MY CHOICE: Marion Gibbard / August 2020
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MY CHOICE: Marion Gibbard / August 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each month a member of our community is invited to browse our online collection and select six of their favourite artworks. Each ‘My Choice’ selection, together with personal responses to the works, will be available to view on the Sarjeant Gallery website for one month at a time. The August 2020 My Choice has been selected by Marion Gibbard, EA to the Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer at Whanganui District Council (WDC) and is available to view until 31 August 2020. Marion writes “Born and bred in Wanganui, my working career has been diverse and interesting, ranging from being a knife-hand at Imlay Freezing Works, to an Executive Assistant. I’ve been fortunate to gain a great range of practical life skills, have wonderful family support, great work colleagues and gather many special friends along life’s journey. The bulk of my career has been spent with WDC in a variety of roles. Since 1995, I’ve worked predominantly across the cultural and community sector of council. It’s a privilege working with the Sarjeant Gallery team, I love their genuine passion for their roles, friendship and inclusiveness.

I have watched the Wanganui arts community grow in vibrancy and accessibility with keen interest, and always look forward to attending community art exhibitions – the openings are such fabulous social events. I then re-visit the exhibition, and take time to really view and read about the art and artists.

Some of my favourite leisure-time activities are: the beach; swimming and the great outdoors; gardening; travel; sports; V8 racing cars series; live shows – concerts, jazz club, comedy, opera, ballet; and spending precious time with family, friends, great food, celebrations, and a glass or two of vino. Cheers!”

 

My Choice August 2020: Marion Gibbard, Executive Assistant, Operations Group at the Whanganui District Council.

Click on an image to see further details about the work and artist, and view a large version.

Curiosity – Eugen Von Blass

“This classic is one of my absolute favourites – the colours, the dress of the era, and delightful expressions of anticipation. I always wonder what the girls are seeking to see – is it to check if the neighbour’s fruit is ripe for the picking, or maybe there is a grand event happening? I love not only the painting itself, but also the stunning framing, which completes this painting perfectly when displayed. Aptly named Curiosity, it reminds me of my two daughters when they were younger, although they wouldn’t have just stopped on the ladder, they would have been over that wall!”

Pheasbin – Emily Valentine Bullock

“Emily is a quirky artist who I met in 2010 when she was the Tylee Cottage Artist in Residence. Emily creates her fabulous artworks with bird feathers, and told me she has a freezer full of dead birds, many being road-kill collected by friends. I couldn’t wait to take Mum and Dad to the Sarjeant to see the magnificent Pheasbin, and being tactile people, we just had to pat it (sorry!!).”

Resign – David Murray

“I first met David Murray and Emma Camden in 2001, not long after they moved to Whanganui, and always enjoy a catch-up chat with them. I’ve followed their careers with interest and admire their work immensely. I will always treasure the very special gift to me from my family – a piece of David’s work called ‘Wave’ (in this same blue).”

Picasso’s Muse – Ann Verdcourt

“Ann Verdcourt and Greg Donson gave a floor talk at Ann’s Ceramic exhibition at the Sarjeant in September 2010, where I was immediately taken by Ann’s work and her relaxed disposition. Both Wartime Wendy and Picasso’s Muse took my eye, especially the latter with her large eyes, smooth lines and chic French personality.”

The End of the Tether – Regan Gentry

“Wow, I loved this installation at the Sarjeant and visited several times, so was chuffed to see it again when it featured in the Vignettes – 30 Years at Tylee Cottage exhibition at Sarjeant on the Quay in November 2016. To me the raw, coarse rope signifies the hardship endured by the men who built the bridge, and the occupants of the Mangapurua Valley settlement. I’ve been fortunate to visit the Bridge to Nowhere twice, the last time kayaking back down the Whanganui River with family, which was an amazing experience.”

A Glorious Finale (Kai Iwi Beach) – Frank Denton

“This photo triggers wonderful memories of Kai Iwi beach and watching many sunsets like this. Kai Iwi beach, also known as Mowhanau, is where we spent every school holidays growing up, at mum and dad’s bach – white-baiting, swimming, movie nights, beach competitions, skating, eeling and playing cards; then camping with my own children as they grew up. Now, there are day trips for a swim, or a stroll along the beach to soak up nature. Always about family, friends and special times ­– this shot seemed fitting as my final selection.”

Category
Past Exhibitions 2020