My name is Lynette Bradley. I live in Rawene South Hokianga.
I first came to Northland in 1970 and returned in 1997.
My father was a photographer and my mother a dressmaker, clothing designer, nurse and then a full time mother. I am the oldest of seven and was taught to cook, sew and darn socks at an early age, a necessity then with five younger brothers.
My mother taught me the value of simple pleasures. Throughout out her life we always walked beaches together. She had an old saying ‘never come home without a stick or a stone’ so I have carried on that tradition.
My collections often become items in my pictures, especially beach glass and pottery, left from the early settlers, now just old fragments turned over by the tide.
When I first moved to the Hokianga I completed a 3yr Diploma in Creative Writing, while doing this I revived my life long interest in photography and purchased a good digital camera which was needed to complete some of the units on my course. I then attended a weekend workshop on mosaics at Northland College and from that developed a passion for the art.
My experiences in the Hokianga are then woven into my photos and mosaic work.
I met my partner in the Hokianga at a waka launch in 2002 and he offered to take me fishing. He said there is healing out there on that harbour, the wairua is so strong and I have found that to be true.
With him I have fished all night on the harbour, rowed up the Waima in the moonlight, drift fishing and slept on the banks of the Whirinaki River. I learnt that a packed lunch for a fishing trip was a half a dozen meat pies and a bottle of diet coke. He has taught me a lot about the art of doing, not getting. So often after coming home with a bin of fish he would keep enough for a meal and give the rest away.
Many of my experiences with him have been expressed through my work.
My aim is to give people ‘ A glimpse of the Hokianga’ through a variety of mediums. I have also created a range of cards and a Hokianga Calendar for 2010.
Also in the gallery space my pieces are complemented with books by Hokianga writers, potter Noel Snelgrove, Hokianga scenes and Hokianga Hats.
This is a working gallery and you are welcome to come in.
lynetteb@slingshot.co.nz
