JOAN: My very best wishes to two strong ladies this week, both of whom I agree with wholeheartedly. Rosemary Baragwanath wrote an excellent letter to the Chronicle last Thursday, mourning the unexpected "decapitation" of two trees on the corner of Drews Ave and Ridgway St. Battles have been fought and won to save, for example, the trees on Taupo Quay and it looks as if further battles are to be fought. Valid indeed is her comment that some of our older buildings, in need of care and attention, would look shabby if not framed by our mature trees. They add so much to our city, as do trees all over the world where they are respected and cherished. I remember Sue Westwood saying that what isn't consistent here is the pollarding of these trees each year. I am anxious that Council are not simply cutting and demolishing trees at will without public consultation and permission.
Anne Webber has placed a petition at the Yellow House from where the area of Cornmarket is a joy to see. This grassy, tree-festooned area is just right. It is also a part of the city where any new building could only detract from its peaceful presence opposite the river. It is a fine culmination of a journey down Dublin St or Anzac Pde or on and off our bridge. Indeed, also, parking would be a real problem. We don't need to change what is an asset. The petition is not easy to see so could it be in a more prominent place, dear Stu? (Stu — of the Yellow House — is very much in favour of the status quo). Perhaps, Anne, other cafes could house the petition, bringing further voices of protest. Shops and offices would, I am sure, be willing to help you. In fact, anyone willing to sign the petition or hold a copy of it please contact Mike and me.
MIKE: A few years ago, I went to the Castlecliff studio of an artist who had recently moved to Whanganui. Ivan Vostinar had searched the web for a place to live which would combine his basic requirements — a colony of artists, a beautiful environment and cheap housing. Having earlier lived in Nelson, then Wellington (where he made all the pottery for the Lord of the Rings films), he decided that our city would meet his needs. Ivan took me round his workshop, explaining the many facets of his craft, then outside, to the garden he was just beginning to create. Clearly he had a vision which went far beyond my reduced vision state. In the sandy, unforgiving soil he had planted some cacti and other hardy specimens. To me it seemed that it would involve a lengthy, time-consuming and probably unrewarding struggle.
Fast forward to last month, when I saw in the Chronicle a photograph of different aspects of Rangiora St, featuring Ivan's garden. So I went for a closer look. It is magnificent! Succulents of many varieties have taken up every inch of space, with some flowering yukkas in full resplendent bloom. Ivan said that he had been extremely fortunate to have received several donations of plants, some of them mature, which had helped him greatly, due mainly to his friendship with Clive and Nicky Higgie.
In his workshop he pointed out his latest projects, one destined for the La Fiesta exhibition at Space, another as his entry for the Whanganui Art Awards. These are larger works than he usually makes, the sinuous curves of the maternal figures reminding me of the renowned British sculptor, Henry Moore. Always keen to experiment with glazes, Ivan has recently created an attractive bronze which he first displayed in his contribution to the pre-Christmas exhibition at the Rayners Gallery, The Elephant in the Room. I would heartily recommend a visit to both studio and garden.