After being advised that 2 of her paintings had been accepted for exhibiting at the Tasman National Art Awards, it was a no-brainer for local artist, Catherine Houston, to book a girls’ weekend to Mapua.
Her very good friend and the subject of one of her paintings, Pippa Wright, needed no second invitation to go along. Catherine and Pippa, both teachers, have been close for many years. The two of them can often be spotted at Raglan Roast on a Saturday morning, when Pippa comes over to her bach.
So it’s no great surprise that Catherine asked Pippa to sit for her portrait. Catherine says: “I always have to tell a story in my paintings” and this depiction is evidence of that. It shows Pippa reclining on her couch, wine in hand, at the end of a long day/week/term. In her painting Catherine endeavors to capture this moment in time, as well as the essence of a close friend who is very creative, has a love of colour and pattern and is also a keen gardener. There are hidden clues throughout the painting. And the portrait is simply and appropriately titled ‘Pippa’.
Fast forward to the end of September, when both women donned their glad rags to be part of the exhibition opening. They were expecting to mingle discreetly amongst the crowds of distinguished artists, when they were pounced upon as they crossed the threshold.
“Here’s ‘Pippa on the couch’!”, exclaimed the organisers. Such was the enthusiasm about the real life model actually being present at the exhibition, that the photographer was immediately summoned. She proceeded to do a photo shoot of the 2 friends and the portrait. And Catherine got to tell her story – not just through the painting, but in words too! I do believe this painting now has a new title, in memory of this great weekend away and Catherine and Pippa’s moments of fame!
Catherine’s second painting was a mixed media work entitled ‘Memory and Time’, and also stays with the storytelling theme.
It depicts a juxtaposition of Christchurch Cathedral Square – how Catherine remembers it in the 1950’s and how it is in the present day, undergoing re-construction as a result of the earthquakes. It too tells a story, with Catherine’s special childhood memories of Chancery lane, Ernest Adams cake shop and celluloid dolls, superimposed on present-day images.
And always, there is plenty of colour…another wonderful trademark of all her work!
Catherine is presently preparing her beautiful Hills Road garden for the Horticultural Society’s Garden Ramble in November, so will not be a formal participant at the Raglan Arts Weekend. But never fear. You will be able to view some of her work at Show Off in Bow Street as well as on:
Websites: catherinehouston.nz and raglanart.nz
Instagram: caffin_artistraglan
