Artists to go bush on a Wild Creations residency

Creative New Zealand and the Department of Conservation have announced the three New Zealand artists who will take up a Wild Creations residency in 2010. Artist Chris Cottrell, filmmaker and performance artist Hayden Fowler, and Rosy Tin Teacaddy (musicians Andy Hummel and Holly Ewens) will spend six weeks working in some of New Zealand’s most beautiful locations.

The Wild Creations artists in residence programme aims to foster links between conservation and the arts by providing artists with the chance to create work inspired by New Zealand’s natural and historic places, people, and stories.

“We are very excited about this year’s winners,” said DOC’s Wild Creations Coordinator Emma Hartley. “The artists are all very different so will each have a captivating story to tell about the places they visit”.

Drawing, installation and video artist Chris Cottrell, will spend time at Fox Glacier, walking and climbing to observe the glacier’s movements. He will draw, use GPS devices, video and sound to create maps of the glacier that shows the vitality and complexity of the environment. Chris hopes to showcase his work in a travelling exhibition and artists’ book after completing the residency.

Andy Hummel and Holly Jane Ewens are the folk musical duo Rosy Tin Teacaddy. They will visit the Rotorua Lakes region to write and record a new album based on their experiences, the people, and the history of Lake Tarawera.

A film, performance and soundwork artist, Hayden Fowler will spend time at Ashburton Lakes. Here he will create a performance piece base on the giant moa and kakapo that explores the absence of these birds from the mainland. Hayden hopes to exhibit his work in galleries throughout New Zealand.

Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright said, “For centuries artists have been drawing on the environment around them when creating artworks. These residencies provide great opportunities for New Zealand artists to produce work that is innovative, challenging and culturally diverse while reflecting on the natural beauty of New Zealand.”

Department of Conservation Director General, Al Morrison, said Wild Creations artists challenge our perceptions of the natural environment, “the artists capture the unique qualities of a place and its stories and encourage us to look at it in a new way.”

Creative New Zealand offers each artist a $5000 stipend and up to $2000 for travel and materials costs. The Department of Conservation provides accommodation and support for the artists.