Tauranga Society of Artists inc.

Brian Frank

I have had an interest in art from an early age, but received little encouragement in my school days nor recognized opportunities in my subsequent working life. Instead, I bought paintings both privately and at auction in New Zealand and Australia for 45 years. When I retired in 2001 I decided that I would translate interest into action and under the guidance of Adele Crawford-Frank joined the Tauranga Society of Artists in 2002 and the Pastel Artists of New Zealand in 2007, exhibiting with both Societies since then.

I am a landscape artist whose primary interest in painting is the satisfaction I get in interpreting the New Zealand scenery. We all see our subjects differently but when it comes to exposing your emotions to the viewer your work takes on a totally new dimension. Such an act of bravery has been a great hurdle for me.

With each painting I reinvent myself, discovering ideas and processes I never imagined possible. And with each failure (and there are quite a few) I am reminded of just how little I know of the world around me and the Art of Painting.

And on a good day you can enjoy the world in a new light – full of colour and shapes to be moulded to fit your own view of the world. Nothing is wrong, nor is it so right that it is precious and beyond reach.

Beyond the act of painting there is the interaction with other artists and viewers. The encouragement you can give and receive. After all, Art is not just for the viewer; self expression and healing and gifting are all part of our need for a beautiful, compassionate world.