Kirsty Gardiner

click to enlargeCeramic artist and cat-lover Kirsty Gardiner has established her studio on the Castlepoint Road just out of Masterton, where her husband Robert farms sheep (when he’s not flying aeroplanes).

Born, raised and educated in South Africa , Kirsty operated a very successful ceramics studio there until moving to New Zealand eleven years ago. "My life is totally involved in the creation of art and is an expression of who I am and my background”, says Kirsty. “Ultimately I am left with no choice but to produce art works - it is really what drives me."

Kirsty Gardiner has exhibited regularly throughout New Zealand since 1997. Her current show at Aratoi, Wairarapa Museum of Art and History, continues her pre-occupation with the feline form, a theme which has kept Kirsty busy for several major exhibitions. For this show the sculptures have been created from quartz clay, a medium which is difficult to work with but which gives the pieces the delicacy and femininity that the subject matter demanded.

Kirsty has an adult son and twin teenage boys.Inspiration comes from Kirsty’s South African roots, and memories of sewing and creating with her mother and grandmother. She works in a variety of clays and uses whichever is best for that particular project, be it votive shrine, totemic cat or mugs made on the wheel.

Open most days, but best to phone first.
Member of MainArtery.

Contact:

Castlepoint Road, Masterton

P: 06 377 2445

E: art@kirstygardiner.co.nz

W: http://www.kirstygardiner.co.nz