Helen Oishi
Shared Lines: Pūtahitanga exhibiting artist
Breastfeeding Madonna (2016 -2018) linocut on paper
I work predominantly as a printmaker, mostly in relief (mostly lino) and most often monochromatically. I observe contrasts. I look for textures and patterns. I value colour too, although sometimes 'line' features more frequently than 'hue'. When working with colour the result can be a riot of multiple colours, carefully placed so that they can either shout or harmonise!
Nature and my immediate surroundings are my main influences. I often aim to create relationships or a narrative within my imagery. I ask the question "why could/would/should this be believable?" during the planning and execution phase of any piece. I aim to take the viewer to either a place of whimsy, attain a sense of the environment, or an exchange, or take them on a journey of ideas.
Shared Lines: Pūtahitanga 2020
This piece is a medley of observations. Sections flowing past, across and around each other. Studies of water as it flowed past, carving out paths of shifting undulating patterns, overlapping over time. Textures of light dancing through water and reflections of the landscape. The shades and hues reflect the changing light of the landscape, skyscape, and materials lit up under the water during the hours of afternoon and late evening.