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Using kelp as an artistic medium was a good move for Oamaru artist Judith Lofley.
Lofley was named a finalist in the Changing Threads Contemporary Textile and Fibre Art Awards in Nelson for her artwork Kelp Wife.
The annual award s and exhibition showcase some of the best contemporary fibre art from across New Zealand.
Lofley said she was ‘‘really proud’’ to be chosen.
‘‘I feel really proud that Kelp Wife was selected for this exhibition which includes amazing and inspiring work by some really talented artists from all over Aotearoa New Zealand.’’
The national contemporary fibre textiles award and exhibition is for artists who push the boundaries of traditional fibre and textile practice.
Originally from the Kāpiti Coast, Lofley said using kelp was a way of exploring ‘‘ocean narratives and recognising the status of kelp as ocean taonga’’.
‘‘Working with kelp is an opportunity to explore the beauty and resilience of this remarkable plant.
‘‘Part of my kelp kaupapa is kaitiakitanga. I pick up human rubbish as I go and I’m mindful of conservation and sustainability,’’ she said.
was exhibited at Oamaru’s Forrester Gallery last year.
Lofley made the piece in 2023, moulding one large piece of rimurapa (bull kelp) over several ‘‘long summer days’’.
‘‘When it was completely dry I added a light coat of water paint, then a coat of wax.
‘‘The whole process from gathering to finishing took about six weeks — summer heat is an important part of the process,’’ Lofley said.
Part of an exhibit poem, written by Lofley, reads ‘‘if I could marry kelp, I would be a good kelp wife, striving for a good kelp life’’.
• Lofley is exhibiting Selkie Sovereign at the Forrester’s ‘‘Karanga i te hoa — Phone a Friend’’ exhibition, sharing space with Christchurch-based artist Elfi Spiewack’s contemporary jewellery, until July 26.