Marlborough Magazine August 18 | Page 13

PROUD TO BE LOCAL Sirpa will be featuring in the Nelson Art Expo in September Sirpa Alalaakkola Art by Sirpa Ngakuta Bay, Marlborough Sounds P: 022 131 5451 E: [email protected] /artbysirpa Q. What do you love most about Marlborough? A. The Marlborough Sounds - I love seakayaking, swimming, mountain biking or walking on the new Link Pathway track. I enjoy hosting airbnb people in my artistic quirky home to offer something different. Also, hosting woofers who are travelling in New Zealand, as I was a woofer when I was young. I am proud of living here in the Sounds and I want to share the experience of this beautiful and versatile environment by offering visitors advice, sea kayaks and mountain bikes to explore the area. Q. What are three words to describe how someone would feel after being captivated by your art? A. Amazed. Mesmerised. Happy. Q. What is unique about your artwork? A. It is based on capturing the ‘feeling’ of any particular moment or experience, rather than trying to get it anatomically correct or visually realistic. As Picasso put it, “ I paint forms as I think them, not as I see them”. The paintings are almost life-size so that when you are standing in front of them you feel almost as if you were inside the painting, experiencing the joy that radiates from them. I believe you become what you think, so if I can create happiness in people’s minds by painting these paintings, the world will be a happier place. Q. What is something about you that people may not know? A. My favourite colour to paint is white. Q. Where does the inspiration or motivation for your art come from? A. Inspiration comes from my own life experiences, especially with my children, and from a deep desire to depict the local life and people in their environments around the world in different cultures. And to depict the joy of life, meeting people from different parts of the world and Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. 13 painting their culture. Motivation comes from having fully supported myself and my three dependants with my art, for more than two decades now. How would you describe 'a great day at work'? Waking up to an exciting painting in progress and diving into painting it. Having a break to check the email/fb enquiries and have someone contact me wanting to buy a painting. Then I feel I’m on the right track; every sale generates more inspiration. I love selling my artwork and that way making people’s lives more positive, happy and joyous. What 3 celebrities or special people would you love to see displaying your artwork? Oprah Winfrey. Watching her videos, life story and encouraging ways has helped me through some tough times. It led me to learn about her guests' ways of becoming successful and learning about them has led to new self-discovery. My children (in the future), as they have been an integral part of my life and they feature in so many of my paintings. My always painting has also been a major part of their childhood. Wal t Disney. I know he’s not alive anymore but he has been the greatest inspiration throughout my life to always believe in your dreams, be authentic and fearless, and never give up. What’s next on your wish list? Manifesting more of my overseas painting projects; one in Kerala, India, one in Cambodia, the Caribbean and South America. Completing my little SheShed as my NZ base. Make my 'Art & Adventure' venture in the Sounds more popular. What’s your favourite way to spend an 'Idle Moment'? Catch up with my children, or listen to Michael Sealey. Brittany Hughes Advanced Beauty Therapist & Makeup Artist • Wedding & special occasion makeup • Mobile services available for makeup, spray tanning and nails 027 202 5758 . 6 Brydon Street, Renwick BoutiqueBeautyandMassage boutique_beautynz We Take Pride In Producing Quality Workmanship PAINTING SPECIALISTS IN: Airless spraying • Interior/Exterior • Re-Paints Roof Restorations • Renovations & New Homes Call today for a free quote P: 022 100 8436 [email protected] NEW boutique jewellery studio OPENING SOON... 31 AUG - 2 SEPT 2018 Redwood Hub, 91 Weld Street TRAFALGAR CENTRE right next to Xpotential Call or email me for an appointment Boutique Bed & Breakfast www.collingwoodmanor.co.nz 027 577 9340 .| 03 577 9340 .| gmwjewellery.co.nz [email protected] .| /GMWJewellery Winter Woolies See the wonderful range of wool and accessories available for all those knitting projects to keep our cherubs warm 11 Wynen Street, Blenheim . 03 577 7027 /CherubsChildrenswear World-class Vehicle Detailing OUR PASSION FOR THE CRAFT OF DETAILING IS REFLECTED IN OUR WORKMANSHIP • Full range of detailing services available using the latest techniques, products & tools • Locally owned & operated • Only the highest quality car care products used • Over two decades experience in professional detailing industry 10 Stuart Street, Blenheim • P: 03 577 6800 E: [email protected] • /details.blenheim