Coromind - Issue 34 - October25 - Coromandel's Collaborative Magazine - Flipbook - Page 7
After completing a Fine Arts degree from Oxford
University, I then spent 40 years teaching art –
昀椀rstly as a secondary school art teacher in the UK
and then as Teacher in Charge of art in NZ. More
recently, I have taught art workshops at Toi Ako
Community Centre and done relief teaching in
primary schools.
I am a 昀椀gurative painter: landscapes, nature and
portraiture are my areas of interest. I also enjoy
painting imagery on natural found objects such as
kauri bark, nīkau fronds and mussel shells.
Since 2018, I have designed and painted 16 murals
both in the community and for schools. These have
included David Street Primary in Morrinsville,
Thames South School, Tainui Full Primary School
in Tokoroa, Kerepehi Primary School, and The
Community House in Te Kauwhata. I am currently
working on a large mural for Genesis at Huntly
Power Station.
The projects I have completed have gained me seven
placings, including two 昀椀rsts in the Resene Murals
Masterpiece Annual Competition – for Paeroa
Central school and for Te Kauwhata Squash Club.
Working on murals is a collaborative experience
between the organisation which commissioned
the work, whether that be a school, sports or
community club, or industry, and the artist. It is a
great opportunity to share ideas and develop the
design to 昀椀t their expectations. With the students’
involvement both in creating ideas and painting the
murals, it is lovely for them to have a tangible legacy
displayed in their community.
From my perspective, forming all these ideas into
an artform is what inspires me most … oh, and
driving past them years later and still seeing them
being enjoyed!
Words by
Claire DuBosky
Or visit: www.coromind.nz/claire-dubosky/
