Watching the earth move

“Initially, I was horrified at the changes to the landscape in the Drury South area, but the reality is that progress is inevitable and I’ve tried to reflect that in my work.”

Monumental changes to the landscape around Stevenson’s Quarry in Drury are mostly viewed at high speed as motorists zoom by on State Highway 1. But a slower, more considered picture of its evolution is being recorded by local artist, Sandy Littlejohns-Clark who spoke to ANGELA KEMP about her unique record of the transformation.

Drury South Crossing is a 361hectare master planned new town which will eventually house a population of 60,000 in 22,000 homes. After years of planning, the development is now growing houses by the day and once rural pastures are no more.

Sandy Littlejohns-Clark has lived in the Drury foothills for the past 25 years and has witnessed and captured the metamorphosis of the flood plain below her home.

She began photographing the changes to the Drury landscape three years ago when work started, usually at dawn or sunset when the huge earthmoving machinery wasn’t working.

Using the photographs as references, Sandy has painted a series of richly coloured abstract landscapes depicting the topography of the place she loves.

They formed part of the ‘Place’ exhibition held in conjunction with Pukekawa glass artist, Shelley Wilkin at the Franklin Arts Centre in March/April 2021.

Sandy says the scale of the development project is massive.

“Stevenson’s Quarry is a central marker of the landscape and is itself expanding in all directions to meet the growing need for new roads,” says Sandy. “The development is really very close to us, and there has been an amazing transformation happening.

“The sheer volume of soil being lifted and moved on is immense and what I found really interesting was how the soil was red and how quickly the massive mounds turned green with grass.” Drury South area, but the reality is that progress is inevitable and I’ve tried to reflect that in my work.

“When it’s happening so close to you, it’s how you process it, how you adapt to this massive amount of change. For me, that meant painting it.

”What’s happening here is occurring everywhere and that development is bringing change.”

Sandy works on canvas and paper, apart from one large painting started during 2020’s lockdown.

“I was working from my garage and wasn’t able to get a big canvas so I used a piece of marine ply which has created its own organic markings within the work.”

Sandy’s passion for art started at Epsom Girls’ Grammar School, ignited by her “inspirational” teacher Marte Szirmay, the renowned sculptor. After leaving EGGS, her head ruled her heart and Sandy worked as a nurse for several years.

“The reality of going to art school was that I needed to be earning money, so I became a registered nurse.”

But after becoming a mum to three daughters, Sandy changed direction and studied for a Bachelor of Visual Art at Manukau Institute of Technology where she majored in painting. She first exhibited in 2003 and in recent years her focus has been on abstract landscapes and more particularly, around Drury.

Sandy’s style is built around strong, bold colours and clever imagery. The process she uses to make her paintings on canvas starts with up to 16 layers of gesso which creates a translucent base on which she applies acrylics and inks. The result is a vibrancy and luminosity of colour more commonly seen in oil paintings.

A former manager of Papakura Art Gallery, Sandy was a member of Papakura Art Group, too, where she says she was greatly inspired by tutor, Penny Otto. She’s also a member of Left-field, a collective of emerging artists.

After the ‘Place’ exhibition, Sandy was invited to run one-day landscape painting workshops at the Orere War Memorial Hall and Ararimu Hall.

The free workshops were part of Franklin Arts Centre’s community initiative organised by Nansi Thompson to reach out to rural halls. Sandy says she has been delighted to have had the opportunity to give something back to the community.

“The workshops were very well supported by a mixed range of people aged from in their 20s to over 70. It was really about getting people to feel confident about their own style and giving them encouragement,” she says.

“They had to bring a picture or an item that meant something to them and I supplied paper, brushes and paint. I think the first part of doing a painting is making an emotional connection to the subject be it a landscape or whatever they chose to paint.

“What was interesting was seeing everybody come away with a smile and be really positive about what they were doing.”

Sandy is currently continuing to paint the Drury landscapes and is also preparing work for the upcoming Franklin Arts Festival in October.

KIDS BOOKS

THE TAKAPUNA TRAM

Running from Bayswater to Takapuna, the Takapuna Tram took in some beautiful scenery in its day, as this book reveals. Combining a poem by Elizabeth Welsman Dawson (1877-1932) with charming illustrations by Elva Leaming, this delightful children’s book is sure to appeal to little ones with a sense of adventure and adults with a love of nostalgia too. Books are available via www.alibipress.co.nz.

Elizabeth Welsman Dawson, Terry Carson & Elva Leaming: The Takapuna Tram | RRP $32.95 | Alibi Press

MRS CHIPPY THE CAT

Based on the true story of an amazing moggy who joined the crew of Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance during its expedition to Antarctica, this charming children’s book proves that felines can become indispensable in their work. A ratcatcher of renown, Mrs Chippy (actually a tomcat!) was a ship’s cat who became a lucky charm.

Susan Brocker & Raymond McGrath (illustrator): Mrs Chippy the Cat | RRP $19.99 | Scholastic NZ

GRANDPA VERSUS SWING

Who says older folk can’t swing with the youngsters? When a grandpa takes his grandchildren to a new playground, he’s intent to recapture his own youth. Unfortunately, as this book reveals, his plans fall short when he becomes stuck fast. A delightful tale of mishap and rescue, Grandpa Versus Swing sets a tune we can all dance to. Homemade baby food generally has a higher nutritional value than its store-bought counterpart, which may contains ingredients that are nonessential to your child’s development.

First solids for baby

Once baby is ready to graduate from the bottle to solid foods, first instinct might be to purchase ready-made baby food from the supermarket. This is a convenient option, but is it what you want on a regular basis?

Making your own baby food comes with its share of benefits for little tummies and if you save money by switching from storebought to homemade, the effort and pleasure of making your own baby meals will be worth it.

TASTY AND FRUGAL: Homemade baby food generally has a higher nutritional value than its store-bought counterpart, which may contain ingredients that are nonessential to your child’s development. Without additives such as dyes and starches to get in the way, your jars of pureed meats, fruits and veggies are perfect to introduce your baby to the flavours and consistencies of solid food. What’s more, because baby food keeps well, time, money and hassle can be saved by whipping up large batches at a time and freezing them until required.

UNLIMITED OPTIONS:

Grocery stores carry a limited selection of baby foods and sometimes available flavours aren’t always the most appetising. Why limit yourself when you can prepare an endless array of different purees in the comfort of your own kitchen? Furthermore, you’ll know that every bite your baby gobbles up will be made from fresh, nutrient-packed ingredients — and a healthy helping of love.

Let Victoria guide you home!

“I operate on a philosophy of respect and understanding of each client’s specific individual needs. By employing my own individual strengths and industry knowledge, I am committed to staying at the forefront of the local real estate market to ensure every client receives exceptional service.”

Victoria Day

Harcourts Real Estate Agent, Victoria Day, tells it like it is in today’s fast moving property market – no ‘fluff’, just the facts, keeping her clients reliably informed so every step of the selling/buying process runs smoothly and is stress-free.

As a result, clients have described her conduct and achievement as an, ‘impressive result’, ‘excellent communication’, ‘highly professional.’

“I understand what a much-loved home represents in the way of hard-earned savings and that it is a place where families build attachments and memories. So, it’s never easy to leave that behind even when new horizons beckon. “Therefore, I am committed to ensuring they receive the BEST PRICE possible before starting on a new journey and, if I can help them find their new dream property I welcome the chance to do so.”

While many a vendor has realised the value of Victoria’s dedication in securing the right sale outcome, property buyers benefit too.

“Today’s house hunters recognise that super low mortgage interest rates provide them with opportunities to secure a home within a repayment structure they can afford so, even in this hot market, they can achieve a desirable outcome,” she says.

Working across the real estate board, Victoria’s local knowledge, excellent marketing ability, expert negotiation skills and unwavering dedication to hard work, combined with social networking dexterity and familiarity with the latest technologies, means she is always in the best position to achieve the best result for her clients.

“I operate on a philosophy of respect and understanding of each client’s specific individual needs. By employing my own individual strengths and industry knowledge, I am committed to staying at the forefront of the local real estate market to ensure every client receives exceptional service,” she says.

“I’m also confident that vendors and buyers working with me will feel assured of a result they can be delighted with.”

So, let Victoria ‘guide you home’ – she is the key to your next adventure.

Victoria Day – 021 238 7475 | E victoria.day@harcourts.co.nz

AUTOBAHN CAFE

BOMBAY & PAPAKURA

Hungry diners on a fast track to a great meal know to swing off the motorway and into Autobahn Cafe (Bombay or Papakura) where staff bring big hearts and big plates to the table. Talk to anyone and it’s obvious Suzanne and her team know how to stave off hunger pangs. They offer a huge menu – all day breakfasts, family favourites, fast and slow cooked dishes and a cabinet full of homemade treats! The Bombay café is licensed too. Next time you’re looking for food and coffee with a sweet touch grab a table at Autobahn Cafe! Open 7 days 6am-9pm. State Highway 1, Rosehill, Papakura Ph 09 296 2299 216 Mill Rd, Bombay Ph 09 236 0060 www.autobahncafe.com

KAT7700

CCT LAVENDER FARM CAFÉ

A family wonderland, newly opened CCT Lavender Farm Café is located in the heart of an organic lavender farm where there’s plenty for kiddies and parents alike. The 35-hectare, organic lavender field is open free for visitors to view at present while the indoor/outdoor children’s playground will keep little ones happy. Even on these winter days there are flowers in and around the café where the menu includes a hearty all-day breakfast, house-made dessert and a cup of coffee – relax, eat and enjoy the country outlook. Open 6 days, Tues-Sun 8.30am-4.00pm 242 Urquhart Road, Karaka www.cctlavender.com CCT Lavender (for booking)

SUNDAY MARKETS

New memberships welcome

Weddings – Birthdays or any special occasions

RED SHED PALAZZO

WINNER Rural Cafe of the Year. Recommending this cafe is easy – the food and service are that good and directions couldn’t be more straight forward: head along Karaka Rd and look out for the big... red shed! Along with their team, Paul (a chef with 30 years’ experience) and Kristina Smith serve quality food amidst beautiful, family and animal friendly, garden surrounds. Creative breakfasts, morning and afternoon teas, gourmet-style lunches and moreish cakes are all on offer at this fully licensed slice of rural paradise. OPEN 5 days 8.30am-4.00pm Wednesday-Sunday

16 Jesmond Rd (just off Karaka Rd), Drury Phone 09 294 6687 www.redshedpalazzo.co.nz PalazzoRed Shed

THE FRANKLIN CLUB

The Franklin Club offers a friendly atmosphere, great food and outstanding service in the heart of Pukekohe. As well as a large range of beers, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages, the Franklin Club has a gaming room, full TAB facilities and live sport on our big screen TVs. We also have a range of modern rooms available to hire for your next corporate function, meeting or celebration. There’s a fantastic “Kids Corner” for the little ones and free WIFI for the not so little ones. Call in today and make the Franklin Club your club of choice. Franklin Club 7 East St, Pukekohe Ph 09 238 9465 www.franklinclub.co.nz