"The best way to encourage artistic freedom is to embrace it yourself " - Justin Jade Morgan - Founder
Having supported the emerging art scene since 2002 with our main aim being to develop and foster the raw talent and creativity of the untamed artist, focusing on local content.
We have extended our hand to further support the distinguished acts of creativity amongst local artists and those from around New Zealand.
The objective of this website is to continue strengthening the connections between the arts and local community.
Having supported the emerging art scene since 2002 with our main aim being to develop and foster the raw talent and creativity of the untamed artist, focusing on local content.
We have extended our hand to further support the distinguished acts of creativity amongst local artists and those from around New Zealand.
The objective of this website is to continue strengthening the connections between the arts and local community.
The statement above once graced the main page for JustArt. JustArt began as a loose concept with its origins going even further back to an earlier arts project called "Vesper". But that was long before my involvement started sometime in late 2004. While studying in New Plymouth in 2005 things began with a number of projects and shows. Both myself and Justin were furthering our individual practices and we would often discuss ideas surrounding art while burning the midnight oil on campus. No reprieve when you got home either, we were also flatting together. The garage was a spray booth, the fridge was stocked with pies, energy drinks, ice cream and the coffee in the morning was so strong when we finally parted company as Justin moved on to study in Wellington and Auckland and went through a good/bad stage of detox. Good times. In that short period we learnt a lot about ourselves as people and artists. We went from picking up spaces as we needed to a dedicated space in the old White Hart Tea Rooms (Our thanks go to Jeremy Thompson). It was one of the most productive and rewarding times of my life. We did everything on a shoe-string budget with the occasional funding from the local community and businesses. Emptied our savings accounts out a few times over, we never let small details such as a lack of funds get in the way of a good idea. I think the thing we had going for us the most was a "can do" attitude. I would drive the hour there and back down to Hawera to borrow tools from family or break into the tool store on campus (apologises Ged) when need be. We churned out personal works at a rate of three or four group shows a year with friends, colleges and peers work being shown in between. Attendance to the shows was amazing. The local community was behind us, as was the Govett Brewster and the council. In 2007 it was cut short by Justin's decision to move back to Wellington to continue with his practice and for work commitments. While I went onto bouncing about New Zealand meeting some interesting people and having many an adventure only to find myself in Wellington in early 2009. I think we both remembered the time spent flatting together, making work and putting together shows fondly, so when the opportunity came up to try our hand again here in Wellington there was no way I could refuse.
Not much has changed, we still like to be as self reliant as possible, the savings account is again running dry. The coffee is still strong but we gave up the pies for healthier eating (thanks Trina). We are a few years older, wiser, but as determined and bloody minded as ever. I am looking forward to the coming year and all it will bring.
Happy New Year everyone.
