The Flora and Fauna exhibition is the third themed creative collaboration presented by the Old School Clay Shed.
Following the successful Shades of White in 2023 and last year’s Iridescence, the Flora and Fauna exhibition brings together 20 artists from diverse backgrounds to explore the beauty of nature.
Clay Shed member Merren Goodison is one of several clay artists exhibiting her stunning nature-inspired sculptures. Merren’s hand-built whimsical figures are an ode to Mother Earth and celebrate the relationship between humans and the environment. Through sculptural forms, textures and organic motifs, Merren offers a personal reflection on the delicate balance we share with the natural world.
From a multi-talented family that includes artist Jane Galloway and Soul Shoes founder Rob Galloway, Merren’s creative journey had its beginnings with her parents who pursued artistic endeavours in their spare time. “Our father was very into art. He was always going off to art classes. I’m more creative like my mother; craftier and always putting things together, rather than classic art,” she says.
Merren credits joining the Clay Shed around 20 years ago for providing support and inspiration to pursue clay hand building. “Clare Wimmer and Hayley Hamilton initially instigated using the old garage out the back of the Old School for the Clay Shed. I came along the first night it opened and I’ve been pretty much coming ever since.”
Co-owner of Matapihi Kindergarten in Te Mata, Merren spent a couple of years producing ceramics as a business while still teaching. “I was going to stop teaching and make it my focus for income. I was creating things for a shop in Hamilton, but I realised it becomes like a production line in a factory,” she says.
Join the artists for opening night and mulled wine on Friday 23 May at 6pm. Exhibition is open 10-4pm daily from 24 May-2 June.
by Janine Jackson
