Christmas shopping at Lakehouse Arts

Lake House Arts Christmas Market.

The weather god was kind to us and turned out balmy summery weather, just  perfect for the annual Christmas Market at Lake House Arts in Takapuna last night.

Families picnicked on the lawn outside while the North Shore Youth choir provided a melodious background of Christmas carols.

Inside the Lake House there were plenty of Christmas shopping opportunities. Stalls had been set up with artworks, jewelry, Christmas decorations and cards, make-up and edible  goodies on sale.

It was a fun and relaxing way to get some of that Christmas shopping done.

 Lake House Arts Centre 37 Fred Thomas Drive (Barry’s Point Reserve), Takapuna is just off the motorway at the Esmonde Rd ramp.

Inspired by Nature ?

A pendant which was a birthday present last year, and a leaf I picked up on the roadside while walking the other day. I wondered momentarily as I held it in my hand, could it have been a leaf from this kind of tree that inspired the artist? Nature and art are so often bedfellows/

Twitter Feed Art

Cab Life, one of a series called Twitter Feed Art  by  Elisabeth Alani. It was inspired by an overheard conversation. Elisabeth is a Samoan/Chinese artist who is also the administrator at Tautai.

'We are all Indian but we come from Different Countries."

This artwork is part of an exhibition called In Situ by three young Pacific artists, Lana Lopesi, Elisabeth Alani and Salome Tanuvasa on  at the Lake House Arts Centre Cafe , 13 Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna from Sunday November 16-Sunday November 30.
Drop by, have a coffee and enjoy!

This small exhibition challenged me, amused me and inspired me.

 "Through language we have an innate ability to transcend culture, age and class. The everyday encountering of language through conversation, enables us to understand each other. Types of language even among a small geographical area such as Auckland varies immensely crossing suburbs and therefore socio-economic barriers. Elisabeth, Lana and Salome come from South, West and East Auckland. While on paper they may appear similar as NZ born female artists of a shared lineage, they all have incredibly varied experiences of being Pacific Women."

Crochet Tree Art in Devonport

Discovered recently, outside the spot where the new Devonport Public Library is being built, a living piece of crocheted art. Part of the Devonport Festival or simply a warm and cosy statement by some local tree lovers? ( As they do in Devonport )

Kolose: The Art of Tuvalu Crochet 2. The Opening Night at the Lake House Arts Centre

The wonderful opening night  of The Art of Tuvalu Crochet by the Fafine Niutao i Aotearoa at the Lake House Arts Centre in Takapuna last night. This exhibition of colourful and creative crocheted garments by a very talented group of women ( Fafine Niutao i Aotearoa) is not to be missed!

Children's Murals at Corban's Estate Arts Centre

As we walked through the grounds of the Corban's Estate Arts Centre this morning I thought these children's murals displayed on the walls were rather enchanting.

Henderson Valley Walk

Went for a walk in the Henderson Valley this morning for a Zonta Fundraiser. Good company and such a peaceful green environment. We entered the park from the bridge area on Border Road (off Henderson Valley Rd), and walked some trails, inspected the old Corban estate (now an art centre displaying some lovely children"s art). It's a lovely place to wander. 

Gathering Seashells at Takapuna Beach

Walking the dog at Takapuna Beach this morning it was all too easy to lose track of time (and the dog) when there were so many pretty shells lying on the sand just asking to be picked up. 

Underfoot at Takapuna Beach

If you never look down as you walk along the beach you will remain oblivious to the little pieces of flotsam and jetsam scattered here and there on the sand. Linger occasionally and gather some of them in your hands to enjoy the beauty of their textures, shapes and colours. 

Takapuna Beach Combing

Looking like some monstrous little fish, the remains of a pine cone scoured and reshaped by the salty waves, picked up while walkingTakapuna Beach this morning.

Spicy pepitas

A Bowl of Pompoms

A few handfuls of woolly pompoms created by my granddaughters and arranged in a wooden bowl. Now resting on the dining room table, a peaceful distraction.