Mandy Williams: Feathers and Spikes (2013)

This new series of works, that are quite different from work I've seen in the past, capture some of New Zealand's most iconic creatures along with some spikey surprises.

"Feathers and Spikes will be a great opportunity to acquire original art by one of the Bay’s foremost painters who has exhibited widely in group shows over the years.

Mandy in her studio

Ever since she can remember Mandy has been making art. Working as an Art Director/Graphic Artist for 10 years, Mandy started painting after having her first child.

''Having children reminded me of the simple things in life that are so special.

"Once I had my inspiration it was hard to put my brush down!'' , she says.

Mandy is well known for her eye catching depictions of children at play and unique portraits of children.

She is accomplished with the brush and use of acrylic paint applied with a wonderful sense of movement and colour.  

When I ask about her art Mandy explains, "I have been painting children for a long time. I don’t think I could ever stop doing portraits as they give me enormous pleasure and are ever challenging. I wanted to explore my style though and express what New Zealand means to me. Growing up I remember the tiny blue butterflies amongst the grass, the honey bees, snails, cute little hedgehogs, fantails, rabbits and lambs. Beautiful interiors also give me great joy so I wanted to create pieces that would work in classic or contemporary homes. I have chosen simple colour palettes to compliment just about any interior".

New works will be on show at Feathers and Spikes 2013

This new exhibition entitled 'Feathers and Spikes' shows new artistic explorations and a progressive development in an art-making style Mandy has made her own. 

'I have always wanted to make my art accessible to everyone and this exhibition has been a great opportunity to produce pieces of varying size and shape.

There will be a range of gift cards, calendars and prints alongside the originals for sale.

The exhibition will run for two weeks at the Zeus gallery 106  11th Avenue - Tauranga. 

Mandy will be at the gallery most days during the exhibition as she will be creating a piece which will also be put up for sale at the end of the exhibition.

Exhibition dates: Sat 16th November - Sat 30th November.

For more information go to  http://www.mandywilliams.co.nz/ 

by Pete Morris (November 2013). 

Pete Morris is an occasional painter and an art lover . He is a free lance writer who has a particular interest in promoting the visual arts in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty.