of a collection of knitted art associated with clothing which I have been making for quite a few years.  This particular work is taken from a selection of swimwear which - although difficult to date - was referenced from the 1980s.  I have a particular love of magazine spreads and old magazines are a great source of material for my work.  It will be on view from early September until October 2014.

 

 

Trunks

Frances Jill Studd Website

Midnight Collective

 

All images copy right to Frances Jill Studd 2014