Gisborne artist inspired by the elements

Teressa Matthews’ artworks are part of a new exhibition Earth Elements on now at The Aviary. Picture by Rebecca Grunwell

The elements of water, air, rock and land structure are the inspiration behind Gisborne artist Teressa Matthews’ exhibition Earth Elements now on at The Aviary.

Working in multiple mediums of paint, wire and printmaking the exhibition features a collection of acrylic paintings, prints and wire sculptures.

The Wire Drawings ‘Heritage Pod’ Series are individual intricate pod-like shapes, made from copper wire that will age over time. They are suitable for both inside and outside.

“These pods were first created over the Covid lockdown 2020 period. They were my direct response to the human need for nurture and nature, by making permanent heritage seeds and pods,” Teressa says.

“Copper is considered a living metal as it will change over time (patina), that is the beauty of copper, its evolving state reflects the changes of time and aging naturally.

“I call them drawings rather than sculptures as when placed near a wall the shadow play in the evening gives more depth and new dimension, again reflecting seasons and change. The same happens when they are suspended in a garden, but in reverse they blend and become one with the environment until the light catches them, then they appear.”

Teressa’s interest in art started young.

“I was always in the art room at school and have followed up with studying extramurally with The Learning Connexion. I create to express my emotions and communicate my thoughts and feelings about the environment around me,” she says.

She is part of Gisborne Printmakers and the Gisborne Artists’ Society and had several works in their recent exhibition in the museum. She is also part of The New Zealand Print Council.

Teressa uses a variety of printmaking techniques including copper sulphate etching, solar plate etching, collagraph and linocut and runs a yearly printmaking workshop at Lysnar House. Her work is all hand-made and many of the prints are one-offs.

There is an opportunity to meet Teressa at The Aviary this Sunday from 10am to 2pm. She is there to talk with people about her work.