Otago Hospice appeal benefits from artist Ron Esplin contribution
Hospice Appeal:
On the subject of charity, an auction to raise money for the Otago Hospice, benefitted from the donation of an "ESPLIN" book, a Tom Esplin framed Print, and an original framed work by myself.
Tactile Art has been successful:
My tactile art has also been very successful in charity work raising money for the Royal New Zealand Foundation Of The Blind for their annual "Guide Dog Appeal".
More Ron Esplin Tactile Art
All you need is Love: (John Lennon)
Another tactile art piece featuring the braille word LOVE has been well received. After all it was love that sparked the concept in the first place.
Price NZ$1,200
More tactile art:
I have been expanding on the tactile art concept, moving from braille art, to humorous pieces that can be viewed by both the visually impaired and sighted art lovers.
Korugate:
The latest is called "Koru Gate", a play on words with the Maori symbol combined with the ubiquitous European gate. Approx size 750mm x 400mm. Price: NZ$1,150.
Contact artist Ron Esplin
Contact me:
Please feel comfortable about emailing me if you have any questions, I would love to hear from you. The address is esplin.art@xtra.co.nz
"BE AMAZING" Ron Esplin tactile art work
New Tactile Artwork:
Fun with words and multi media, the latest tactile art work is "BE AMAZING". Have a look at this work under the "Braille Art" section of my site and find your way from the entrance of the maze on the left hand side of the work to the exit on the bottom right. On the way you might encounter the bee. Do both and you too can "BE AMAZING". Framed size 600mm x 380mm. Price NZ 1,600.
Ron Esplin collaboration with Barbara Snook Dance project
Dance project:
Responding to the challenge presented by Barbara Snook, the Otago University Caroline Plummer Fellow 2008, to produce an art piece that represented the dance work Barbara has been doing in Dunedin, I spent some time observing the dance group at the School of Physical Education, and the presentation of their work at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery.
Conveying movement:
I took photographs at both events and decided that, although a single painting may represent the grace or movement of dancers, the range of movements would be beyond a single representation to convey adequately.
Dancers were not at all times synchronised in their movements, but were often dancing freestyle around the unifying focus of the music, and a theme.
The idea of using multiple images occurred to Ron as an answer to this dilemma, but how to convey both the unanimity and the freedom became the conundrum.
Caught playing with Barbie dolls:
Barbara and I have been friends for some time, and whether it was name association or not, I went to a local store in search of Barbie dolls to use as my dancers. I arrived home with three Barbie dolls that I then proceeded to photograph in a variety of dance poses in my front garden. This process was interrupted by the embarrassing arrival of my daughter and her boyfriend who are now convinced that their father has sunk to the depths of depravity.
Platoon of dancers:
The multiple photographs were then downloaded to a computer and manipulated to produce the ethereal black and white images in the finished work. The unanimity is achieved by accentuating the linearity of each individual image by representing them almost like a platoon of dancers represented in four lines of eight so the work is taller than it is wide. The individuality of dancers is represented by the variety of poses within the work.
Once I was satisfied with the total arrangement and presentation, it was downloaded onto a disc and given to a printer to produce on a giant printing machine with quality ink onto quality material.
Choosing the frame:
It then remained to frame the work in a stark white frame to accentuate the contrast of black on white. The choice of frame was an essential part of the process, and UV glass has been used to ensure longevity.
This has been a satisfying and insightful project for me and I am grateful to Barbara for the opportunity to explore dance in such a unique way, and to produce the resulting work, "La Danse". Framed size 870mm x 460mm. Price: NZ 1,200.
Ron Esplin art sales are growing
Sales:
I have been celebrating great sales volumes recently, from gallery sales, private sales, and from the website. Maybe paintings are now being seen as both a pleasurable adornment in the home, and an investment. I hope so.
Ron Esplin collaborates in Art Guild project
Ngatahi:
The New Zealand Art Guild unveiled the 2009 Collaborative Project in July combining the work of 60 of member artists. I was delighted to be asked to contribute for the second such project, and the theme this year is Ngatahi, translated from the Maori as "together as one".
Successful event:
The auction was a fantastic success with over 200 people at the opening. Despite the economic climate all 15 artworks that were auctioned sold as well as 14 artworks from the members exhibition. What an amazing result!
Mental Health Foundation benefits by $7000:
In total the auction raised nearly $7000 for the Mental Health Foundation of NZ. This money will go to funding their resource centre which is a vital part of the Foundation and will be available for anyone to access. Visit the NZ Art Guild Website at www.nzartguild.co.nz