Driven by the urge of experimenting and creating abstract works, mixed media artist Beatrice Bourhis produces art which is uplifting, invoking a sense of joy and playfulness wherever possible. “Years ago, I visited Barcelona and was inspired seeing the unique and beautiful architecture and mosaic work by Antonio Gaudi. Moving to New Zealand, I started creating with mosaic. With a lot of experimentation, I started reverse glass painting and combined both ancient techniques to create contemporary artworks.” Beatrice says it is nature, culture and life itself that draws her in the most.
Completing an abstract light installation entitled ‘Below the Surface,’ inspired by the world deep below the waves, is a recent personal highlight for the self-taught artist. “Much of the ocean is mysterious and unpredictable. One moment it gives the feeling of tranquillity and beauty and on other days it can be wild and dark, taking the land back with roaring waves. Creating this light installation was exciting and I like the versatility of how it can be viewed. Lights off, it presents the subtle colour shades in the daylight, as in the night-time with the lights on, the warm colour tones creating an ambient feeling. The ocean is part of my daily life and never ceases to inspire me.”
Based in Golden Bay and working from her workshop/studio, she says most of her works are sold through art galleries in New Zealand, but she really enjoys it when she gets to meet her customers personally, “I enjoy hearing the stories, why they buy my art works.”
Coming up on the Arts Festival calendar, Beatrice has an exhibition entitled ‘Viva la Vida’ presenting ‘Movement celebrating life with dancing - The joy of being'. Her works will be viewable to the public from 20-30 October in the form of window displays in participating retailers around Nelson CBD. All the works represented are on plexiglass as it gives more flexibility with this approach, she says.
“I could not help but to branch out of my style and represent the ‘Dance’ series as most of it is playful and fun and hopefully uplifting. It’s all about movement and the love for dance - the oldest form to celebrate life in all cultures around the world. “To keep myself balanced I use Freedom Dance (5 Rhythm inspired) of the Conscious Dance Movement, creating space to transform emotions. That is, and has been, a big part of my life.”
Check out Event Finder for free Conscious Dance events held at Equilibrium, during the Arts Festival created by Golden Bay Conscious Movement Community.
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