Tauranga Society of Artists inc.

Barwick Harding

I started drawing as a little boy and my grandfather taught me shading and perspective. My mother studied at Elam and then worked as a commercial artist. As a school kid, I progressed from pencil to pen and ink then pen and wash, which I really enjoyed. During school holidays, I always used to carry a sketch book with me and often caught the Devonport ferry across to Auckland to spend the day sketching the boats at the wharves. I tried water colour with mixed results, but didn't really know how to use colour so gave up on painting for a long time.

Later at night school, I tried pottery, but having worked with wood all my life as a wooden boat builder, I was more interested in extending my artistic skills with wood. I studied woodcarving for 2 years under Bob Goodger, which brought about a passion for sculpting wood. I also did a ‘lost wax' bronze course which produced five finished bronzes and also a wax and a ceramic bust of my grandfather. A great experience.

While trying to retire I started making garden “totems”, mainly birds, which I have exhibited at the Tauranga Garden Art Fest and ‘The Elms' for several years. I also exhibit these in a Taupo gallery and have sold numerous pieces.

About 5 years ago I tried painting again, this time in acrylic. The experience made me very frustrated, so I went to two terms of night school under Lorna Huggard. She taught me the mysteries of mixing colour, and I've enjoyed painting ever since. I became involved with Tauranga Society of Artists about 2 years ago and have found the connection with other artists to be a very positive experience.