Like many emerging artists, Olivia Dean-Chalmers loves the creating but is less certain about the business side of the art world.
That’s where Raglan Arts Weekend initiative The Hatch steps in to help fledgling artists find their wings.
With the help of Whāingaroa’s more established artists, The Hatch creatives find support, guidance and community as they move into the arts weekend limelight.
A ceramic artist, Olivia was invited to join the emerging artists’ exhibition at the Raglan Town Hall by organiser Zasha Skye.
“I’ve always admired people who put themselves out there, because it’s a big thing, especially as an emerging artist, to put your work on public display,” she says.
Putting the self-doubt aside, Olivia is excited about exhibiting at The Hatch and being part of the Raglan Arts Weekend, which attracts thousands of art lovers from across the country every year.
“It’s going to be a really cool experience. I’m looking forward to it all coming together and learning about different parts of the process of holding an exhibition.”
Olivia’s journey into ceramics started with a birthday gift of polymer clay (air dry clay) from her parents.
“I just played around and made my own earrings, little candle holders and different things.”
She soon discovered polymer clay wasn’t very durable. “I’m so lazy with my earrings. I always leave them in and when I’d come out of the surf my polymer earrings had disintegrated,” she laughs.
Introduced by a friend to the Clay Shed at the Raglan Old School Arts Centre, Olivia began working with ‘real’ clay – the kind that needed to be kiln fired and glazed.
“I felt quite intimidated going into the space and trying out a new hobby. But once I joined, it was so nice having access to the resources there, playing with hand building and having a go on the wheel.”
Hand building is Olivia’s passion, creating sculptures that are beautiful and functional. “I love making things that I personally love to use in my home.”
Stacked kina shells that double as an incense holder, figurines for holding flowers or dried arrangements, candle holders, hand-built bowls that are stunning to behold and perfect for your morning granola.
Finding beauty in imperfections is central to Olivia’s practice. “I’m not really into things looking symmetrically perfect. And even with my painting and collages, things are always a bit messy and fast.”
Olivia grew up in Raglan and outside of ceramics she works part time at The Herbal Dispensary and as a support worker for a couple of locals. She also holds a Bachelor of Population Health and, alongside her art, community health and wellbeing remain a top priority.
“If I had my dream life, I would be paid to just create, surf and eat fruit on the beach,” she laughs. “But something would be lacking and I feel I need the balance of giving back to my community.”
Last year, she worked with Raglan Naturally, researching and surveying the needs of youth in Whāingaroa. “They used that report for a job at the community house for a youth coordinator. That was so cool being part of that process,” she says.
Now, three years into her clay journey, Olivia feels ready to take on the challenge of The Hatch. “It’s been on the back of my mind, but I didn’t really have the confidence to put myself out there. When Zasha asked, I thought, should I? And then I just thought – why not dive into it.”
Visit The Hatch exhibition at the Raglan Town Hall during the Raglan Arts Weekend from Saturday 25 to Monday 27 October, 10 am-5pm. The Hatch opening night is Friday, October 24 from 6.30pm.
The Raglan Arts Weekend Preview Exhibition is open daily from October 3-27, 10am-2pm at Old School Arts Centre, 5 Stewart Street.
For more details visit www.raglanartsweekend.nz
by Janine Jackson
