Art and soul
Visual artist Shona Moller brings artistic diversity and a unique approach to Mount Maunganui's arts scene.
After more than 20 years of professional practice from her beachfront Kapiti studio gallery, Shona Moller now calls Mount Maunganui home. From her gallery space at 102 Maunganui Road, Shona creates new works within two very different genres that tell stories of heritage and belonging within contemporary artworks, and reflect the unique Bay of Plenty light and energy through lusciously applied oils in representational works of local landscapes and seascapes.
UNO: Tell us about your background. How did you become an artist?
Shona: Perhaps, to some extent, artists are born into it. I was a curious, explorative child, expressing and recording through artworks from an early age. In some respects, then, art is my first language.
How would you explain your art approach now?
Similar to that as a child; explorative, intuitive, although now I work within two diverse genres where each allows me to express myself fully in different ways. Through representational works, which is really just a flash word for an artistic representation of what you can see, I explore my surroundings, my environment, intimately. I sketch, photograph and plan larger works on canvas where it is my intention to capture essence, mood, and resonance as opposed to finer details. My more contemporary urban inspired works tell stories of heritage, English and Maori, employing icons like the London Tube map with New Zealand place names. These speak on a national level as well as a |personal one.
You self represent. Why does this work for you?
I realise how fortunate I am to have my own gallery; I don't take this for granted at all. Self-representation works for me on many levels. First, it frees me to work how I want, at a pace where I can do my best work. I am
not obligated to gallery directors, to create what sells well, to deadlines and timeframes. While I take commissions, I can be selective, and I'm very grateful that my work has commemorated many significant milestones in peoples' lives. Also, being accessible allows for a real connection with those for whom my art resonates.
What inspires you to create?
Too many things! I'm inspired by East Coast sunrises, full unapologetic new beginnings. I'm inspired by (what someone much more articulate than me coined) the DOGS, the Dead Old Guys; Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Vermeer, Rembrandt. I'm inspired by those artists that had the foresight and the genius to simplify forms when others strove for realism, to leave brushstrokes proud where others blended, to use pure colour where others mixed. I'm inspired by narrative, and the circle of energy created between myself as the artist, a completed artwork, and the viewer.
What is your favourite piece and why?
It sounds very PC to say, but it's always the one I'm working on.
What have been your career highlights?
I have loved every aspect of having my own space. Over and above that, the sell-out London show was an unexpected success. Travel, art tours; I've painted in Renoir's garden, followed Van Gogh's exact footsteps in Arles, sketched where Monet painted his water lilies. I've featured in many media outlets over the years; magazines and Holmes back when that was a thing. Katherine Ryan interviewed me for Radio New Zealand, and most recently 7 Sharp spent a full day with me. The article aired in July, and anyone interested can view it via my website. I think the biggest career highlight though, in all honesty, in no small part because of the amazing support I have received, is that I get to live my art every day. Oh, and UNO, obviously!
UNO: What do you love about living in the Bay?
Let me count the ways. Sunrises, as mentioned. The sense of coming home, evident in the smells of white sand warmed by a spring sun, sea foam, and rock pools. Mynar birds. Tui song alarm 'clocks'. Coffee at café sharing tables. Dappled sunlight through ancient base track pohutukawas. Port lights reflected in the inky sea. Mauao, her moods, her constant grounded reassuring presence in all weathers. 'God rays' through thunder clouds. Whānau. The people! Bay people are good people. I have been so beautifully welcomed into the community here, and from what people are telling me, they're delighted to once again have an organic, authentically artist-run gallery space at The Mount. So, can I just say thank you to everyone for their generosity of spirit. I feel seen, acknowledged, and home.