Tim Wraight & Grant Palliser

Motueka sculptor/carver Tim Wraight during his sculpture talk two Sundays ago; during Manifest, he was the manager/curator of the exhibition, and in attendance every day to talk to interested folks; quite a chore for someone who spends his days in his huge studio alone.

The work behind him is 'Lean On Me IV - Marquette', stained, treated, rough sawn timber, by Grant Palliser. From the flier: "Waimea artist Grant Palliser, (sic) specialises in bronze and stainless steel works and has a high profile in Nelson with five public works including the bronze 'Fishermens' Menorial', on Wakefield Quay, and 'Reef Knot' in Trafalgar St. Grant has produced "Lean On me IV" for Manifest, which is also a marquette for larger works in other materials such as corten steel, aluminium, and stainless steel. Each module of this work has a vital role to play in maintaining the shape and form of the sculpture." This piece was purchased by the organization connected to (??) The James Wallace Art Awards; he had a stainless steel (??) one at Re:fine, which appeared far more delicate and fragile than this wooden one.

We've also posted big hand ("Oracle - future in our Hands"), and rocks on stick ("High Lyers"), and I thought we knew all of his public work in Nelson, but just now found out here's another one at the hospital; slack fans we are!

These two men, and 3D artist Sam Laidlaw, work quietly but tirelessly to support Nelson art in the background as well. They were in charge of loading and transporting all the stuff to Wellington and back in September, for example. For a newbie like me, it's unnerving to deliver work to find these three greats sweating away in the loading dock. Thanks.

This concludes our coverage of 2007 Nelson Arts Festival, I think. If all goes to plan, next year's sculptures will be in the symposium style again, where sculptors work in situ during the 10 days of the festival. OK, just a few more here.