1. Cliftons Art Prize 2011 Wellington Entries

3. Artist: Pip Davies Title: Clear Medium: Encaustic (beeswax and resin) and pigment on old kitchen cupboard. Size: 850mm x 430mm Art description Starting from an image in a magazine, the essence of it transformed into a different story, more ambiguous, less sure, something that can shift around the viewer and take on personal anxieties and pleasures. Artist bio Pip Davies is a visual artist, always learning by doing. Completing a Bachelor of Visual Arts and Design has lead her to focus on the figurative potential of drawing and painting, reusing old cupboards to engage in vignettes of the everyday.

5. Artist: Pip Davies Title: Groover Medium: Encaustic (beeswax and resin) and pigment on old kitchen cupboard. Size: 850mm x 520mm Art description Starting from an image in a magazine, the essence of it transformed into a different story, more ambiguous, less sure, something that can shift around the viewer and take on personal anxieties and pleasures. Artist bio Pip Davies is a visual artist, always learning by doing. Completing a Bachelor of Visual Arts and Design has lead her to focus on the figurative potential of drawing and painting, reusing old cupboards to engage in vignettes of the everyday.

7. Artist: Jules Hunt Title: The Village Medium: Sculpture Size: Smallest piece 60cmH x 15x15cm Base - Largest 1.8mtrH x 20cm x 20cm base (7 pieces) Art description "It takes a village to raise a child" 7 piece sculpture/installation, surface coated to replicate a lime stone rock, the village enables the viewer to become apart of the work by casting their shadow amongst the architectural reference of either urban city scapes or maori pa, the intent of the work is to invite the viewer to recognise they have a role and belong here. The manuka sticks symbolise the heirarchy of age and needs amongst the villagers ie elderly/infants/youth/adults, the centre stick in each piece represents the most vulnerable villagers the eldest/youngest. Artist bio My art is primarily a diverse mix of sculpture and photography, often turning photographic images and inspiration from them, into 3D objects. I often create sculptural works purely for the photographic properties and like to install and photograph my work in unusual and unexpected environments.

9. Artist: Jules Hunt Title: “Village Girl” Medium: Photograph - Blockmounted Size: 18x24" Art description This image was taken off shadows from a sculpture installation "it takes a village to raise a child" a member of the public was walking through the sculpture and this is the shadow on the wall behind. Artist bio My art is primarily a diverse mix of sculpture and photography, often turning photographic images and inspiration from them, into 3D objects. I often create sculptural works purely for the photographic properties and enjoy installing them in different and unusual environments.

11. Artist: Jules Hunt Title: Make your life a work of ....... Medium: Photograph - Blockmounted Size: 24x36" Art description Art sculpture photographed on petone beach with the wellington hill line in the background Artist bio My art is primarily a diverse mix of sculpture and photography, often turning photographic images and inspiration from them, into 3D objects. I often create sculptural works purely for the photographic properties and enjoy installing them in different and unusual environments.

13. Artist: Carrie Burke Title: Forest Funk v5 Medium: Acrylic/Impasto Painting Size: 76cm x 38cm Art description This series - Forest Funk - was inspired by how I 'feel' in the midst of Nature! It celebrates the textures, the vibrancy and layers of life contained within a single tree in a forest. Artist bio I grew up on a farm in the Wairarapa, and I consider myself so lucky to have experienced the freedom that can bring. The large patch of Native forest surrounding our home was referred to by us kids as 'The Wild Wood', and my brother and I spent many many happy days playing there. I learn't to love just dwelling in Nature, Mum packing my lunch, I would go for long walks round the property on my own for hours The smell and feel of Nature all around me to drink in...the texture, sounds and sights. That feeling is still with me.

15. Artist: Carrie Burke Title: The hand of man in nature Medium: Bronze Sculpture Size: 60cmh x 38 x 38cm Base radius Art description Bronze sculpture. Inspired by an illustration brief using the hand as a metaphor. To me it represents the struggle of our Natural environment to survive in spite of our 'hand' in it and the effect our industrialisation has had on the planet. I tried to imbue in the form a sense of desperation, growth and energy. . Artist bio I grew up on a farm in the Wairarapa, and I consider myself so lucky to have experienced the freedom that can bring. The large patch of Native forest surrounding our home was referred to by us kids as 'The Wild Wood', and my brother and I spent many many happy days playing there. I learn't to love just dwelling in Nature, Mum packing my lunch, I would go for long walks round the property on my own for hours The smell and feel of Nature all around me to drink in...the texture, sounds and sights. That feeling is still with me.

17. Artist: MontessKuari Hughes Title: Hine-nui-te-po 2009 Medium: Digital Print c Size: 100cm x 76cm Art description Artist bio My art is based around the past and the many great Maori leaders that have come before us. It is through their knowledge and leadership that has inspired me to aim high and gain success through higher education. Photography and higher education has given me the chance to explore my heritage through a new type of medium to capture the techniques and knowledge through the guidance and wisdom of Maori leaders such as Hone Tuwhare, Ralph Hotere and many more who have celebrated Maori Identity, language and culture through art. Kei a tatauteneiao; kei a tatauhokieneiitikahurangiThis is our world; these are the challenges we must strive to overcome

19. Artist: MontessKuari Hughes Title: Maui-tikitiki-a-Taranga (A MAN OF STATURE) - 2009 Medium: Digital Print c Size: 100cm x 76cm Art description This photography series Maui a man of Stature is a series of photographs that explores the historical myths of Maui and his ability to transform into other beings, he who led a life full of adventure a noble man who survived when all odds were against him. This series explores the different shapes of the human form & the use of traditional Maori kakahu (clothing) helps capture the strong narratives behind these myths, which makes the series more realistic. Artist bio My art is based around the past and the many great Maori leaders that have come before us. It is through their knowledge and leadership that has inspired me to aim high and gain success through higher education. Photography and higher education has given me the chance to explore my heritage through a new type of medium to capture the techniques and knowledge through the guidance and wisdom of Maori leaders such as Hone Tuwhare, Ralph Hotere and many more who have celebrated Maori Identity, language and culture through art. Kei a tatauteneiao; kei a tatauhokieneiitikahurangiThis is our world; these are the challenges we must strive to overcome

21. Artist: MontessKuari Hughes Title: "Between two nations" (2010) Medium: Inkjet print on Harakeke(Flax) Size: 1210×1520mm. Art description E kore e taea e tewhenukotahikiterarangaitewharikikiamohiotatouki a tatou Ma temahitahi o ngawhenu, ma temahitahi o ngakairaranga, ka otiteneiwhariki A strand of flax is nothing in itself but woven together is strong and enduring Collective efforts often result in more meaningful and sustainable outcomes Artist bio My art is based around the past and the many great Maori leaders that have come before us. It is through their knowledge and leadership that has inspired me to aim high and gain success through higher education. Photography and higher education has given me the chance to explore my heritage through a new type of medium to capture the techniques and knowledge through the guidance and wisdom of Maori leaders such as Hone Tuwhare, Ralph Hotere and many more who have celebrated Maori Identity, language and culture through art. Kei a tatauteneiao; kei a tatauhokieneiitikahurangiThis is our world; these are the challenges we must strive to overcome

23. Artist: Andrew Ginther Title: The Wedding Medium: silver gelatin photographic print Size: 60 x 60 cm Art description we are all familiar with our own rituals and ceremonies. This is how we recognise ourselves in the culture to which we belong and adhere. Perfect photographic moments are interspersed by the uncomfortable, the awkward and the strange. I came to this wedding as a barely invited guest wondering what I would find. This is image is odd and disconnecting yet wincingly familiar too. Artist bio Andrew committed to photography over 25 years ago. From courses at Ilam Fine Art School at Canterbury University and Christchurch Polytechnic, there have been exhibitions and commercial work commissions interspersed with personal practice and a wide interest in all visual art media. More recently he has tutored in digital photography at the National College of Design and Technology and at Massey University Fine Arts School. His work features the frequent use of bold colour and strong compositions. Landscapes and urban abstractions have become a consistent theme as well as environmental portraiture and mixed media work, combining traditional and digital photography with sculpture and other fine art techniques to create a hybridization of 20th Century work inspired by the cubist and surrealist movements. In 2006 an unusual black and white shot from a wedding was entered in the New Zealand National Library Documentary Photographic competition. The print was declared winner and the prize money was spent on yet more photographic equipment. Eventually digital raised its game and was worthy of investing in. A move to a full digital setup in the last two years was realized. The latest technologies for scanning, ink jet printing and Internet storage and display have been investigated and forms the future of Andrew's work going forward. But traditional photography is not ignored. Medium and large format cameras have been retained and are still used for personal and commercial work.

25. Artist: Andrew Ginther Title: Imperfect World Medium: c-type photographic print Size: 194cm X 184cm Art description This is a large digital composite photographic work from a ongoing series looking at the transformation of the mundane to iconic. The search for pattern and unity reflects the endless human condition of meaningful connection in a world we assume is made for us but in our darkest moments realise is not. Artist bio Andrew committed to photography over 25 years ago. From courses at Ilam Fine Art School at Canterbury University and Christchurch Polytechnic, there have been exhibitions and commercial work commissions interspersed with personal practice and a wide interest in all visual art media. More recently he has tutored in digital photography at the National College of Design and Technology and at Massey University Fine Arts School. His work features the frequent use of bold colour and strong compositions. Landscapes and urban abstractions have become a consistent theme as well as environmental portraiture and mixed media work, combining traditional and digital photography with sculpture and other fine art techniques to create a hybridization of 20th Century work inspired by the cubist and surrealist movements. In 2006 an unusual black and white shot from a wedding was entered in the New Zealand National Library Documentary Photographic competition. The print was declared winner and the prize money was spent on yet more photographic equipment. Eventually digital raised its game and was worthy of investing in. A move to a full digital setup in the last two years was realized. The latest technologies for scanning, ink jet printing and Internet storage and display have been investigated and forms the future of Andrew's work going forward. But traditional photography is not ignored. Medium and large format cameras have been retained and are still used for personal and commercial work.

27. Artist: Susanne Kerr Title: in a rut #1 Medium: pen and ink on paper Size: 1000 x 700 mm Art description This work belongs to a series called Domesticated Animals which looks at the ways that humans display animal-like behaviour in the rituals and routines of daily life and questions how different we are to the animals we stalk, or have under our control as companions and livestock. This work refers to a commonly used animal-related idiom - in a rut- to portray tension between office workers, likening their behaviour to stags rutting to resolve conflict. Artist bio Susanne Kerr is a Wellington painter who lives and works in Eastbourne. She gained a BFA from Canterbury University in 2000. Painting is an integral component of her life along with the care of her three children. Susanne's paintings typically examine issues around language and behaviour, often with a dark humorous twist. Susanne's current work centres around thoughts on humans as 'domesticated animals'. Her work has been published in four artist's books, appeared in NZ Home and Entertainment magazine and Next magazine, and have been finalists in numerous art awards and exhibited in public exhibitions. She exhibits regularly with Sanderson Contemporary Art Gallery in Auckland.

29. Artist: Susanne Kerr Title: 20% chance of rain Medium: Acrylic on canvas Size: 910 x 910 mm Art description This work belongs to a series that looks at the parallels between theatre and life; in particular, this work explores the tenuous relationship between two individuals - a relationship symbolically and literally washed away by the forecasted rain predicted by the omnipresent weather forecasters we so fervently watch for certainty in our daily lives. Artist bio Susanne Kerr is a Wellington painter who lives and works in Eastbourne. She gained a BFA from Canterbury University in 2000. Painting is an integral component of her life along with the care of her three children. Susanne's paintings typically examine issues around language and behaviour, often with a dark humorous twist. Susanne's current work centres around thoughts on humans as 'domesticated animals'. Her work has been published in four artist's books, appeared in NZ Home and Entertainment magazine and Next magazine, and have been finalists in numerous art awards and exhibited in public exhibitions. She exhibits regularly with Sanderson Contemporary Art Gallery in Auckland.

31. Artist: Lucy Yu Title: The Prayer Medium: Oil on Canvas Size: 375mm x 755mm Art description Our memories are precariously preserved, and dangle on the delicate chain of nostalgia. I pray that these will help us preserve the equally delicate balance of life on our planet. Knowledge is not a sin, but it cannot be a blessing either until we choose to wield it and use it for good. Artist bio Lucy Yu studied art from a young age, and has always been most drawn towards the human face and form. In recent years this has evolved into allusive, dream-like visions that are part portraiture, part surrealist fantasy. In 2009 she received her Bachelor of Arts in the study of Film and Art History, from the University of Auckland. Since then she has continued to pursue her personal artwork while working within Art History academia, and as a portrait artist based in Wellington.

33. Artist: Cristina Silaghi Title: Boarding Now Medium: Acrylic Size: h: 70 cm x w: 80 cm Art description Collage of acrylic paint on stretched canvas Artist bio Born in Bucharest, Romania, Cristina Silaghi has spent the last eleven years in Christchurch and Wellington. Her works have been exhibited at Christchurch art galleries such as COCA, NG Gallery, SoFA, The Physics Room, High Street Project, and Campbell Grant Galleries, as well as Temple Gallery (Dunedin), Artspace (Auckland) and Academy Galleries (Wellington). She has completed her Master of Fine Arts in painting in 2009, and is currently studying towards her doctorate in Art History and Theory with the University of Canterbury.

35. Artist: Chris Johns Title: New Horizon I Medium: Acrylic Paint on Unstretched Calico Size: h: 116 cm x 142 cm Art description New Horizon I is one of a series of abstract paintings, in which the relationships between colour/tonal shifts and composition is key. Evoking a sense of a land/sky srcape it recalls to us the similar shifts that are found within the natural world such as weather patterns etc. Artist bio I am a twenty two year old Wellington based artist. I am currently studying my second year Bachelor of Fine Arts at Massey University, as such my practise remains in a constant state of change, I have an interest in making art in ways that seems best for the specific purpose, sculpture suites for one, painting for another and photography for yet another. For this reason my art practise takes on adaptations as required. Within my practise I take inspiration from many areas, how ever, this can be narrowed down to two in particular. The first is experimenting with materiality, this manifests itself first and foremost within my sculptural pieces in which the formal qualities of material becomes a focus over any one particular reading of any given work. This also presents itself within my paintings through my use of un-stretched fabrics as my choice of canvas and also within the textural surface of my paintings. Secondly I am interested in the interaction between the 'natural' and 'un-natural' within art, both as it applies to our current world and the settings within that and as it applies to myself as an artist and my art. Considering that art in any form is a product of a process or a series of processes, it is unnatural at it's core, but it many cases it seeks to emulate, comment on or capture some form of natures beauty, or indeed ugliness, and it is this that is the continued focus of my exploration.

37. Artist: Helga Goran Title: parallels Medium: digital print Size: h: 40 x w: 193 cm Art description Digital photographic collage printed on archival paper. Images of Wellington Waterfront. Artist bio Originally from Croatia, Helga Goran has been living and working in New Zealand since 1996. She has been a finalist in Anthony Harper Award 2010 and has exhibited paintings, drawings and photographs with galleries such as High Street Project, Artspace, D&A Gallery, The Physics Room, and Enjoy Public Art Gallery. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Belgrade, a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Design & Arts College of New Zealand and WCAD, and a Master of Fine Arts degree (Photography) from Massey University.

39. Artist: Marc Hill Title: Moods Medium: Acrylic Size: 1100mm x 800mm Art description View from my studio. Artist bio Born in the English lake District, currently living in Wellington New Zealand. After some 30 years in film I now lecture art, film and paint. For myself rtese days instead of for the creative whims of others. I am profoundly influenced by the unseen, trying to pierce that thin gauze of reality that causes tangibility "The eyes have only to close for the world of the soul to open" - Ennead. Incredible how a statement made so long ago is applicable yet today. The very same feeling that there is something greater to see, to learn, to understand is still inherent in this modern age. For Marc Hill, this is what painting is about; an attempt to expose the essence that is too often veiled by what we accept as reality. The pressures and fast pace of life denies us the time or even the inclination to look, let alone endeavour to look beyond. Marcs landscapes give us a glimpse of what the soul sees. Whether its in the quality of light, the formation of the cloud or the general atmosphere of the entire piece, his paintings offer an insight which is hard to photograph, film, or even describe in words

41. Artist: BrucenaShona Gordon Title: Hatshepsut, daughter of the god Amun Medium: Oils on canvas Size: 55x100cm Art description Hatshepsut's spirit rising out of the canopic jars and into the after life Artist bio I am an enthusiastic oil painter residing in Wellington, New Zealand. In my paintings I favor the subtleties brought out through each bold brushstroke as it slowly creates form and shape on the canvas. Each painting is individual and full of energy. Currently I am experimenting with harsh light of sunsets hitting the mountains and ocean as it leaves the sky. I use yellows and oranges amongst my traditional Prussian Blue and Phalo Green. Turner is the artist that has been inspirational to me. I have an affinity with the movement and emotion depicted in the skies of his oil paintings. Since I have learnt about Turner at The Learning Connexion, I've spent the past few years studying light, clouds and movement in the sky, trying to translate what I see, how it makes me feel, onto canvas. Brian Froud is another artist that moves me. I love his creativity and imagination. I am a fan of utilizing fantasy in my art and a believer of another presence, which is why Brian's art relates to me. For many years now I have worked under the supervision of Marc Hill whom has taught me about quality of paints and pigments. Marc Hill is a former Film artist, tutoring at The Learning Connexion. He has helped me learn about Artists such as Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and many others The knowledge I have absorbed over the years has helped me grow as an artist and build on my own originality and style. In the foreseeable future I plan to use my background, knowledge and creativity to educate the next generation of New Zealand artists.

43. Artist: Anna Echegaray-Kelk Title: Seriously Chilaxed Medium: Acrylic and gold foil on multiple board Size: 42.5H X 15.5W X 8.5D (inches) Art description Seriously Chilaxed is a cubist influenced statement on the fractured way in which we spend our lives and the many scenes that combine to give us our most precious life memories. Seriously Chilaxed takes the simple moments of a stretch as the moments in which the future and the past are rejected and attempts to capture what really fulfills us, moments of slow fluidity followed by stillness. It says that it is only when we stop and enjoy the quiet stillness, down to being aware of drawing a breath, that we are brought into the moment, that we are truly able to enjoy life. Artist bio AEK is of Basque and Spanish decent, born in Argentina, raised in Los Angeles, world travelled, now living in New Zealand. AEK draws on her diverse background and experiences to inform her art. A proponent of lifelong learning, AEK holds four degrees and was a government advisor before taking up art full-time. Her art is forever evolving and reflects her distinct love of experimentation and change.

45. Artist: Courtney Lee Title: Untitled Medium: Ink Pen Size: 45cm w x 64cm l Art description Freehand ink pen drawing Colours used red, blue, yellow oxide, brown Inspired by the possibility and spontaneity of freehand lines to create an artwork Artist bio 18 years old Studying Diploma of Art and Creativity at The Learning Connexion I enjoy working and experimenting with a range of different mediums to create art and jewellery

47. Artist: Jacqui Gibbs Chamberlain Title: Animal Friends Medium: Oil on Canvas Size: 1600mm/1800mm Art description Overlayed images of people and animals Artist bio My C.V. is on my web page www.gibbsart.co.nz

49. Artist: Helen Williamson Title: Market Catch Medium: graphite, indian ink, acrylic Size: A1 (excl frame) Art description Mixed media painting of a pile of fish heads found at a city market. A red snapper's eyes stare hauntingly at the viewer from the middle of the pile. Artist bio Helen works in acrylics, graphite and mixed media. She is also a professional photographer, face and bodypaint artist, and offers art department services for short films, theatre, and events. Helen graduated from Unitec Institute of Technology in 2002, with a Bachelor of Design (visual communication major). She has 10 years experience in the creative industries, in particular as a painter, photographer, art tutor, and Photoshop artist. Helen's visual art practice includes fine art, photography and illustration. She has participated in several group and solo exhibitions in Auckland and Wellington, and is a founding member of The Hunter Collective artist collective. Helen has also been involved in several community arts projects. Helen is currently contracting for Weta Workshop in Miramar, Wellington.

51. Artist: Bonnie Coad Title: Embrace Medium: Acrylics Size: 91.2cm x 61cm Art description Acrylics on Streched canvas. EMBRACE is textured and richly colored. Many layers of paint have been built up using old cooking impliments to create furrows and groves that the paint has been applied over so the different colours make interesting blended effects. It features two human forms (Mother & Daughter) embracing. Finished with a high gloss that brings out the vibrant colors. Artist bio I am a self taught artist practicing chiefly in acrylics. I have been painting for approximately 13 years. My art is active and dynamic, I use bright colors and texture.I am house artist for Riverside Cafe in Motueka, Nelson/Tasman Region, NZ. And I am listed with Art+Soul art agency and Gallery, Auckland. I come from an artistic family and was always encouraged to explore my creative side while growing up. We lived in a very isolated area of the West Coast when I was young and had no electricity or modern convenience's. I think that this played a large part in nurturing my creative side. My art is all about self expression. I love to experiment with paint application and discover new effects. Color and texture are two repeating themes in my work. My art is active and dynamic and I belive it's important to challenge people to experience a personal connection to art. For me art is about getting a reaction. If my art engages people makes them stop to contemplate, if they reach out to touch it or return to it for a second look that is the greatest compliment.

53. Artist: James R Ford Title: Zach Zapped a Zombie Zebra Medium: Fineliner pen on paper Size: 59 x 76 cm Art description The artist's interest in visual, verbal and conceptual forms of repetition and patterns is evident in his new series of drawings, Tongue Tied and Tired. Aural, alliterative pairings and sequences are transformed to visual forms by laboured textual rendering. The act of writing lines as a punishment is given a new purpose - the words form intertwined threads, flowing into the shapes of imaginary knots that loop on infinitely. Ford takes Escher's famous trefoil knot as a starting point and moves onto to more complex, theoretical knotted shapes. There is a metaphorical tying of the tongue and a visual tying of the knot. Artist bio James R Ford is a conceptual artist whose practice explores notions of repetition, pathos and idiocy; delving into the activities and influences of his childhood. His body of work consists of process based projects and investigations.

55. Artist: James R Ford Title: Another Alliteration Iteration Medium: Fineliner pen on paper Size: 59 x 59 cm Art description The artist's interest in visual, verbal and conceptual forms of repetition and patterns is evident in his new series of drawings, Tongue Tied and Tired. Aural, alliterative pairings and sequences are transformed to visual forms by laboured textual rendering. The act of writing lines as a punishment is given a new purpose - the words form intertwined threads, flowing into the shapes of imaginary knots that loop on infinitely. Ford takes Escher's famous trefoil knot as a starting point and moves onto to more complex, theoretical knotted shapes. There is a metaphorical tying of the tongue and a visual tying of the knot. Artist bio James R Ford is a conceptual artist whose practice explores notions of repetition, pathos and idiocy; delving into the activities and influences of his childhood. His body of work consists of process based projects and investigations.

57. Artist: James R Ford Title: Oscar's Only Ostrich Oiled An Orange Owl Medium: Fineliner pen on paper Size: 59 x 84 cm Art description The artist's interest in visual, verbal and conceptual forms of repetition and patterns is evident in his new series of drawings, Tongue Tied and Tired. Aural, alliterative pairings and sequences are transformed to visual forms by laboured textual rendering. The act of writing lines as a punishment is given a new purpose - the words form intertwined threads, flowing into the shapes of imaginary knots that loop on infinitely. Ford takes Escher's famous trefoil knot as a starting point and moves onto to more complex, theoretical knotted shapes. There is a metaphorical tying of the tongue and a visual tying of the knot. Artist bio James R Ford is a conceptual artist whose practice explores notions of repetition, pathos and idiocy; delving into the activities and influences of his childhood. His body of work consists of process based projects and investigations.

59. Artist: Jane Louise Blackmore Title: this distance between us.... Medium: Oil and Acrylic on canvas Size: 101cm x 101cm Art description This painting has been created using a technique I have been experimenting with over the last year. It is a combination of adding and subtracting paint within the work. building up of layers and then dramatically pulling them back to reveal the underlying foundations. The intention of this work was to speak of our spiritual connection to the land, time passing and personal reflection This painting really took on a life of its own and the result is one of mystery and contemplation. Artist bio Jane Blackmore has been painting for twenty years and was born in Rotorua New Zealand in 1973. She has recently celebrated the first year anniversary of her Gallery and Studio, Blackmore Jean Gallery and Studio, Shelly Bay Wellington. Jane was awarded first prize in the New Zealand National Women's Art Exhibition in 2007 and continues to gain critical acclaim for her artwork. She sells her work in galleries throughout New Zealand and has international clients in Australia, UK and the USA. Jane teaches oil painting from her studio and continues to enjoy being involved heavily in the art community.