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Verena Tagmann (left) and Wendy Walls (right), shown outside
Wendy’s Whitianga studio. Verena was helped by many fellow
artists after the fire in her home, particularly Wendy.
Area artists rally support
when fire destroys
Whitianga studio
Afire is something you don’t think will ever happen to you. But at
the end of 2015, fire struck the house of Whitianga artist Vererna
Tagmann. Suddenly, her studio, her art supplies, and all her current
works were gone. In a flash.
“Most of these paintings I had prepared for the Mercury Bay Art
Escapes’ Open Studio Tour, which happens in early March,” she says.
“There was no opportunity to sell my works to help recover – the works
themselves were gone!”
Not only was Verena’s art
destroyed, “All my supplies
were gone too. My paints,
brushes, canvases, boards,
and frames. Easels. Work
tables. You don’t realize
what you have...’til it’s gone.
It was very sad realising I
had not even one brush or
tube of colour available to
get going painting again.”
Word spread, and within a few days of the accident the community
came to the rescue. Mercury Bay Art Escape Trustees (MBAE) took
the initiative and opened a bank account for donations to get Verena
started again. “And at the same time, several artists offered me use
of their studio; some lent or gave me art supplies. A big thank you to
everybody who supported me at this stressful time!”
However, not only were there details of the fire and insurance to deal
with. Verena was in a panic thinking about how she could manage to
get her exhibition together for the MBAE. Then a special friend came
to the rescue: Wendy Walls, who has a cottage studio on Coghill
Street in downtown Whitianga.
“Wendy was extremely supportive and offered me hanging space on
her walls. ‘Let’s share my space and mix and match!’ she said. Now
I would be able to show my works at MBAE. She even offered me a
work space, which made it possible to work on my exhibition”. This
took an enormous pressure off Verena and she was indeed able to
organise a small showing for the Open Studio Tour.
And it was around the same time, Verena explains, “the Phoenix
idea was born”. The Phoenix is the bird of Greek mythology which
is cyclically regenerated or reborn, typically rising from the ashes of
a fire. “Inspired by the legend of the Phoenix, I created new works
based on emotional and photographic memories of the paintings I
had lost. The art work is renewed and reborn in a new dimension,
continuing the process of creation in a different direction.” As of early
May, Verena had finished nine pieces, and those not already sold can
be viewed now at The Little Gallery in Tairua.
Verena and partner Craig are currently living in a bach in Whitianga.
Now that insurance details have been confirmed, they can move
forward and start the rebuild, which includes an art studio for Verena.
See
Wendy is also an accomplished art teacher, holding classes in the Whitianga
area. Find out more at
42 COROMANDEL LIFE 2016 LATE AUTUMN / WINTER
Jacquie Ellis | Karangahake artist
PAINTINGS | PHOTOGRAPHY | CLASSES
Jacquie now offering
OIL PAINTING CLASSES...
in my Karangahake studio and at Paeroa for adults wishing
to learn oil painting. Beginners in Oils, to Seascapes, Light and
Reflections, Mountains and Scenery - a class for everyone.
Five week blocks $95, day and night classes. Small groups for
maximising your learning. Some materials available in class.
Call or text to book your place. Eftpos available for tuition fees.
Studio in Karangahake Gorge on River Road • 022 323-1465
STUDIO
GALLERY
OPEN DAILY – or by
arrangement
Chosen Coromandel Life’s
2015 Spring Cover
Call Sarah on 07 864 7002 or 021 238 9490
BLINDS DRAPES SHUTTERS AWNINGS
BLINDS DRAPES SHUTTERS AWNINGS
Verena Tagmann and Wendy Walls in
Wendy’s studio during the art tours.