Cherise’s new hand-woven, hanging copper wire sculpture, 'Okewa', has been accepted to NZ Sculpture OnShore's 2021 Exhibition.

Organisers have decided not to postpone or cancel due to Covid19 and to hold a virtual event. While not the same as exhibiting at the stunning clifftop Fort Takapuna, O Peretu Historic Reserve in Devonport this is still a fantastic opportunity to view some amazing art and to support the wonderful NZ Women's Refuge. 

The exhibition opens online on 5th November 2021 at https://nzsospreview.com

Okewa is a new work exploring cloud formations, illustrating their deep connection to our physical surroundings and the natural processes that rule our lives. My first work in this Cloud Series, titled Ao, was purchased by Sir James Wallace, and is now part of the permanent collection at the Pah Homestead / Wallace Arts Trust.

Cherise Thomson’s Dune Series 1 was selected by this year’s judge, Virginia King, as a finalist for this years Fieldays No.8 Wire National Art Award and placed 3rd at the Awards Ceremony. It will remain on display at the Waikato Museum ArtsPost Gallery through to the 24 May.

Cherise Thomson’s One-of-a kind, handwoven, copper wire sculpture Ka Wewela (meaning ‘The Intense Heat’ in Hawaiian) now hangs in the New Zealand home of a private art collector. This sculpture represents warmth and power radiating out from the sun and is 170cm average diameter. It was purchased while on display at the Kings College Art Exhibition.

Via Instagram

Beyond happy to learn from the Kings College Art Sale team that the Arts House Trust added my sculpture ‘Ao’ to their Collection over the weekend.

Thank you again to Annabelle Caesar and team for the invite to exhibit this year. Amazing location and range of artwork on display.

Like to learn about The Arts House Trust and what it means to New Zealand art (and more)? Then head on over to the website here The Arts House Trust.

Via Instagram:

Deeply honoured to see my new copper and steel Korowai commission for Canopy Cancer Care installed in their beautiful new building in Takapuna.

Thank you to the Canopy TV crew for documenting the installation, and for the interview. Canopy Cancer Care is a leading private clinic for adult cancer patients - you couldn’t find a more passionate and dedicated group of people.

With more than 3000 individual components , this Korowai is part of a limited series of artworks inspired by the memory of my mother - who carried her own precious Korowai around the world for more than 30 years.

Very special thanks to Karen Whiting and her team, and to my assistants on this project - Jack Will and Max McMeiken from James Russ Gallery.

Auckland's newest winter festival Elemental AKL is awakening the elements for a month-long celebration showcasing sensational cuisine, dazzling lighting installations, impressive entertainment and culture around the region.

Elemental AKL draws on the elements of air, fire, earth, and water to unlock a unique and inspiring calendar of more than 50 free and ticketed events. Elemental AKL is set to transform eateries and bars, theatres, parks and islands, public spaces and more throughout Tāmaki Makaurau this July.

Fire in the Western Sky

Take a sensory journey through the verdant Hallertau biergarten to experience the works of local artists Cherise Thomson and James Russ who explore the cycle of interconnectedness between light, sky and the land.

Expand your taste buds with a manuka-smoked menu, including fresh kai moana, locally sourced meat and game matched with Hallertau's selection of renowned beer.

To make a booking at Hallertau Brewery and Biergarten, click at https://www.aucklandnz.com/elementalfestival/events/fire-in-the-western-sky

To learn more about the unique sculpted lights and one-of-a-kind sculptures on display: http://www.cherisethomson.com/elementalakl

Cherise will have new work on exhibit at the Muriwai Arts Group Show this April 6 and 7.

The show incorporates the work of over 50 local artists, with open studios and a comprehensive group exhibition at the Muriwai Surf Lifesaving Club and Community Hub. Among the many contributors are numerous well-known, internationally renowned artists who’ll be submitting all-original works across a variety of media (photography, painting, ceramics, carving, jewellery, sculpture, weaving and more).

Short interview for Muriwai Arts 2019 below.

Via Instagram:

Honoured to be specially commissioned by Fieldays to create a sculpture celebrating their 50th Anniversary. 'Origin '68' was unveiled at Te Rapa Racecourse by Fieldays chief executive Peter Nation. With special thanks to Reg Laurie and Lance Enevoldsen. Origin '68 will be at Waikato Museum as part of the 50th anniversary Fieldays exhibition in May.

> Read full article at the NZ Herald

Cherise is a guest Artist at the beautiful and unique Waka Gallery in Queenstown with a selection of her boulder opal now on display. Waka Gallery is owned by Rob Lynes, a gem cutter and renowned pounamu (jade) carver, who has created with his team of talented jewellers, pearliers and jade carvers, an interactive gallery where you can see Opal, Pearl and Pounamu in their natural state transformed into fine jewellery and stunning works of Art. 

"From a distance her creations appear to float mid-air like great metallic sea creatures. Rows upon rows of spiralling links can withstand wind, rain and curious prods. It’s sculpted magic she’s created with galvanised and No. 8 fencing wire.

Months of work, and 100s of kilometres of wire, go into her sculptures – each of which can cost anywhere from $3000 to over $10,000."

> Read more at thisNZlife.co.nz.

Cherise Thomson Jewelry is proud to be represented by the Four Seasons Luxury Hotels and Resorts, in Ko Olina, O'ahu. On display at their luxury boutique Caprice

Four of Cherise's unique sculptured lights, and a recent sculpture 'After inflorescence' were included in James Russ Gallery official opening of the gorgeous new gallery space.

> Visit the James Russ Gallery

'After Inflorescence'. A finalist at this years Waikato Museum Fieldays No 8 Wire National Art Award.

'After Inflorescence' is 1759mm x 570mm x 350mm (4mm & 2mm galvanized wire) and reflects on the beauty and complexity of these coral-like palm branches after flowering.

> Stuff.co.nz - Watch/listen to a brief interview with Cherise while setting up for the Fieldays No.8 National Art Award.

'Korowai' is a tribute to my memories of my mother, to the grace and beauty of this traditional Māori art form – and to early settlers like my great grandparents and grandparents who tirelessly attempted to bend and shape the land (and endless spools of No.8 wire) to their will.

Now at Gallery Pacific – a showcase for New Zealand artisans with a unique collection of jewellery and art. You can find them opposite Dior at 34 Queen Street, Auckland Central.

> Visit Gallery Pacific