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Necia Prior

Originally from the rural landscape of South Australia I now live in rural Taranaki. Almost 18 years have passed since I made that spur of the moment decision to hop across the Tasman to see what was happening! I have five wonderful boys, great friends and a beautiful Appaloosa horse, apart from the fact that I still miss my mum and sisters, life on the farm is pretty good. I am now 47 years old.

At home on the dairy farm and raising five boys I studied extramurally. I studied extensively with the goal of being an advocate for children. The end result was a Bachelor of Social Science including subjects in psychology and anthropology. A qualification in Dispute Resolution and for a year or two I was registered with A.M.I.N.Z. It was recommended I add some counseling papers so I took some Masters papers in Discursive Psychology, Family Mediation and Indigenous Research Methodologies.
I never did get the job, however the studies continued with papers in Victorian Literature and Making Plays for Theater.
I had no idea writing plays would be so exciting.It’s a road I will travel at the right time.

However, it was dreams that led me to the world of art. Visions of paintings would appear in my dreams until eventually, I started painting. It has been a very spiritual experience and I view the gift very seriously. Since my heart attack, in Jan 09, I have become even more committed to the art of painting. It is what I focus on and identify myself with. Paintings that I am shown in my dreams are painted as I see them. Sometimes I am shown through steps of the process. Other work I create is from my inner senses and from a place of my own social voice. Beyond that the absolute beauty of nature, especially vast open fields, are a constant inspiration.

I love the style of the great Impressionists Monet, Turner and Cézanne but probably more so I love their attitude of painting the way they painted what they wanted to, moving against the safety of convention and being true to their own nature. Here in New Zealand I like the work of John Drawbridge especially. At home I have two paintings by a 90-year-old woman, Mavis Gibson. I find her totally inspirational to paint with such power and passion after 90 years of living is remarkable. Now that’s an artist!

I like freedom in expression paint piled on in layers and brush strokes with determination that have an undeniable presence. I paint with either acrylics or oils. If it’s acrylic I love to use the texture pastes and sometimes paint with my fingers. I use the fingers of my right hand to hold the different tones of paint on each finger and just let the work happen fast. I have began to use oil pastels to create an under painting. It feels like the stages of life, building from one stage through to the next and watching the growth and transformation. The finished piece is deeper and richer, very satisfying. If I’m in the mood for drawing, charcoal creates a wonderfully textured, emotional feel. Before I start each work I hold the canvas and prey. I know the right person will connect with that piece. I am the vessel.

I have been painting for approximately eight years. Initially I would use the kitchen table and luckily for me my Husband needed an office and as it was being built it was made a little bigger for me. It is in the style of a barn. My Husband put a sign by our letterbox,’ Artist in the Barn’.

I have shown my work in Wellington, Stratford and New Plymouth. I sold my first piece at the Real Tart Gallery. I remember one couple that came out to the Barn to look at my work. They bought two pieces and it felt rather magical. It was more than buying or selling it was that exchange of moments when things are meant to be. I often think of them.

I have recently set up a blog web site. Photos of my work will be displayed on there and galleries can enquire about bookings. I am working on a selection of landscapes on board so that the work can be easily sent anywhere in the world. Although I am painting full time commission work puts me at almost two years ahead. I look forward to sharing my work with you.

Warm Regards
Necia Prior

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