“Oooh, it does look good!”

1 December 2009
Mary Vaughan, a student at Real People@Mosaic in Taradale, the Hawke’s Bay, uses common sayings and the New Zealand vernacular to create paintings that feature a variety of everyday non-art materials used in inventive ways. Her work is whimsical, humorous and full of charm.

Mary talks about the Taradale creative space – why she attends and what she enjoys about it.

“In my first term at Mosaic, I was keen to do literacy and computers. I also did electronics. The next term I saw people doing art. I'd never tried it before and it was successful. Since then I've put my artwork in shops, the Hawke's Bay Review, the Winebox Auction, and in the Hawke's Bay Artists Challenge at the Hastings Community Arts Centre.

“The first day in art was a learning experience with the tutor, Leighann Coleman, showing me different ways to mix paint. After that I could do it for myself and she was surprised at the colours I could mix up.

“My art has taken different directions: for instance, mosaics, small sculptures, woodwork and pastels. These have been successful in the art world and I have sold quite a few.

“I get on with most of the other people with disabilities here at Mosaic and encourage them with their endeavours. I’ve made many new friends. And the staff are very understanding. If there is any criticism to be done, they do it without putting anybody down and in a humorous way that feels good.

“Since coming to Mosaic, I have been able to try things I never thought I would. I've got more confidence. When I first came I couldn't sit up straight and now I can without any support.

Always someone to talk to

“This place has really made me feel alive again. The atmosphere is good and if you are feeling upset, there's always someone to talk to who isn't going to judge you.

“The art gallery has been a success for me and I’ve been able to put my artwork in my own exhibition. I even sold some before the opening!

“Just to be able to express myself and put it down on paper ... It’s exciting and I get a sense of achievement. It gives me great pleasure to see myself being able to do it when many people would never even dream of picking up a pencil and putting something down and saying 'Oooh, it does look good!’

“My family are thrilled that I'm here, and thrilled that I am painting and expressing myself. They are pleased I feel proud and can express myself in a way I never thought I'd be able to. I'm looking forward to many years of being here and taking part in Mosaic’s activities as long as I'm able to. I also like to contribute to what's going on.”

Mary Vaughan's work has featured in a number of group exhibitions, both at the Mosaic Gallery and the Hastings Community Art Gallery in Hastings.

For more information about Mosaic, please contact:
Terry McKenna, Manager
T: 06 844 4636  E: