ESSENCE—IHO

Wayne Todd

Opening: November 19 5:30 pm

Viewing: November 18 until December 6

Is a mixed media sculptural, serious, and sometimes quirky, look at the connectedness of all life. Using natural, found, organic objects where possible to the express the simplicities and complexities of all we are and the life around us. Finding new stories woven from the threads of the old.

When looking at Wayne Todd’s exhibition think about connectedness. Think about the significance of the objects he’s used, the journey to get those objects and what it is that brings those objects together to create the artwork you see. What is the story behind the sculpture?

Wayne Todd has collected mementos from all over New Zealand, over many years. From the Cobb valley to Kawau Island. He is conscious of re-using, re-cycling and re-inventing with materials – valuing the objects for their history and past lives.

Wayne Todd is a Rangitikei- based multi-media artis who has been working on art projects since 1993. “After 20 plus years working as an ecologist, I decided to do a 2-year arts honours programme with The Learning Connexion in 2013, to rejuvenate and re-focus”. This was followed with successful exhibitions in Hamilton, Coromandel, Colville, and Whanganui. Wayne enjoys drawing, painting, sculpture, and jewellery making. Some pieces have sold to overseas buyers, and now reside in Holland, Belgium, US, Germany, Austria, Australia, and Macao!

Wayne draws inspiration in the natural environment: – designs, patterns, shapes, structures, and colours. Especially those found in the sea, along coastlines, and foreshores, and far up old riverbeds and into forest remnants. His emphasis in this exhibition is to use recycled, organic, and natural materials as much as possible. “My work as a restoration ecologist has enabled me to explore the patterns and connectedness of all natural ecosystems and has helped to inspire many of the art works I have done”.

{ Emerge Gallery }