Playing ladies

Recently Thread spied a series of paintings and tiles capturing 40’s, 50’s and 60’s fashion and women's roles from yesteryear in an exhibition at Thistle Gallery.

Wellington-based artist Anmea Hoskin has developed a collection of works she describes as capturing the “sweetness of the era” that combine history in a fashionable and contemporary manner. Based on a celebration of the domestic goddess from the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s, Hoskin’s work features domestic doe-eyed, apron-wearing housewives, through to party girls playing musical chairs in their best dresses.

She has also launched ‘Little Ladies Tiles’ which are reproductions of her original paintings that have been crafted onto quality ceramic tiles; all New Zealand-made. Tiles sell on her website for NZ$35.00 for 4"x4" and $55.00 for 6" x 6".

Hoskin’s works are moving fast and her work is going international. Hoskin has recently been selected by NZ Artists in Asia, an initiative that wants to showcase her work in an art exhibition in Hong Kong in February 2010.

We asked Hoskin about the inspirations for her collection.

“I love high tea, apron ladies, fine china and tea cosies" Hoskin says. "Also, I am inspired by vintage dressmaking illustrations and ideas from 1940’s magazines or pictures of engagement couples back in the era.”

“I begin with illustrations to get ideas from the start and then the little ladies take off on their own accord. I am interested in how they are being embraced and appreciated as different. Over time, the ladies have grown and more stories are being told."
 
The works certainly get the nod- including some male attention. “I have noticed quite a few gents coming into the gallery and giving feedback on the lovely ladies."

Opening night at the Thistle Gallery located in the upper Cuba quarter of Wellington city offered treats from Martha's Pantry and guests were treated to teapots of a 1950’s style party punch made with champagne, apricot brandy, nectar and raspberry.

One of Wellington's finest Gentleman's group ‘The Canapes’ played, comprised of a mix of members of Twinset, Fat Freddy's Drop and Phoenix Foundation.

To view Anmea's work go to www.littleladies.co.nz and for The Canapes visit www.pkentertainment.co.nz

By Cynthia Greep October 2009
Photos by Ange Lee and Joanne Honey Thomas