Interview

Oct 30

Steve Guthrie

Steve was part of the New Zealand Wheelchair rugby team – the Wheel Blacks at three consecutive Paralympic Games. His first appearance was at Atlanta 1996 when Wheelchair rugby was a demonstration sport. He then won a bronze medal in Sydney 2000. His final appearance was at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games where the team claimed gold against USA. Finishing his sporting career, Steve found a new passion – art. Along with his wife Miriam, who is a Graphic Designer, traditional Raranga flax weaver and natural health advocate, the two artists exhibit their talents in Northland.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“I tell people I’m an artist by accident, I was doing a building apprenticeship when I sustained a spinal injury through diving into the sea and hitting the bottom. It left me as a tetraplegic with limited hand function. I was introduced to ceramic painting in the spinal unit, which I did for a couple of years then progressing on to acrylic painting. I was always drawn to bright, bold colours and sold quite a few platters with roosters and fruit bowls, flowers etc.”

What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?

“I usually don’t try to say too much on my art apart from trying to give someone a nice feeling or decorative piece to hang in their home. I love sometimes doing replicas of Matisse or Van Gogh who are two of my favourite artists.”

Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?

“Yes, I do try and plan my work. I usually start with little value studies then progress to larger works, some I start from a photo reference but once I have some main lines down, it can vary a bit from the original image. I don’t like to copy the reference exactly if I can help it; rather it’s just a starting point.”

“I usually tell people I am an artist by accident, as I was doing a building apprenticeship up until my spinal injury. Apparently my mother suggested sign writing when I was a young age as she could see some glimpses of creativity.”

Are there any art world trends are you following?

“No, I don’t usually follow trends but rather I follow a couple of my favourite art teachers online as I like their styles.”

What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?

“I usually tone my canvas and prefer oils, although the acrylics are great for their quick drying, which sometimes gives me an option to start in acrylics. Then, I put oils on top, occasionally, I use a palette knife, especially if I’m doing reflections.”

What does your art mean to you?

“It gives me a purpose. I like the feeling of being able to do something completely independently. It gives me a sense of achievement and it does mean a lot to me. I will always find a way to fit art into my life.”