Candi Dentice made sure the picture she painted for a Christmas show had a light-hearted theme.
"My work is usually riddled with strong environmental messages, but I decided to make it more fun this time because of the silly season,'' says the Meadowbank artist.
Twenty five artists are showing their work in the Christmas Group exhibition, Advent 2009, at Sanderson Contemporary Art Gallery.
Another new thing Dentice has decided to try in the show is working on paper, rather than on her usual medium, canvas.
Although the piece, Joy, is less serious than her usual style, Dentice has still managed to include "a disproportionate puriri tree, as well as NZ natives. I'm passionate about trees and have always been drawn to their humanlike quality.''
A graphic designer in her day job, Dentice took some time off in 2005 to study at Auckland University's Elam School of Fine Art. "It was great to be able to have a more rounded perspective about art and its history.''
Planning and research figure prominently in her artistic process.
"The actual painting is the last part of the creative process for me. I take my time to make careful choices about composition, palette, symbolism and even when titling each piece.
"I've learned over time that there's no point rushing the process if I want to get the results I'm after.''
Advent 2009, Sanderson Contemporary Art, 251 Parnell Rd, until Dec 24 and Jan 11-24. Ph: 374 4476 or see www.sanderson.co.nz
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