Artist revels in her new space for expression

Fleur Wickes in her new studio. Photo/ Stuart Munro

For the first time in her 25-year career, artist Fleur Wickes has her own, dedicated studio.

"I've always worked from home, but now I'm in a position to be able to have my own studio.

"I'm very, very excited to be here," Ms Wickes said.

Her new studio is on the corner of Rutland St and Drews Ave, next door to Victoria Dental. It's an artist's dream, with a central location, lofty ceilings, heaps of space and beautiful light.

She moved in last weekend and has been revelling in her new space ever since.

"My son is starting to grow up so I'm able to have that time in a studio."

Ms Wickes moved to Wanganui from Wellington just over three years ago. Her artwork - mostly sold outside Wanganui - is an unusual combination of photography, drawings and poetry.

She has big plans for the studio including open days and workshops. She wants it to be a "minimal and elegant" space, but with lots of artwork.

"I want it to be a place to show my work. But I also want people to be able to come in and engage with me and talk to me about my work."

Ms Wickes has a passion for teaching and is looking forward to running workshops. Her first studio event is a workshop on January 31 with the catchy title of "How to be super freaking awesome".

"It's for people who do art who want to spark their creativity," she said.

Ms Wickes is having an exhibition at Chronicle Glass [across the road from her studio] during Open Studios in March, and her studio will also be open to the public during that time.

The studio's official opening will be held on February 14.

-For more information visit www.fleurwickes.co.nz