Sydney-based New Zealand artist Alexi Willemsen returns home for her latest exhibition.
Artist Alexi Willemsen is based in Sydney but has close ties to her Auckland hometown - the Elam graduate returned recently for the opening of an exhibition of new works at Melanie Roger Gallery, and she also acts as the Australian "brand representative" for local footwear designer Kathryn Wilson. The exhibition is a collaboratitive one, showcasing haunting oil on panel paintings from Willemsen alongside new works from Ruth Thomas-Edmond; both painters with a unique take on the medium. Willemsen let us in on some of the things that inspires her practice and life.
* Alexi Willemsen & Ruth Thomas-Edmond, Melanie Roger Gallery, 226 Jervois Rd, until March 19.
10 FAVOURITE THINGS
1. Moleskin journal
I have been using these journals for years - I have so many now, but this one is extremely special to me because the friend who gave it to me hid a beautiful tale within the pages for me to find.
2. Tracey Emin 1000 drawings
I really enjoy the sense of directness in Tracey Emin's drawings and after attending a talk she gave at the AGNSW last year, which was incredibly genuine and thoughtful (like her drawings), I love and appreciate them even more. Drawing is hugely important to me within my practice, as a process I use it to escape into either obsessively intricate detailing with fine pencil, or draw from the spontaneous using the wet lightness and speed of ink.
3. Postcard collection
Collecting postcards and old photographs is a simple pleasure. This is my favourite - I love that it is a real photograph coloured by hand and it has a somewhat unassuming irony in the way a scene filled with so much melancholy has been used for a "Happy New Year" card. What really does it for me though is the note on the back "From Mother, I hope you still love me" - it breaks my heart every time I read it.
4. Hanging crystal
My little brother gave this to me when he was 4 or 5 and that was over 10 years ago now. You can find them anywhere: I think Matt bought it at the $2 Shop. When hit by the sun its light can quietly take over a room.
5. Painting
I will always cherish a little painting from one of my friends. I think swapping something you have made with someone is one of the most lovely trades you can make, especially when they are one of your best friends.
6. Handbag
I think I have inherited this bag off my mum, although we haven't quite made that clear yet. She bought it in Africa just before I was born and I have had my eye on it since I was little. It carries with it the daydreams and imaginings I had as a kid growing up in Kenya next to Lake Naivasha, a place I plan to revisit.
7. "Jimmy" boots
I remember it was love at first sight when I found these boots. One of my best friends bought a pair too, and we used to plan ahead so we wouldn't wear them at the same time, but we quickly got over that. Now I get to work for the designer, Kathryn Wilson, in Sydney.
8. Venice Rish ring
The ring is designed by a friend of mine in Sydney. They are hand-crafted new, but seem to embody this wondrous sense of history, like they have been lost and uncovered.
9. Sydney Botanical Gardens
I love wandering around the gardens in the afternoon if I've left my studio in the city too early, and feel I need to fill in the day with a bit of exploring before heading home. It reminds me of my mum and grandma's beautiful gardens, and I guess my love of the film The Secret Garden as a girl could have something to do with it too.
10. Living next to the ocean
I have learned a lot from living so close to the water. My palette and application have been tuned by the light here. I love being so close to an ever-expanding horizon and masses of reflection and sky to be inspired by - and my surfing skills are also slowly improving, thanks to perseverance on my boyfriend's part.
