Ari Terehova
How would you describe what you do?
Functionalist artist. I am an architect, maker and a concept artist who loves to use what’s at had to create beauty.
What was your most recent project?
“Urban forager” ready to wear collection for Hokonui Fashion Design Awards 2021
What project have you worked on that you’re the most proud of?
Making available knowledge about abundant foraged art materials, via running workshops.
Natural watercolour, pigments for sculpture, ecoprinting on NZ wool, eco dyes for NZ raw wool.
What is essential for creatives to have in their life?
I believe that there are a few things – infinite supply of resources and the reason to create. Belief that your art is needed for reasons that are deeper than reason. And of course, S P A C E!!
What inspires you about Ōtautahi?
Hagley Park, and many other smaller parks around the city. Traditions of conservation of culture, gardens are recorded human history in pant form.
What piece of advice about your creative work has served you well?
My husband urged me to get more colour in to my prints, and it certainly lit up!
What’s the biggest misconception about your creative work?
Work can not be fully planned, natural colours can not be fully controlled. Have you seen cymatics patterns made by sound? As I work with water and natural minerals – I can see how smallest disbalance of elements can make huge difference
on the final product.
What Christchurch artists do you most admire?
I like a few works of different artists, my choice is eclectic. I own a few pieces from local artists. Am a functionalist so I prefer ceramics, but do have a few paintings of local artists.
What artwork/piece of music/performance has taken your breath away?
I am a big theatre /movie fan. A few years back there was a story teller show at Christchurch Art Gallery, one man show. This was magical!
What do you wish you’d have known about creative work when you were younger?
I was very fortunate to have two grand mothers who taught me resourcefulness and encouraged me in my love of creating. I have learned most methods I still use to date, when I was a kid.
What’s your favourite hidden secret in Ōtautahi?
Little Hagley walk, and a few other secret foraging trails!))