Leaf Light

David Trubridge sculptures, Hastings. June 2008. Ajr.

This is another series of works in central Hastings - "Leaf Lights" by Napier-based David Trubridge, commissioned as part of the Stage Three re-development of the city centre.

Ranging from seven to nine metres in height, the green leaf-form lighting poles are grouped in clusters throughout the central plaza area and serve as both pedestrian lighting and works of art. www.hastingscity.co.nz www.davidtrubridge.com

Suntrap

"Suntrap." Neil Dawson. Hastings June 2008. Ajr

It was overcast when I visited Hastings in Hawke’s Bay to check out the sculptures that have been installed there as part of the Stage 3 re-development of the central business district. That was a pity because Neil Dawson’s “Suntrap” lost some of its colourful brilliance to the grey day. Erected in 2002, this huge sphere – 3.6 metres in diameter and hoisted 6 metres off the ground – consists of six parasol-like shapes with negative spaces forming leaf shapes….as Dawson says… ‘if you want them to.’ Its brightly-painted surface changes colour with the changing light of the day and the angle of observation; and like most of this Christchurch-based sculptor’s work, it rarely fails to impress. A Dawson sculpture is seldom less than enormous as you’ll see if you look here or here. www.ferns.co.nz

City Art

"Nikau Vessel," Hastings City June 2008. Ajr I’m a big fan of New Zealand artist, Virginia King and this work, “The Nikau Vessel” is one of a number of public sculptures by well known New Zealand artists commissioned for the Hastings City Centre in Hawke’s Bay. King’s 3-metre-high aluminium and stainless steel sculpture makes a terrific focal point at one end of the city mall - and I love the way kids feel inclined to play around it. Water flows over images of grapes, olives, stone fruit and ferns that appear among the 108,000 holes cut into the stainless steel interior – an obvious reference to the edible bounty the region is famous for; and the “very Deco radiating nikau” reflects the area’s Art Deco heritage. www.virginiakingsculptor.com

Flushed with Excitement

Bay Espresso, Hastings. June 2008. Ajr

Firstly, let me state that I don’t intend starting a photographic series on toilets, despite the fact I know of plenty of interesting examples. This one however, did make me smile. I discovered it at Bay Espresso, a great café and organic/Fairtrade coffee roastery between Clive and Hastings. www.bayespresso.co.nz