Great to have class reunion with Euan and Geoff (in the paintings) at the Eastern Southland Gallery. ( Jim introducing) A great exhibition to see.
My Friend the Painter
53 years and still counting
No psychoanalysing here
Students at Christchurch Technical Institute in the 70s
Half the class here
400 portraits and still counting
Geoff always did take up a lot of space
A class reunion in Gore
Buggar ‘Art’
Eating Boston buns and apple turnovers
Always an assignment due
Weekends away mucking around in old cars
Kind knowledgeable tutors – Barry Cleavin for one
A course for the ages
Both applied to work at the Press in Christchurch
One became a graphic designer
The other told to buggar off
Because she would have to climb mountains in the wet
Euan on to university study
Me photographer at Correspondence Institute
He goes to Sydney
I go to Brisbane then Britain
My plastic collection begins
Euan adds decorated pieces
Letters and meet ups, texting now
Two careers in the arts
Just as well we lived in different places
Euan could be painting the places we drive by – not a helicopter or a rope in sight
And I could be painting an old woman in the landscape
He with his picnic table
And me with my ironing board.
I’m very proud Euan asked me to speak at this opening. I’m glad to celebrate our long friendship and his many kindnesses.
We continue to have much in common in our life in the arts – the highs and the lows – successful exhibitions, access to special places, support of family and friends…..really painting is part addiction, a lot of humping (dont get excited), part joy, part hard work and part bad backs.
Euan – the convertible awaits for our road trip south.