Conversations and the art of fencing

Ross Lewis took part in his first agricultural fieldays at Mystery Creek in June. The British born internationally-acclaimed painter and mural artist was part of Stockade’s site.

There he began constructing his first ever post-and-batten fence. Rather than one of Stockade’s cordless stapler tools, Ross’s fence came to life from beneath his brush strokes on a large 2.8m x 1.2m wooden frame.

Landscape painting is one of Ross’s loves. He has developed his own style that fits New Zealand’s unique landscape and light. His commissioned works include paintings for the likes of actor/ director Alan Rickman, Formula One Race driver Damen Hill and reality show personality Simon Cowell; as well as recreating the murals of Pompei.

Ross creates beautiful vast landscapes which are admired and treasured; fencers work in and on these landscapes, crafting their own marks with fences to last a lifetime – which in turn become part of a scene which is authentically rural New Zealand

CAPTURING THE ART OF FENCING

The activity of fencing is rarely captured in the art world so Ross’s project drew curiousity from visitors and competitors. Ross welcomes conversation and says everyone was pretty complimentary, every now and then a few shared a bit of advice. Much of the feedback came from families and children, and many people returned later to see the vista unfolding.

Ross Lewis getting down to work

The art-in-progress also piqued the interest of fencing competitors. They were intrigued whether the end result would capture an authentic fencing scene and reflect what they really do. Past fencing competitors and Stockade North Island territory manager Mike Billinghurst were on site to provide some handy technical advice. Mike ran Ross through a fast-tracked lesson on how and why to space 9 and 6-wire fences, then the painter took Mike’s practical know-how back to the canvas.

Veteran fencer, triple Golden Pliers™ winner and competition judge Owen Petersen heard there was something going on back at the Stockade site. “I was pretty impressed.”

Ross and Owen got to talking, discussing battens. “I suggested the guys in the painting were only in the early stages. Only a couple of wires might be up – one along the bottom to get the line and then another further up to get the posts nice and plumb.” This arrangement suited the artistic composition Ross had in his mind. The result – a top wire and a parallel shadow draw the eye along the painting, and the incomplete fence tells a visual story of work in progress. Both Ross and Owen agree: with the skeleton fence, the eyes are drawn up and away into the hills. In doing so, the observer takes a moment to draw in the vista of the fencing world. Another day’s painting and Ross says he would have softened those hills, then catches himself “That wouldn’t have made the story about the fencing, it would have been about the landscape. So it was good that I didn’t have any more time!”

CHANGING LANDSCAPES

Owen reflects on fencing’s role in creating and forming New Zealand’s landscape. “Farming for example is only made possible with fencing, and obviously fencing of waterways is now changing the landscape too by protecting and enhancing our streams and rivers, and riparian land. While any waterway was seen as an important source for stock in the past, better technology has allowed more reticulated systems. Whether on purpose or not, Ross has captured part of this in his painting.”

“I think he finished off very well. I stopped off on the Saturday to see how he’d gone. It looked very good.”

COLLABORATION

Christie Stanton, Stockade Market Manager says the team has enjoyed working alongside Ross and the feedback has been awesome.

“Ross creates beautiful vast landscapes which are admired and treasured; fencers work in and on these landscapes, crafting their own marks with fences to last a lifetime – which in turn become part of a scene which is authentically rural New Zealand. We are also delighted that the fencing community has helped us shape this landscape and we are excited to announce that the artwork will be auctioned later in the year to raise funds for a yet-to-be named charity. To keep up to date with our plans for the auction, keep an eye on our social media channels.”

Ross Lewis’s stunning finished artwork

Farming for example is only made possible with fencing, and obviously fencing of waterways is now changing the landscape too by protecting and enhancing our streams and rivers... Whether on purpose or not, Ross has captured part of this in his painting

To register your interest please email info@stockade.com, and or follow Stockade on social media. To check out more of Ross’s artworks see www.rosslewis.work or contact him at ross.bex@icloud.com

Contact your local Stockade representative for a demonstration of the ST400i or ST315i and learn how to build efficiency into your business. See how they can help you futureproof and improve your business productivity.