After nearly 30 years in Raglan, realist painter Lindsey Baker continues to find inspiration in the contours, changing light and familiar landscapes around Karioi and the coast.
Ahead of a solo exhibition of locally themed work, Lindsey talks about daily drawing, the creative process and remaining true to an artistic vision.
How would you describe your artwork?
I am a realist painter. My current work explores the beauty of our local hills. I am drawn to contours and changing light at different times of the day and seasons.
How did your journey as an artist begin?
I grew up on a sheep farm and my parents always encouraged my art. I have been painting and exhibiting since the 1970’s. I majored in art while training as a teacher. I left teaching to spend the rest of my working life in the screen printing industry.
What inspires your work?
I have a daily drawing practice. walking the beach and tracks around Raglan with my backpack. I find this inspires my work. It also refines my drawing skills. We are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful environment. I also I get inspired by old buildings and Kiwiana.
Can you tell us about your creative process, where does an idea usually begin for you?
Many of my ideas come from fleeting impressions which sit in my mind developing. Sometimes these ideas take months or years to develop as a painting. I take photographs but rarely paint from one photograph. I often manipulate several photos in Photoshop cutting and pasting elements until I get the composition I want.
Have you faced any creative blocks or challenges? How do you push through them?
I rarely have creative blocks. I think my drawing practice helps.
I regularly visit art galleries and I enjoy talking with other artists.
How has living or working in a small town like Raglan shaped your journey as an artist?
I have been living in Raglan for nearly 30 years and love exploring around Karioi.
I have painted many works from close to my home and around the coast to Ruapuke.
I spend 12 years in my Raglan studio painting urban landscape focussing on the old Karangahape road area in Auckland but I have always come back to our beautiful local landscape.
Who are some artists or people who have inspired you, locally or globally?
I have been most strongly influenced by NZ artists
Michael Smither
Robin White
Don Binny
Brent Wong
How do you balance making art that’s true to you with what people want to see or buy?
This can be difficult, particularly if you are a professional artist. I have always supplemented my income with a Screen printing business which I setup 32 years ago in Hamilton. I do the design and graphic work required for the screen printing process. This regular income allows me to be uncompromising in what I paint..
What’s next for you, any upcoming projects or exhibitions.
For three years I have been working towards a solo show of locally themed work. It is the first time that I have had a major show out of Auckland. I am excited to be showing this work at The Mandarin Tree Gallery in Gordonton. This show opens on the 10th of October going until the 31st. My next series is already planned.
See more at Lindsay’s Instagram:
@lindseybakerartistnz
