Elsa Lye
Artist Q + A
Raglan is literally full of creatives. Elsa Lye, an accomplished artist with a long connection to the local arts scene is a new member of Ahoy, a shared art space on Bankart St around the corner from Atamira.
T his year we photographed Elsa in her studio and chatted to her about her work.
Jacquiline Kay: How would you describe your artwork and what inspires you?
Elsa: My work is inspired by nature, and the nature of materials. The challenge is to try and capture the place/idea and pin it to a surface or an object. It’s about what I see, love, feel and what material will make that real. I paint using different mediums outside in the wind and also tucked up in my studio. I also make sculptures in clay, Raglan black sand and rusty/stainless steel. I work intuitively.
Jacqui: You have recently moved to Raglan but have always had a connection to the arts scene here. What has this involved over the years?
Elsa: I have connections with Raglan artists and The Old School Art Centre for many years. Summer schools with Susan Flight and Paul Judd, a solo show, as curator, video at the film festival and now my studio at Ahoy on Bankart St. and recently a group show with Ahoy artists at Chris and Shelley Meeks.
Jacqui: What studies have you completed ?
Elsa: I am always learning, however I completed my Master of Fine Arts in 2010 majoring in video.
Jacqui: Tell us about your recent works?
Elsa: Yesterday l made small clay pieces referencing the tiny sand islands made by the tide.
Jacqui: What is happening for you in 2017?
Elsa: Our MFA group are exploring the possibilities of showing in Auckland’s Art week 2017 our topic is Endangered.
Jacqui: Where can people view your work?
Elsa: Paintings with Jan at Kanuka and also at my studio, Ahoy, 11 Bankart Street Raglan and the Old School Art Centre
