Kirsty White

Living on Wellington's rugged and beautiful south coast has inspired my series of hand printed artworks, ‘Around the bays'.  Capturing local landscapes right around the harbour and beyond. Current work explores further up the west and east coasts including the Wairarapa where I was born and bred amongst the hills on a large sheep farm. This upbringing gave me the passion for our unique landscape and the connection New Zealanders have with it.

I discovered printmaking through my degree in spatial design at Massey University. The printing press and the many processes and techniques involved in print making opened up a world where art, design and craft collide. Giving me the freedom to express myself through drawing, mark making, pattern design and more.

Inspired by Maori whakairo, Fijian masi cloth and Samoan tapa, my landscapes are merged with patterning to reflect the history of a site. Mixed with the traditional etching style I use for these landscapes, my artwork often sparks a nostalgic reaction to a favourate view. My passion is this ability to convey an historic narrative within a modern artwork and this original take on our beloved landscape gives us more than hills and water. It's also a chance for me to portray New Zealand's rich cultural mix, our history and our passion for our land.