Vivian Keenan

Parnell Gallery Auckland Artwork for sale Pacific Sail Vivian Keenan
Bio

“My inspiration comes mainly from forms in the natural environment.  I have lived on Great Barrier Island for the last seven years and feel the land and the sea have impacted significantly on my work.

There is inspiration also in the everyday objects that are used by humans, eg hinaki, seed fans, sails, a myriad of things. It is ‘form’ wherever it is found that motivates me in my work. The texture within a piece and the spaces created in between the weaving are prime factors in each work. “

“Initially I produced utilitarian baskets from palembang cane, I find a lot of satisfaction in producing items that are used by people on a daily basis. My interest in sculpture comes from that background – it’s a natural extension of form and technique. I enjoy the process of construction, producing elegant sculptural forms from natural fibres, using willow, rattancore and harvesting materials from my immediate environment such as jasmine, harakeke and supplejack.

Recycled copper – stunning colours and the opposing qualities of malleability and strength – has given a new direction and scope for my ideas, allowing for the construction of much larger scale works, indoor and outdoor pieces.”