Bio
Jacqueline Letham is an artist living and working on the North Shore of Auckland. Over the Harbour Bridge..
Situated between both coastlines of New Zealand and within an hour of each other, Jacqueline can experience the diverse nature of each place. The eastern side of the isthmus, where the sun rises, has tree lined sandy beaches and gentle waters of the Waitematā Harbour. By contrast the West Coast is wild with roaring powerful surf. Black mineral sand glitters along the beaches, creating magical light as the sun sets. The land between is a corridor of trees and bush. Native birds from the Hauraki islands to Waitākere ranges use this to live and breed in safety.
Finding inspiration in natural world, Jacqueline observes the shape, texture, and movement of her subject. This leads her to an emotional connection, a way of understanding the characteristics of her surroundings.
Using charcoal freely, she captures the subject with a sense of experimentation in her drawings, allowing the energy to flow. Back in the studio, the first layers of collage and surface marks are created on the surface of her canvas. This textural effect allows the paint to flow across the indentations, mirroring a natural journey with the same unpredictability of nature. Oil sticks bring strong line and form back to the work, but by disrupting these lines, a sense of movement or a murmur in nature, can be felt, leading to the surprising appearance of creatures and characters in her work.
Each painting encourages viewers to look closer, drawing them in to reveal new details and hidden meanings over time.
With a strong use of colour, line and mark making, energy and emotion are at the forefront of her work which endeavours to connect with the viewer on an emotional level.
While undertaking her degree in Fashion and Textiles, Jacqueline was interested in recycling as much as possible to create her textile works.
By utilising wire stripped from old cables and collecting found objects. These items were made into new works and assemblages that were sold through galleries in the UK.
With the circular economy even more important, a new collection of artworks are evolving from found objects and unwanted items. With her love of birds and understanding their shape and character, Jacqueline has created some new quirky sculptures for the home. These are available to view on https://felt.co.nz/shop/wingit
Jacqueline Letham
Born 1967 in Staffordshire, England
Lives and works in Auckland New Zealand
jacqueline@jacquelinelethamartist.com
Education:
1994-1997 BA Hons, Fashion & Textile Design, De Montfort University Leicester UK
1993-1994 Art Foundation De Montfort University Leicester UK
Solo Exhibitions:
2024, HOLDING ON. Estuary Arts Centre, Orewa, New Zealand
2013, A FLEETING GLIMPSE, Lake House Arts, Takapuna, New Zealand
2012, TO CATCH A GLIMPSE. The Becroft Gallery Lake House,Takapuna, New Zealand
Group Exhibitions:
2025, Hibiscus & Bays Art Awards, EAC Orewa NZ
2024, Hibiscus & Bays Art Awards, Mairangi Bay Arts Centre, Auckland, NZ
2012, Artspaces, Mairangi Bay Arts Centre, Auckland, NZ
2011, Portraiture Exhibition, Mairangi Bay Art Centre, Auckland NZ
2010, ON THE COUNT OF THREE, Joint Exhibition, Depot Artspace, Devonport, NZ
2003, 14th Open Exhibition, The City Gallery Leicester, UK
Art Fairs:
2024 Easter Show Auckland NZ
2022, Auckland Art Show, NZ
2018, Easter Show, Auckland NZ
2018, Matakakna Art Show, Matakana NZ
2017, Nelson Art Show, Nelson NZ
2016, Atelier Art Show Kristin School, Albany NZ
2016, Original Art Sale, Pacific Events Centre, Auckland NZ
2016, Ponsonby C Club, Art Exhibition, Auckland, NZ
2015, Original Art Sale, Pacific Events Centre, Auckland NZ
2015, Ponsonby C Club, Art Exhibition. Auckland, NZ
2014, Original Art Sale, Pacific Events Centre, Auckland NZ
2014, Ponsonby C Club, Art Exhibition. Auckland, NZ
2013, Original Art Sale, Pacific Events Centre, Auckland NZ
2000, The Craft Movement London, UK
Selected Collections:
Dreams Gift Shop, Kalamunda, Perth West Australia
Of Hand & Heart Gallery, Warkworth, NZ
East West Gallery, New Lynn, NZ
Chalk House Gallery, St Ives, Cornwall, UK
Jacqueline Letham features in various national and international private collections.
Awards:
1998, Princes Trust Business Award, Leicester, UK
Professional contributions:
2018- 2024, Owner and art facilitator at Make Your Mark Art NZ. Albany, NZ