Malcolm Robinson

I initially trained as a carpet designer but my passion had always been fine art. I left carpet design and completed a Diploma in Fine art majoring in painting and sculpture.

I have had solo exhibitions in Christchurch and Wellington plus I have participated in numerous group shows. I have tutored art and craft to people with special needs, mental illness and addictions which was a hugely rewarding experience, plus a stint as a mental health support worker.

In terms of inspiration from artists and art movements, this field is very broad, ranging from pre-history to the modern movements of the 20th century.

I am currently painting and sculpting full time, focusing upon the human figure and portraiture. My sculpture can best be described as statuettes (small figurines) created from clay, stone and plaster. My landscape paintings are normally always painted outdoors in the garden where the surrounding hills and bay in the distance supplies me with endless subject matter regarding the effects of light and colour.

I am continually experimenting with form, as I believe the creative process to be an adventure and ideas need to be pushed. Renoir stated that a “good painting should be like a comfortable armchair”. I disagree as I believe an artwork should not have the effect of anaesthesia but activate the senses. "Always place an uncertainty next to a certainty” - Picasso

What the Peninsula means to me: The feeling of a separation from the mainland as the Peninsula’s pre-historic past still seems to manifest itself at least spiritually as an island. This is evident through the uniquenesses of the prevailing landscape, which differs from other landscapes throughout Canterbury because of the intimacy of the water with the surrounding hills and the narrow winding roads that link up with the various bays and inlets.

For me one of the most pleasurable pastimes on a beautiful day in Governors Bay is a walk from Sandy beach to the jetty or upon Faulkners track with Astro (a rather highly energised Jack Russell) and then back home with an enriched and recharged inspiration.