I’ve just returned from a few days down South at “Hou Ngahere” being Bob the Builder! Making a start on my new studio down there. I’m very excited to (eventually) have a dedicated painting space – although it will also double as guest accommodation. A big Thanks to my mate and site boss, Alex – who actually did most of the digging!
Alex taking a break from the spadethe view from the deck over the olive grovethe digging nearly killed us and the twenty holes were eerily reminiscent of a war cemetery….nearly ready for the decking and flooring – a job for the summer!Not really sure when it’ll be finished, I’ll do a bit more on each visit, but its going to be very inspirational to be painting there as the sun rises over the estuary listening to the ‘dawn chorus’.
I've been a full time painter of light for 40 years - self taught and independent, a former President of the NZ Academy of Fine Arts.
I'm into sustainability, planting trees and spiritual ecology. This includes growing award winning Lavender oil and olive oil.
I'm a student of the Diamond Approach; a psycho-spiritual path to realizing and developing our fullest potential
View all posts by Ian Hamlin
A lot of backache has already been endured, cuts, scratches and bruises! But watching the ever changing light over the estuary makes you feel at one with the planet, the opening heart heals the wounds!
Looks like a really inspiring place to paint from Ian (congrats!) and worth the back pain! Funnily enough we’re doing the same thing right now – creating a studio near the forest. Expected to be completed by Christmas. Will post pics further down the track.
Life and Light 
What an inspirational site! That’s going to be worth the backache. Good luck!
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A lot of backache has already been endured, cuts, scratches and bruises! But watching the ever changing light over the estuary makes you feel at one with the planet, the opening heart heals the wounds!
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It looks so beautiful and peacful what a lovely place to be painting all I can say is lucky you! It will be worth all the hard yakka!
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It’s always an inspiration to be there, and be enveloped by the beauty.
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What a glorious view to inspire you to build and create, looks fabulous!
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The art of building totally dovetails into the building of art, ha ha!
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Yeah it’s all a construction of some kind! 😀
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Watch out for the blisters 🙂
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Just been to the doctor for antibiotics! Cuts, scratches and bruises are the norm, blisters are just part of the fun!
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Yes, blisters mean you have gone to beautiful places! Antibiotics? Hmm, not sure.
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Looks like a really inspiring place to paint from Ian (congrats!) and worth the back pain! Funnily enough we’re doing the same thing right now – creating a studio near the forest. Expected to be completed by Christmas. Will post pics further down the track.
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So many parallels Deborah! I look forward to seeing your progress too, I’m thinking you’ll be in your studio way before me!
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I’m pretty motivated to leave the garage Ian! Shame timber in NZ is ironically so expensive!
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I get it…(on both counts!), garages are not always that conducive to the creative flow – I’ve done my time time there, and in the dining room!
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