Art on wheels

FUN RIDE: Joe Campbell says, “ I’m glad people had a fun time being on the train.” Train engineer Mr Campbell (left) is pictured with driver Danny Greene. Pictures by Avneesh Vincent

Art has always been a relevant and unexpected tool in teaching history.

Pictographs, photographs and paintings have often been known to communicate information about historical events.

Whether it be the prehistoric cave art of Altamira or the Taj Mahal which is a display of brilliant and creative craftsmanship, art comes in all forms, shapes and sizes.

Gisborne’s own steam engine WA165 is one living piece of art that is the sole survivor — in the world — of its class of locomotives  built in New Zealand Rail’s Dunedin workshops in 1897.

Last Anzac weekend, more than a hundred passengers were onboard the vintage train operated by the railway preservation group Gisborne City Vintage Rail Incorporated.

Local artist Claire Kizlink was one of them.

Speaking to the Gisborne Herald, she said it was an “enjoyable experience” and second trip so far.

The artist has been an ardent supporter for keeping the railway afloat — to preserve a piece of history — and has had a number of paintings dedicated to support the cause.

“I started to draw several paintings of the steam engine last February. I remember a friend of mine wanted to go on the train and since the yard is next to my house I went in there and saw WA165 for the first time.

“ It was simply breathtaking. I asked the operators if I could come and draw the train and they all thought I was mad.”

A year on, her acrylic paintings of the magnificent WA165 and other pieces are now up for sale at the Tatapouri Fishing Club — along with her ink and wash prints which were also on sale on the train ride to Muriwai last Sunday.

The proceeds of the  print sales would be collected by the railway preservation group to keep “the art alive”.

“They are a wonderful group of people and I will support them as long as I can,” she said.

One of the passengers, Pascale Delos, who had her seat right next to the artist agreed on the need to support the local railway.

“She had expressed her concern on the future of the locomotive as it was a great asset to Gisborne. She showed me her prints which are beautiful.”

Delos said the trip was not a first for

her since she had been an active member

of a mystery play which was held on board last year.

“But this time I had more fun just enjoying seeing the beautiful landscape. Also the children seemed to have a great time with their parents,” Delos said.

For visiting South African Peter Cox, the ride was a surprise trip planned by his son

and daughter-in-law who live in

Gisborne.

“I’m a real steam fanatic and it was a marvellous gift from them. As a kid I loved

to build little steam engines back home.

“I think this is the highlight of my trip

so far.”