Local Artists Team up for Womad

MEDIA RELEASE

6 March 2013

Local Artists Team up for Womad

Wellington, New Zealand Local artists based at Nautilus Creative Space in Wellington’s Owhiro Bay have been drawing on the true spirit of collaboration as they prepare their creative stalls for WOMAD this month.

On any given day jewellery, weaving, sculptures and carpentry pieces are polished off, packed up and sent out of the Nautilus workshop to be discovered by treasure collectors and gem--keepers.

But for now at least five of Nautilus’ artists are hoarding their wares.

New Plymouth’s WOMAD promises to be a big weekend and a good amount of stock is essential.

Pooling their efforts artists Su Keates, Jean Burgers, Jasmin Van Lith and Dave Gilberd have prepared a couple of bumper stalls to delight WOMAD punters with a selection of unique craft pieces.

Uncompromising in quality, the elfin felt hats, exquisite jewellery, woven flax kiti and beautifully crafted guitars and ukuleles are all made by hand using natural – mostly local – fibres.

It’s an intriguing collection, but WOMAD is not only an opportunity for festival--goers to explore – the Nautilus team are using the event as inspiration to push their own boundaries.

While a couple of artists are first--time stallholders others are adding new artworks to their collections.

“Although my background is in guitar--making, WOMAD has inspired me to add ukuleles to the line,” said Dave Gilberd of Goldbeard Guitars.

“They’re much more transportable and really easy to fall in love with!"

The more seasoned stall--holders of the group have been acting as guides and mentors – or ‘mother hens’ as the others like to call them – offering advice and leading the charge.

“I’ve been working stalls for almost ten years now, and have gradually found the best spots for me,” says jewellery and hat--maker Jean Burgers.

“When it comes to Festivals I now concentrate almost exclusively on WOMAD and Luminate in Nelson, and I’m stoked to have my mates alongside me this year – at the very least so that I can leave them with the stall while I go and have a boogie!"

ENDS

Nautilus Creative Space is based in Owhiro Bay, Wellington.

The artists’ collective, active since xx, sees a community of around 20 artists -- jewellers, painters, sculptors, carpenters, instrument makers and tattooists -- come together in one creative space to design and produce all manner of beautiful treasures.

A rock--climbing facility offers a unique training ground for a group of local climbers, a recording studio gives bands a space to practice and a large communal area hired out for big projects.

If you would like to find out more about Nautilus and the artists’ trip to WOMAD please contact: Media are welcome to visit the space for a tour, take photos and enjoy a cup of coffee from one our eclectic collection of mugs with us at any time.

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