Local artist exhibits world-wide
Natalie Kere and her daughter Milan with her commissioned work at Te Noninga Kumu Motueka Library. Photo: Supplied.
Natalie Kere, a world-acclaimed local artist, has been busy creating her latest works.
In her new collection are drawings of women based around narcissistic abuse and will be exhibited in Christchurch in September.
She describes her work as contemporary with cultural aspects.
“It’s quite unusual, I hunt around the South Island for different stones, especially pounamu. With a diamond blade saw I can open the stone and replicate the look of it with resin.”
She also creates contemporary jewellery pieces - necklaces and earrings - from carving the stones she has found.
The greatest influence for Natalie has been her art teacher, Mike Howell, when she was at Motueka High School.
“He steered me to Maori art and to keep the cultural aspect in my work,” she says.
For the last five years, Natalie has been exhibiting her works overseas - in Australia, Paris, the Van Gogh exhibition in Spain, and the New York Times Square Exhibition, as well as in art shows and galleries around Aotearoa.
More locally, she has her work in Little Beehive Co-op Store in Nelson, and a permanent piece at the Te Noninga Kumu Motueka Library which was commissioned last year by Tasman District Council for the front entrance.
She says that particular work - Wahine Matike ‘Tāniko Series’ - has made her feel stronger and more connected to her culture.
A single mum, Natalie lives in Nelson with her 12 year old daughter Milan. Art has really helped Natalie cope with long-term illness. For the future, Natalie hopes to make a full-time career from her art on which she can survive.
Coming up, Natalie is exhibiting in Austria in November, and also has an exhibitions in Christchurch and Auckland later this month and in September.
Natalie has a Facebook page, Natalie Kere Art, and an online shop from which she sells prints and jewellery.