Artist's Statement

I have been producing one-off lengths of watercolour marbled fabric since I pioneered my version of the process back in the 1980’s. There are many interesting artists using this technique on paper and, occasionally, clothing accessories like hats, but very few people who have the experience and space to produce my standard 3 metre length of cloth. As a result I necessarily make a simple clothing line to offer a way of having your own piece of marbling. These are always available in The Source, the artist’s collective in the centre of Coromandel town.

While I still specialize in producing individual fabric lengths of watercolour marbled fabrics, in recent times I have been increasingly exploring the realms of digital printing on materials like cotton, silk and wool.

I have a practice, often done in front of the fire in winter, of creating unique digital prints based on my own photographs. The original shots can be taken anytime and anywhere (just like any photo) but the re-working usually takes a bit longer than the original shot and needs some quiet time just looking at things.

I currently produce a small range of things based on these images – some images on T shirts, some images are digitally printed with archival inks on archival paper (and largely framed as prints) and I have the beginnings of some fabric printed with some of these altered images. I also have a great selection of handmade cards available in the Source.

Printing on fabric has turned out to be way more complicated than I originally thought and, sadly, has to mostly be done overseas. I am learning more than I ever thought I would need about things like sublimation and acid printing. However I am persevering and hope to have some of the first scarves ready for this year’s Artstour.

As an artist it’s good to have some new projects to stir the imagination and stimulate the flow of ideas. This winter it’s been a combination of this digital printing and also marbling on 3D surfaces, creating some unique lights/lamps. These will also be on show this year.

I also continue with my exploration of sand carving rock, including our own pounamu, with the use of an industrial sand-blasting setup I have at my workshop. Although this is not a large part of my output these days I still enjoy the design process and the permanence of a permanently carved memento. 

I occasionally make a unique memorial for a friend or the family/whanau of someone who has died knowing they will be able to put it into a special memory place and/or take it to a new location if it’s time to move.

I love living here in Coromandel town and continually find inspiration in our environment; the shapes and colours of our hills and waterways along with the constantly changing light. 

t:  0272245990

e:  nigelcsparrow@gmail.com

i: @nigel.sparrow1