Photographs © Graham Fenwick & John Pusateri
During November the five artists selected for the 47° South artist residency journeyed to Stewart Island to begin their research. On arrival the artists were treated to a warm welcome by the Stewart Islanders at a potluck community dinner hosted by the Rakiura Heritage Centre Trust. What followed was a series of experiences provided for the artists by tour operators on Stewart Island that were both astonishing in their beauty and insightful in their presentation.
Special thanks to:
- Jo from the Stewart Island Promotion Association and Toi Rakiura for their welcome and hospitality at the Community Centre dinner and enthusiastic support for the project.
- Stewart Island Experience for the thrilling ferry crossings and interesting tour of the Oban village and area; a perfect introduction to the island.
- Margaret from the Rakiura Museum Trust for a guided tour of the Museum and a fascinating window into the history of Stewart Island.
- Ulva our guide from Ulva’s Guided Walks, Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary enthralled the artists with wondeful interpretation of this precious bird sanctuary.
- Ty our Captain aboard Aurora Charters treated us to a tour of Big Glory Bay aquaculture, pelagic birdwatching and fishing for delicious blue cod. Seas were rough but the Aurora was a safe and stable vessel for our adventure.
Furhana our passionate guide from Ruggedy Range™ Wilderness Experience provided a magical tour of Paterson Inlet, viewing of marine birdlife and a walk to the abandoned Norwegian Whaling Station. The weather was perfect to experience this historic and tranquil location. - Thanks to Lee and Allan from Deep Bay Apartments for their in-home hospitality.
- Graham from Akomoana Lodge for the generous use of his comfortable guest house during our stay and his informed company.
A special thank you to the children of the Stewart Island Halfmoon Bay School who enjoyed a wonderful morning of printmaking with some of the residency artists.
The challenge is now for the artists to work through their experiences in their studios to create a suite of artworks for exhibition in May 2016 that encapsulates their interpretation of Stewart Island – Stay Tuned.