Collective passion for art

WATRWICK SMITH/Tribune

ARTISTS UNITED: Five of the Oasis Affordable Art Shop collective, from left, Joan Manley, Lois Price, Rosemary Lunn, Adrienne Whitehead and Jillian Whyte

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Every painting has a home. And part of being an artist is letting your paintings go, rather than leaving them in the wardrobe, gathering dust.

Finding these homes is what the Oasis Affordable Art Shop does.

It has been running steadily for just over a year from the ground floor of Square Edge, selling original pieces for less than $300.

The shop is stocked by 15 artists from the Oasis Art Studio upstairs in Square Edge, with everyone contributing towards manning the shop and covering the rent.

Collective member Jillian Whyte says it is nerve-racking when your pieces first go on display, but it's great once someone buys your painting.

Artist and tutor Adrienne Whitehead says it's always exciting to sell a painting.

"It gives you a buzz."

However, there are some pieces that are just too special to leave home.

"Sometimes I say, `that's not going anywhere'," laughs Whitehead.

Collective members encourage one another to develop their own techniques.

The encouraging atmosphere gives the store variety and keeps it fresh.

"And in the end it's all in the eye of the beholder," says artist Joan Manley.

Each person gives their time for two half-days every month to watch the shop and work on their paintings.

Artist Lois Price says this often draws interest from both painters, and non-painters who pass by.

"They enjoy seeing the work in progress."

Customers often stay and chat, or have a coffee while visiting the relaxed, unfussy store.

It is this family atmosphere and dedication to art that has kept this small business alive through the recent slump.

"Painting comes from your heart," Manley says.

And although all of the pieces clearly come from different inspirations, the artists share a common love for their work and the shop.

Artist Rosemary Lunn draws her inspiration from human beings.

People's interactions and relationships trigger feelings which she portrays using vibrant colour.

She also points out that former Prime Minister Helen Clark appreciates art on the same level as the Oasis group.

"She realised that our biggest asset is our beautiful country, and she relied on artists to portray that."

Like Miss Clark, Lunn believes "art needs to be seen, and art needs to be heard".

And this is what the Oasis Affordable Art Shop is hoping to achieve.