Dean Raybould’s “figurative” art on show
Raybould Dean
Artist Dean Raybould's quirky paintings, currently on show at MONZA Gallery, are infused with social and environmental commentary, spiked with fine details and spiced with a sprig of black humour.
Although he objects to being pigeonholed, Dean reluctantly divulged that some have described his art as surrealist, yet he prefers (if there has to be a label) the description of figurative artist.
His ideas often develop spontaneously with minimal planning. "I pick up my ideas randomly from phrases or words. I read a lot and am influenced by literature and music. I make it up as I go and don't plan my paintings anymore, which makes it far more interesting. I sometimes do tiny sketches and a piece may evolve from that. I'm still learning and when you take out the commercial aspect of painting there is no restriction on what you can do, which is why I like art-I like the freedom."
New Zealand ecology, the environment and its degradation are recurring themes, as well as native birds, which are slightly reminiscent of those by painter Bill Hammond.
"I'm actively trying not to paint birds, but there are so many birds around-we really only have birds in New Zealand. I could do bats but then they would call me a Gothic painter."
The self-taught painter never went to art school, yet says he has "always been drawing". Dean is not afraid to experiment, and his works use all sorts of shapes, sizes and materials. He employs his paintbrush to revive recycled wood, old bits of furniture, plywood, canvas and possum skin, and includes bits of plastics, metals, porcelain and resin in his art work.
He stresses that the interpretation of his art is open to the viewer and his titles are deliberately ambiguous to keep the lines interesting.
"I can tell you the meaning of a painting, yet next month I may tell you something else. For me art is really internal but without all that touchy-feely sort of thing. Words, too, have a lot of duality in them and can even mean a few things at the same time. I like it that people get something else out of my art than I do."
The illustrator and graphic artist returned from Australia 12 years ago and worked for The Nelson Mail before moving to Takaka three years ago, making painting his full-time job. Dean has already made a name for himself. His art works sells in galleries in Auckland, Greytown and in the Cool Store in Mapua, and he has work in private and corporate collections in New Zealand and overseas. Last month, he exhibited at WOW in Nelson and has a busy schedule ahead for the summer with exhibitions in Auckland and at the Cool Store.
"I am painting like mad at the moment,"-and whenever his kids let him, adds the father of four.
Dean's artwork can be viewed until Wednesday 15 October at MONZA Gallery. Visits to Dean's studio can be made by prior arrangement.
Ina Holst
