Year 1, Bachelor of Visual Arts, Nelson Marlborough Institute
of Technology.
Paula commenced study (three years
full-time) with a studio major in painting. Heavy with research,
it had a predominantly academic focus on theory determining
the practical outcome. Paula found it had the rewarding benefit
of providing potent fuel for ideas, dramatically increasing
the quality of her artmaking.
Core subjects and tutors were:
· Drawing and Design - (Errol Shaw)
· Figure Drawing - (June Studer)
· Art Theory - (Wendy Dawson and Suzie Peacock)
· Computer Studies – (Anne Shadbolt)
· Professional Practice – (Trevor
Wilson, Miriam Clark, Te Awhina Marae, Motueka)
Elective credits were also
required to complete the degree, so Paula chose to do a Certificate
in Adult Teaching (CAT) – (Judith Bagley and John Hitchcock)
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| © Paula Cunniffe
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© Paula Cunniffe
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‘Letter to Whitu.’
– 2001
Water-based enamel, acrylics, photographic screenprinting, copper
wire, paper, acetate, sacking, found green plastic tiki’s,
on box canvas. 50 x 150cm.
‘Letter to Whitu.’
© Paula Cunniffe
Polemic Brief
This involved a personal standpoint for the artist on a topic
they were passionate about. In amongst Treaty of Waitangi workshops
and a marae stay as a compulsory component of Professional Practice,
‘Letter to Whitu’ was created. The content involves
themes around colonisation of New Zealand and the commercialisation
of Maori culture.
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