Arts & Crafts
It comes as no surprise that Kaikoura’s landscape of contrasts, wildlife and beauty has provided a home for a diverse range of artists from all over the world.
Visitors to Kaikoura will not have to go far to be dazzled by the region’s talent. Right on the main street, the range of local jewellery, pottery, wood craft, handmade postcards and paintings in the windows of the brand new Kaikoura Art Gallery , and the magnificent original landscape paintings in Pacific Allure Gallery beckon to the passer-by. Also new to town is Passione Soul Studio and Gallery in Westend, which incorporates a Dance Studio, Art Gallery and Café.
On the way to Kaikoura’s stunning lookout you see the Art and Design Gallery , a very unique and exclusive Art Gallery / Studio not to be missed. Bridgette and Walter create a wide range of items for the interior living area, including Sculptures, Paintings and the famous Kaikoura Mirrors. Most of the works of art are gilt in 12 – 22 carat gold leaf. Strolling through the gallery you also enjoy unique and interesting Jewellery, Glass Art , Model Cars and Prints.
New to town for 2012 is Jean Laming , an extremely talented artist who's paintings are exhibited all over the world. Jean's studio is at 15 Brighton St, a short walk along the waterfront from town.
The Seaward Kaikoura Lions Trash Fashion Show , which is held every two years, is another opportunity for the town’s creativity to be present, this time in an environmentally friendly way, as locals are invited to reach for their banished junk and recycled bits and pieces to create wearable art.
People visiting Kaikoura at the weekends in the summer can pick up various arts and crafts for a song at the Kaikoura market day which is also held once a month in the winter.
The Pink Shed, situated on the historic and magical grounds of Fyffe House , also displays some of the region’s art during the summer months.
Kaikoura has it’s own resident tattooist, Greg Ashwell at Atawera Art on Avoca St. Greg assists and encourages his customers to really explore the meaning behind their very personal body art. Specialising in Aoteroa designs, Greg has 17 years experience in tattooing, and can ensure that the unique design of your tattoo reflects the message that is relevant to you.
Galleries north of town include Ruth Stirnimann ’s fantastic geometric and abstract canvases. Ruth exhibits all over the world, and is often at work in her gallery at 103 Harnetts Rd. Ruth is possibly one of the most travelled artist in New Zealand. She has exhibited in Buenos Aires, New York, Sydney, Switzerland and in exhibitions around New Zealand in the last 18 months. Ruth has her own studio at 43 Harnetts Rd, just north of the township.
Her paintings are expressions of creative, harmonious vibration underlying all life forms. They embrace changing patterns of being and harmony and balance on a holistic level. She sees her works as healing paintings, restoring harmony and equilibrium on an individual and universal level.
Her two styles of work could not be more different: emotional flowing abstract on one hand and powerful geometric pieces on the other. She has been a full-time artist since 2004. Ruth offers viewing in her studio by appointment and is also happy to discuss commissions.
Not to be missed is Homewood Hill Gallery . Artist Karen James specialises in scenic Kaikoura paintings and also has a variety of land & seacapes, animal & portraits, still life & figure drawings in oils, patels and acrylics. Commission accepted. Stop in and see Karen or Bob, opposite Hapuku School on SH1 north of Kaikoura.
Further north and down the shingled Kiwa Road is Juanita Edelmann’s Seaward Pottery studio which is nestled amongst a beautiful garden with an atmosphere you might find hard to leave. Check out Seaward Pottery’s accommodation and enjoy a quiet night on our beautiful North Coast.
For the crafty amongst us, a visit to A Patch of Country , Kaikoura's specialist patchwork store will be sure to impress! Tours regularly come from Christchurch to see the wide range of material available for patchwork, needlework and crafts.
A wide range of Paua jewellery and craftwork is available at Southern Paua and Pacific Jewels , a working factory shop on Beach Rd, under the railway bridge. Look for the fantastic murals on the sides of the building... you can't miss it!
