CLAUDIA POND EYLEY - NEW ZEALAND ARTIST

Documentary about Auckland artist Claudia Pond Eyley. Includes Claudia talking about her decision to go to art school, where her tutors, especially Colin McCahon were inspirational. Having a studio in her own home helped Claudia continue producing art, even while her children were young. Having the time and space to create art is very important and allows Claudia to do many things such as open her studio to interested visitors such as students studying the connection between art and life. The practical element of executing art also comes into play and it is economically necessary to be proficient at wood work , measuring and cutting: both to mount canvas for painting on, and in framing finished works. Talking about methods of silk screen print making. Claudia also speaks about visiting her friend Robin White at her home in the Gilbert Islands. This visit resulted in the book, “TWENTY-EIGHT DAYS IN KIRIBATI”, and fed Claudia’s interest in oceanic art. Also discussed is the financial side to being an artist which involves studious documentation. Other interests and influences include family history, various modern artists, women’s art movement, oceanic art.
Pond-Eyley demonstrates her methods of silkscreen printing and hand colouring. She explains how she makes black and white screen prints then individually hand paints each edition. Pond-Eyley believes prints are an accessible option for art buyers “From one idea or image you can have a multiple set ...and they are relatively inexpensive.”