Artist seeks boost in visitor numbers

Fabienne Joni Sopacua wants people to know she is exhibiting in Waikanae for this weekend's Kapiti Arts Trail.

Kapiti Arts Trail participant Fabienne Joni Sopacua wants to spread the word that she is showcasing in Waikanae this year, after confusion led to low visitor numbers seeing her over the event's first weekend.

The contemporary artist, who predominantly uses acrylic paints and pencil to create life-like portraits of people and animals, is holding her solo exhibition at a temporary studio space at 64 Kotare St, Waikanae.

Having exhibited in Raumati for the past couple of years' arts trails, Fabienne's first weekend this year was disappointing.

Where she would normally have more than 200 visitors over the two days, she had around 30 over Saturday and Sunday.

The confusion came from her recently moving houses, she said.

"My partner and I bought our first home in Manakau just a few days before the arts trail guide was printed, so they didn't have enough time to juggle the new address around in the guide.

"As a result, my artist profile is still in the Raumati South section, but with the Waikanae address underneath it.

"I heard from the few visitors I did have that they didn't know I was in that spot."

The 31-year old artist, who grew up in the Netherlands and shifted to New Zealand in December 2014, will use a bedroom in her home as her new permanent studio.

According to the FJS-Art owner, she is currently in an experimental phase with her art, deciding what direction to take over the upcoming years.

"I'm working out how I can challenge myself and not lose inspiration."

With 23 works in this year's event, her favourite is Warrior, which was used as her Kapiti Arts Trail guide photo.

"I love the dark and deep feeling it gives you."

Being a part of Kapiti's largest annual art event is a great opportunity to showcase and sell work, as well as to meet people interested in her art, she said.

"Hopefully this upcoming weekend will have a better turnout."