Artist: Nikki Slade Robinson
Location: Whakatāne Community Board Gallery, Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi

Visit Bookmarks and go behind the scenes of Nikki Slade Robinson’s picture books! The Ōpōtiki author/illustrator’s much-loved titles, long available as library books at Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi, are ‘exploded’ in this exhibition.

Gallery visitors will find manuscripts samples, original character sketches, and prints of final artwork on the walls of the Whakatāne Community Board Gallery. A reading and listening nook for settling in and getting to know Nikki’s work is also included in the space.

Nikki draws inspiration for her books from the nature and people of the Bay of Plenty. ‘I am an Artist’ will be a feature book; it celebrates the idea that anyone can make art and tell stories that connect with the world around them. The main character uses driftwood to make pictures in the sand, and exciting creatures collaged from different textures appear on the pages. “I created ‘I am an Artist’ to emphasise that anyone can make artwork anywhere, anytime, with anything.”

As well as being a freeing, energising process, creating illustrations has been an important form of therapy for Nikki. “Two of the books featured in this exhibition were illustrated during my recent treatment for breast cancer,” says Slade Robinson. “The black humour of ‘Sharing with Wolf’ fitted well with the chemo journey, and ‘Hedgehog Heart’ was illustrated during radiotherapy, as the intensive part of the treatment journey was nearing the end. As a story about cherishing special people in your life it was perfectly timed. I feel exceptionally grateful to all my family and friends who supported me and continue to do so, but also to the wonderful medical team at Whakatane Hospital and the Cancer Centre here.”

Signed small prints of final artworks will be available to purchase at Te Kōputu’s front desk during the show, with all funds donated to Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand. We also acknowledge the local businesses that have come on board to support the cause: Mann Print & Design have covered the cost of the prints for sale, and Paper Plus Whakatāne will be donating 10% of Nikki Slade Robinson books sales during the exhibition to BCFNZ.