Inspired to make art at Pablos

1 March 2011
Judi Jenkins has a long-standing passion for her visual arts practice. She currently uses a studio space at Pablos Art Studio, working alongside a range of artists who attend the Wellington creative space.

Using mixed media and acrylics, Judi has exhibited works that reflect a strong connection with nostalgic traditions embedded in New Zealand family life. These include key themes of letter writing between family members during the Second World War, cake baking and social comments on the notorious Bolton Street cemetery.
 
Judi started attending Pablos Art Studio after ill-health and a series of events that constricted her arts practice and access to an arts community.
 
“Having Pablos to come to over the past year has offered me an opportunity to continue making work, as well as a number of other benefits,” she says.
 
“I come into the studio four days a week and this regular practice has aided my recovery from a stroke. Mobility in my hand and arm has improved a great deal.
 
“It has also given me the chance to build my skills. I have presented workshops to other artists at Pablos in a supportive environment. This has been very satisfying. It has also kept me active in a community that supports my art-making and inspires me.”

Empowering the artists

Chris Barrand has been an art tutor at Pablos for eight years. He believes that empowering the artists at the studio is an important part of what Pablos offers.

“Art-making can be a powerful way to connect with yourself and with the community. The artists at Pablos are supported to use art to express themselves creatively and to engage within the broader arts community.”

ROAR! Gallery, situated on the street front of Pablos, is the public face of the studio. Artists exhibit in the gallery alongside national shows that are presented throughout the year. This supports the workflow of the artists and allows for an income stream when works are sold. It also invites opportunities for the artists’ works to be reviewed and to receive feedback from the public.

Judi’s work will feature in the next group show at ROAR! Gallery, planned to run from 14 to 30 April 2011. This themed exhibition will be based on the artists’ interpretation of the “Icon: sacred or profane”. Workshops will be offered to Pablos artists leading up to the show to inspire art-making in a range of mediums.

“I have a fascination with Peta Mathias,” Judi explains, “and I am planning to produce works based on her presence in Wellington culture for the past 25 years.”