Nothing to See Here
by Simon and Ruth Patterson
Date: Jan 30 – Feb 19Space: Small Gallery
Simon Patterson:
“My name is Simon Patterson. When describing my art, it’s best to start with what it’s not. There are no politics or religious symbols. No true structure or composition, no golden ratio, no focal point or familiar objects. In essence, it’s just beautiful colours playing together. My process is simple – I move paint around, feel my way, and over the process the image reveals itself. I build up areas with that flow and then the challenge is to make them all play nicely, not allowing a shape, colour or area to dominate the image.
I see myself as no more important to the process than the paint materials or brush. I become one of the mediums and together we reveal these images – abstract in concept but completed with love. All images can be hung any way up, and when rotated create a variant of the same image. The viewer completes the loop, experiencing pareidolia and seeing vague images of things. ‘I can see…’ ‘Oh really, where? Because I see this if ya just tip ya head sideways…’. It makes it interesting and engaging.
The images are colourful, pretty, bright, energetic, emotive, and for this reason there’s really nothing to see here.”
Ruth Patterson:
“It is an honour to be exhibiting with my brother Simon Patterson here in Napier where we are from and Simon still lives.
I have always loved glass and my journey to creating these pieces has been pure serendipity. My first class was in February 2020 then after Covid lockdowns I found in 2022 that my local Mairangi Art Centre was offering weekly classes with Lou Pendergrast Mathieson. I was Hooked!
I started with pieces that had meaning to me as gifts. I found learning new concepts and actions very cathartic and loved the detail of each process. Getting the wax model ready then to producing the moulds and ultimately the finishing work which is so surprising. Each process needing different levels of attention and along the way growing in ability.
While visiting in Wellington I found out that my Grandfather John McCready and his brother Jim McCready (the artistic creator) had made Holy Statues for the Church after WWII. I connected with family members that had the original masters and now I bring their history alive in Glass!
I have met amazing people in the classes who have tremendous skill and produced beautiful works. Their sharing of knowledge and helpfulness have been incredible. Lou and many others have encouraged me to believe I can go out into the world with my Cast Glass and sell as an Artist…I have exhibited at Mairangi Bay Art Centre and have been chosen to exhibit in Whanganui, Dunedin, Wellington, Feilding, Sculpture on the Shore 2025 and now here in Napier.
I am immensely proud to be creating these historic family pieces, to see them glow and how people respond to them.”