Artist profile
NakedArt
Brent & Shirley Cairns of Kaiapoi are the artists behind the brand name of NakedArt.
Reverence for the human form is the underlying value behind each of the sculptures that they create from taking a mould from a live model. Some of the most famous and popular artworks through the ages have involved the human form and this couple are carrying on this tradition with their unique style of sculpture.
Their creative skill brings out the beauty in each of the people that offer to model for them with techniques developed to capture minute detail.
Generally the medium employed is an imported gypsum from the States. Multiple layers of coloured glaze are then applied to produce an effect that changes the look of the sculpture as the light changes during the day or with artificial light at night.
Another medium they use is glass. The wonderful effects you get when you combine the human body and the translucent properties of glass, makes for a sensual ambience.
Pewter is another medium they have experimented with providing a unique reflective contemporary look.
Whilst both raised in Southland they came from very different backgrounds, Shirley’s fathers business manufactured concrete water tanks so during the school holidays she would spend her time plastering tanks. Where as Brent’s family is more on the creative side, his grandmother was a painter and his mother and sisters are talented in all types of craft.
The idea of making a mould from a live person came from Brent’s interest to immortalize Shirley’s bust. Whilst on holiday in 2001 they created what was going to be the one and only casting…however the finished sculpture was noticed by a neighbour who wanted to commission the couple to make a sculpture of her.
The positive reaction to each of the finished sculptures inspired them to employ models to create what is now an ever increasing range of classical, contemporary, sporty and some a little naughty sculptures, that are sold through their website or from galleries throughout New Zealand, Japan and Australia.
NakedArt sculptures are in private collections all over the world, Germany, USA, Holland, UK, Australia, Singapore, and India…thus far 14 different countries
In August 2003 they made the decision to go fulltime with their NakedArt business.
Despite not having any formal arts training they have spent a great deal of time and money developing their unique processes used to create their sculptures whether it is the way they create the cast, the beautiful finishing technique, glass moulding, working with pewter etc. As Brent says “We want be seen as innovators not imitators”
They are passionate about what they do and that passion flows into another area of their life…helping others… They are mentors for the business in the community program helping other creative industry practitioners and are always helping charities the likes of Breast Cancer Foundation, Leukaemia and Blood Foundation, Bone Marrow Trust, Rainbow Trust, Books for homes Australia just to name a few.
You can purchase a sculpture from their collection or commission them to create something of you your partner or something of you both
Best regards
Brent & Shirley Cairns
N a k e d A r t studio
136 Charles Street
Kaiapoi 7630
New Zealand
Studio open most days from 11am – 4pm…best call first to avoid disappointment
ph/fax 64 (03) 327-0066
mobile 027 2224767
Our latest sculptures can be viewed on this site:
www.foreveryoung.co.nz
Our latest range of photography can be viewed on this site:
www.foreveryoungphotography.co.nz