Looking for an inspirational place to visit? Why not check out this hotspot of emerging artistic talent.
Once a sleepy hippie haven, these days the bush-clad peninsula is a hothouse for a new generation of creative talent. Joanna Mathers checks out the action.
Caitlin Maloney (top) is an artist who works with clay, creating colourful, intricate tiles and larger works such as pots. Originally from Brisbane, her Coromandel story began when she worked as a WWOOFer at potter Barry Brickell’s Driving Creek Railway in 2004. Surrounded by artists, she soon found her own creative muse. Caitlin will be conducting demonstrations of her craft when she opens her studio for the arts tour. Barry is well-known for his pottery and his railway, which he started developing in 1975, as a practical, environmentally sound way to access the clay he needed for his works.
A house painter who also paints houses, trees and his surroundings, Vaughan Udall’s inspiration comes from the unique light and verdant setting of his studio in Preeces Pt. He works in pastel, oil and acrylics.
Print artist Daniel Kirsch has the rare ability to see beauty where others see wreckage. He transforms old, abandoned, rusting cars that he finds on the peninsula into delicate, delightful pieces of art. Daniel plays with the idea of transience, screen-printing images of the original abandoned car, as well as text, onto the parts of the wreck he uses as his canvas.
Paul Armstrong’s studio is a picturesque 14-kilometre drive from Coromandel Town. A glass artist, he creates bowls, jewellery and sculptures, such as this stunning aqua and orange work. The sculpture, which incorporates shells, was initially made from clay, which was then turned into a mold from which to cast the glass. Paul’s key interests are in form and colour.
A feature of last year’s tour was a long woven Japanese saori-style banner that visitors were encouraged to add to. Under the expert tutelage of Cherry Stevenson, a visitor to the studio weaves her own individual pattern. This hands-on approach exemplifies the spirit of the arts tour. Rather than just being witnesses to the artistic process, visitors are encouraged to experience it for themselves.
Caitlin Maloney’s love of colour is evident in the shelves in which she stores her tools. Featured here are samples of test glazes that she uses to establish the ideal colour for her works.
The Great Coromandel Arts Tour
This event takes place over three weekends, from May 6-22
Getting around: Driving is the quickest way to get around, but drivers are urged to be cautious as many of the roads are unsealed. Many of the artists are situated within a 3.5-kilometre radius (or a 40-minute walk) near Coromandel Town in the Driving Creek area. Alternatively, bikes can be hired from Anchor Lodge for $15 a day. Phone 07 866 7992.
Where to stay: There are a number of great places to stay in and around town. Driving Creek Villas is a boutique option (www.drivingcreekvillas.com), or budget-conscious travellers may want to check out the Anchor Lodge or Coromandel Holiday Park and Backpackers. Visit www.coromandeltown. co.nz for all the information you’ll need.
Where to eat: Coromandel Town has many great places to refuel after a hard day’s art hunting. Umu Cafe serves great pizza and coffee, Star and Garter Hotel is a gorgeous heritage bar, and award-winning Peppertree Restaurant specialises in local seafood and modern NZ cuisine. For a true taste of Coromandel, head to Driving Creek Cafe. A vegetarian cafe set in stunning gardens, it offers great coffee, hand-baked delights and a reviving juice and smoothie bar. It also has a second-hand bookshop, and sells local arts and crafts.
How to book: Simply get yourself a copy of this informative tour guide, which includes details of where all the artists can be found. It’s available for $15 from The Source in Coromandel Town, Bounty Design Store in Thames, or online at www. coromandelartstour.org.nz.
