Lady Lava and ‘Peaks & Transience’ Opening Sat 2nd October.

Maree White’s charismatic performance as Lady Lava at Selwyn Gallery on Saturday brought to mind the adjective ‘SHAKEDOWN’ as she sang and strummed her own very special funk/rock and jazz fusion style of music. As far as Post-Quake therapy goes, Lady Lava’s vibrant, toe-tapping songs were a refreshing and inspiring mix, full of humour and enthusiasm for life.
Inspiration from random events such a ride on a dilapidated “ghost-train” at a Canterbury A&P show, a favourite Wellington Café, or rueing the lack of money earned as an artist in “I Should’ve Been A Real Estate Agent” reflect Maree’s quirky and altruistic nature. Her music is made with the same passion and flair as her painted works – this is one incredibly strong but compassionate woman, thriving in the process of creating music and art. With unique leopard-skin style and effervescence, Lady Lava charmed and impressed the capacity crowd, selling CDs and paintings aplenty.
Prior to Lady Lava’s performance she introduced a very special guest – Mary Davison – whose singing talent allowed her to break into the Catalonian Opera in Spain where she lived with her husband Mariano Vivas for 15 years. Mary sang an artistic but very Spanish interpretation of various popular songs, adding humorous comments and accompanied by a bemused Mariano on the Bass Guitar – an instrument he apparently hadn’t played for 15 years.
Sculptor Rebecca Rose spoke briefly to explain the long-term friendship she and Maree have shared, and how part of this friendship informs and moulds the tension between her Greywacke Figures and Maree’s perfectly executed landscapes.
Ruth Warren, Chairperson of the Malvern Community Arts Council (MCAC) was extremely pleased with the turnout for the Opening, and was highly complementary to the Artists stating: “We have been very fortunate with the quality of these two prestigious artists, but to have Maree perform for us as well, that was just superb.”
These two talented artists will complement the depth of local talent showing for the next ten days of Artweek, and it really boosts the credibility of a small community Gallery to carry artists of this calibre.
For more information, please contact Anna Norris annanorris@selwyngallery.co.nz