Introducing Sculpt-Art ~ Hand carved paintings
What is Sculpt-Art?
They are hand carved paintings, depicting New Zealand wildlife, and framed in mirror mosaics. In a world awash in acrylic and oil on canvas Peta's sculpt-art stands out as something really very different. Sculpt-Art exists creatively somewhere in between being a sculpture and being a painting. They are intended as heirloom pieces.
How is Sculpt-Art created?
Over the space of the last 3 years Peta has works to hone her talent and skill in each stage. Nothing is spared in the process. Often for example the items inset into the frames (like coins and greenstone) are quite valuable and it can take a day just to complete one sanding down of the whole image. There are 3 distinct stages in the creation of Sculpt-Art.
1. Carving
At first the image and frame design is sketched freehand onto high grade density mdf board. The frame is sketched into the plan along with the image it will surround. Using chisels, sandpaper and powertools, Peta sets about carving out sections of board and creating a 3D relief effect. The artwork is sanded smooth and then three layers of undercoat is laid down and sanded in between ready for painting.
2. Bold Colour
Next Peta brings the whole image to life. She paints, often using a tiny brush, to depict the intricate detail of miniature ferns, moss, pebbles and other iconic and native scenery. Peta is a colourist and revels in contrast, she concentrates on where the light falls and she enjoys working with tones and hues that reflect the foreshore and native forests of Aotearoa (New Zealand). The scene is then sealed with a protective layer of gloss.
3. The Frame
Finally the frame is created to surround the carved painting. Peta has perfected mosaic techniques. The final grouting has a polished stone quality and designs included cultural and symbolic trinkets and treasures into the artwork. Items such as Pounamu (greenstone), Paua shell, woven flax, melted glass marbles, broken recycled mirror, mirror tile, uncirculated and collectors' coins are included.
The intention when creating the frame is to incorporate the Maori and Pacifica aspects of New Zealand. The sparkle of the mirror compliments and enhances the painting. A plain frame just wouldn't do it. Each piece is unique and completely original.
The Finished Artwork
Sculpt-Art is the crème deluxe of Peta's work, she invests her obvious love of New Zealand in each piece. Sculpt-art is painstakingly nurtured along from design to completion. Typically a sculpt-art piece will take between 30 and 50 hours to finish. Every attention to detail is made. Quality of products used is paramount. Nothing happens accidently. It is important that when a Sculpt-Artwork is sent away to the purchaser, that it's not just another bit of art to hang up and blend in with the furnishings. Sculpt-art is a little piece of New Zealand designed to be a feature and grace the wall, and maybe even finish the room.