Clare Reilly: Eye of the Calm

(Hardback)

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Clare Reilly: Eye of the Calm is an exploration of New Zealand painter Clare Reillys life and work. The mixture of autobiographical writing and gorgeous paintings subtly shows how Reillys art and experiences are entwined. Her themes cover the issues of habitat destruction and renewal, depicting native New Zealand birds in the landscape as metaphors for joy. In an increasingly troubled and fast paced world, Reillys work offers the viewer a place to reflect on the healing qualities of nature and gather a sense of revitalisation.

Eye of the Calm was an exhibition title used by Reilly as an expression of her lifes work. This expression is continued here with an insight into her beginnings as an artist and her subsequent career. Reilly has a strong connection to coastal New Zealand and a great love of the countrys wildlife. From first encounters with Tui in her grandmothers garden to memories of rolling hills overlooking the ever-changing sea, these passions have inspired her work and are brought to life here in a beautiful collection.

Experience a sense of calm and hope with this story of a fascinating life told through both words and imagery. Themes including death, grief, finding new paths, and even dance and the joyful movement of birds in flight are explored in a manner that is personal, yet universal. A beautiful, meditative exploration of a life and a lifes work.

Reviews

Reillys work, featuring mainly native birds flying in resplendent New Zealand native landscapes, is stunning and gets space to soar in this attractively produced Exisle Publishing book which shows off to maximum affect her art as well as telling her story.

Always at peace in nature, Reilly developed a passion for conservation and supporting conservation projects which, in turn, continue to fuel her work and highlight connections with the natural environment.

Eye of the calm captures a vision of a life lived with commitment and dedication where a sense of joy, hope, renewal and powerful elements of secular spirituality shine through in art which is striking and eye-catching yet also tranquil and calming.

"Familiar to many from a popular line of calendars and greeting cards- are beautifully reproduced here with a richness of colour that captures the clear light of a new Zealand summer."

Author Bio

New Zealand artist Clare Reilly has been painting and exhibiting since 1976. Her art has achieved international recognition, finding homes across the world. Clare supports conservation projects through her artworks, which express an underlying connection with the natural environment.