Wings of Aotearoa, Artworks by Steve Harris and Jennifer Cook-Battersby.
Steve Harris Self-taught realist painter Steve Harris was born in Dunedin and although he has painted all his life, it was not until 1977 that his painting and a sense of purpose came together: to draw viewers through the subject, exploring the form and the life it holds. Working in acrylics, watercolours and pencil, Harris' inspiration comes from within, from the beauty around him and from a desire to blend theological symbolism with art.
Everyday objects - fresh fruit, vegetables, kitchen utensils, old tins, boxes, eggs, porcelain - form the basis of his compositions, and all are imbued with & new; as he becomes increasingly involved in achieving the best quality of light possible. Often likened in style to American artist Andrew Wyeth, Steve Harris captures a photographic realism in his paintings & limitless skies and breathless stillness. His paintings are typically unpeopled, but Harris says rather than incorporating the human form, he is more concerned with the effects of human life and the symbols of human existence. Complementing a host of successful exhibitions and the major corporate commissions he has undertaken since 1981, are the awards he has earned - Montana Art Award 1984, ACTA Maritime Art Award 1993 - and the collections in which his work can be found: B.H.P. Melbourne, Australian Wheat Board, Robert McDougall Gallery, Huka Lodge, Skellerup (NZ) Limited, Baring Securities (Australia) Ltd and more recently the Southland Building Society.
Jenni Cook-Battersby Jennifer's artistic passion is expressed primarily through oil painting, although she adeptly explores various mediums. Crafting this body of work with oil paints has been a delightful journey for her, as they enable her to encapsulate the vivid colour palette of her surroundings. The richness of oil pigments mirrors the vibrant hues found in nature, particularly in birds, and reflects our deep connection with colours and textures. Her art graces both national and international public and private collections, embodying her creative vision.
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