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I draw inspiration from things I deeply care about. My work is informed by the interconnectedness of nature and natural phenomena. I am instinctively drawn to nature and my wellbeing depends for a large part on my natural habitat. In his book Biophilia, biologist Edward O. Wilson (1929-2021) called this innate feeling ‘biophilia’. The biophilia hypothesis asserts that human beings have an instinctive love for the natural world that has been engendered by evolution to help us survive. It also asserts that the human dependence on nature “extends far beyond the simple issues of material and physical sustenance, to encompass as well the human craving for aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive, and even spiritual meaning and satisfaction”.*
Seeing the simple beauty of nature may give us a new appreciation of things that are easily overlooked because we get used to them, as well as energy to deal with the difficulties that life throws at us. Biophilia literally means “love of life” and I strive to capture that in my work. *Edward O. Wilson, Stephen R. Kellert, Ed. The Biophilia Hypothesis, Princeton University Press, 1995, Introduction. Education 2024 - Bachelor of Fine Arts student at Whitecliffe, Auckland 2021 In the Studio, Postwar Abstract Painting, Online course MOMA, New York 2014 - 2023 Abstract Painting classes with James Lawrence 2012 The Foundation Course at Ponsonby Art Station (Studio One Toi Tū), Auckland Painting classes with Petra Mol, Amsterdam, the Netherlands Awards Exhibitions 2026 Kemeu Arts Awards, Kemeu 2-26 November 2026 2026 Waimarino Art Awards, Raetihi; 27 September - 2 October 2026 2023 Hibiscus and Bays Art Awards, Estuary Arts Centre, Orewa 2020 Hibiscus and Bays Art Awards, Estuary Arts Centre, Orewa 2018 Hibiscus and Bays Art Awards, Estuary Arts Centre, Orewa 2017 Hibiscus and Bays Art Awards, Mairangi Arts Centre, Auckland Group Exhibitions 2026 Depot Reveal - the BIG little exhibition, Devonport; 25 Nov - 16 Dec 2026 2026 VALE, Vauxhall School fundraiser, Devonport. 2025 photo exhibition at the Depot, Devonport, Restoring Takarunga Hauraki 2025 Exhibitor at the 2025 Fotofest in Napier 2018 Northart Members' Midyear Exhibition, Northcote, Auckland 2012 Foundation Course End of Year Exhibition, Ponsonby Art Station (Studio One Toi Tū) Artist Residences 2021 Stay at Lisa Chandler's artist residence, Collingwood ©2026, BC Versfelt. All rights reserved. |
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