Contemporary artist Joanne Barrett enjoyed a long and successful career in graphic design, advertising, brand development and publishing before following in her father's footsteps to fulfil a passion for creating art.
She now writes and paints full-time from her home studio in Hokianga, her work drawing from her relationship with te whenua o Aotearoa.
Joanne shares the stories that form the basis of her art practice with us, below.
WHAT DO YOU MAKE / HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ART PRACTICE?
I am a painter. I work in acrylics on stretched canvas. I would describe my art practice as a contemporary exploration of the natural world. I create my works always as a tribute to the whakapapa of the whenua, ngahere and moana and to that of my own whakapapa.
HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN - WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR THE ARTS COME FROM?
As a young child, I loved to draw with crayons and then stick my drawings into a scrapbook using mum’s homemade paste made from flour and water. Fast forward to Form 2 (year 8) my school report showed I had earned a ‘B+’ for art and so I figured I might be ok at it.
Music and art appreciation formed a big part of my childhood. My father carved works for the Otautahi branch of Māori Women's Welfare League, for various other Māori organisations, and for whānau. With the finished carvings, he would explain to me the meanings behind the symbols, marks, and imagery. My mother had an eye for interior design, colour, and texture. There was always music, mostly jazz and Māori waiata. Dad played the guitar and Mum played the piano.
During my four years boarding at Te Kura o Kuini Wikitoria, Queen Victoria School, I took part in kapa haka, and I learned how to do Taaniko weaving. We didn’t have official art lessons, but a lady called Judy took us for art one evening a week. Mostly, we painted still life. Judy would bring a cake, scones, and fruit as subjects for the still life, and we got to eat the goodies afterwards. Judy often spoke of her husband's work as a graphic artist, encouraging me to consider the same career path.
HOW DID YOU LEARN YOUR CRAFT?
After leaving Te Kura o Kuini Wikitoria, I graduated from a one-year graphic arts course at ATI (AUT). I spent years working as a graphic artist in advertising agencies and art studios. This was in the days before computer graphics and digital platforms. We learnt to draw and create artwork with precision, to understand good layout and how to craft typography. There was no ‘delete button’ on a drawing board, so everything had to be correct and beautifully balanced layout-wise; there were no second chances.
During this time, I took a year out to complete my fine arts prelim at night school with the view to attending Elam. However, I didn’t get to Elam as I had to return to full-time work, and as a single parent, my children took priority.
I later worked in design agencies, managing projects that included packaging design, brand development, and corporate literature. By 2006 I was finally able to develop my art practice, albeit slowly. Either way, graphic design has and continues to be a significant influence on my creative path.
The landscape at Hokianga is a constant inspiration for Joanne
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION AS AN ARTIST?
As an artist I find inspiration from the response to, and engagement with my works.
In 2023 I was in a group show, and standing near my three works, I saw a lady with tears in her eyes. Concerned, I asked her if she was all right. She said, pointing to my works, that these paintings moved her to tears, good tears though. She said she saw something spiritual, something peaceful and tranquil in those paintings, and they confirmed to her why she lives in Aotearoa. She asked me who the artist was, and I replied, “I am the artist”.
I have a friend who has been on bedrest for months and says the two works he has of mine take pride of place in his room, in front of him, where he can see them every day.
If my works bring that level of emotion, that level of appreciation, even from just one or two people, I have done my job, and I am inspired to carry on making art.
WHAT ARE THE THEMES, IDEAS and INSPIRATIONS BEHIND YOUR ARTWORKS?
I feel the presence of my father when I’m working. I use one of his chisels to carve textural lines that stand for past generations of our people and of our whenua. These carved lines form the foundation for all my works and the themes behind them come from the land and water, the bush, the birds, the sun the stars and the moon.
The view from my home encompasses all these elements. It is truly majestic but more than that it has a spirit about it, a wairua that stems back generations, and it humbles me. The shapes and colours change depending on how the light falls. From one moment to the next, rain or shine, dark or light, there is beauty.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
Up at 7am, I check out the distant mountainous hills as they are our weather indicator. In winter, I’m in my studio by 10 am most days and work until around 3 pm. In summer, I can work longer hours. Oh, and I feed the dog and the indoor cat, yes, he’s an indoor cat so native birds are safe, and the dog is busy warding off unwanted predators, namely possums and rabbits.
There are always cups of tea throughout the day, along with a homemade lunch. Occasionally, I might venture down to the Rawene village and have a coffee at one of our local cafes. My partner often works from home, so we take turns cooking our evening meal.
Joanne in her studio with Awhi
WHAT IS YOUR STUDIO/CREATIVE SPACE LIKE?
Ten years ago, my partner and I left Auckland to settle back to his turangawaewae, Rawene, Hokianga. We converted our single internal garage into a studio by taking out the roller door and replacing it with a ranch slider to let in more natural light. My studio is basic; however it is the biggest and best space I’ve ever had, and far removed from the small bedroom I used as a studio when living in Ponsonby.
WHAT'S YOUR COFFEE ORDER or WHICH SNACKS KEEP YOU GOING?
I’m more of a camomile tea drinker these days, but when I do have a coffee, I order a flat white. For snacks, I like to graze on sunflower seeds and dates, and sometimes with my tea, I’ll have a gingernut biscuit.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WORKING & LIVING IN AOTEAROA (NEW ZEALAND)?
Aotearoa is where my tupuna originate. I whakapapa to this whenua. It is my country, my home and for better or for worse, I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be. We have fresh air, the birds sing, the weather is, well, it’s beautiful on a sunny day and exhilarating and wild on a windy, rainy day. The small community I live in is an amazingly supportive one where we practice whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and kotahitanga. Also, I love coming back regularly to Tāmaki Makaurau to my other special community of 20-plus years, Ponsonby.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR LASTING IMPRESSION OR LEGACY TO BE AS AN ARTIST?
To leave my tamariki, mokopuna with at least one of my original paintings each. I would like to think long after I have left this world, my art will continue to bring joy, evoke emotion, and express a strong and thoughtful message, however the viewer sees it.
WHAT DREW YOU TO WORKING WITH THE POI ROOM?
I have always loved The Poi Room. I’ve admired the quality of the works and the friendliness of the staff. I am grateful for the opportunity to have my works in The Poi Room and to be a part of this amazing gallery with its positive vibe. One year on, and I continue to be motivated to create.
Thank you for your wonderful words, Joanne. We have loved reading your story.
