Angela Croft, artist
Angela’s work is based around tourism in Rotorua, inspired by a statement that features on the Resene website. “Rotorua is a natural wonderland of geothermal activity, New Zealand native bush and beautiful lakes. This natural beauty is underpinned by a strong Maori heritage and sense of pride in this unique place.” Her assemblages relate directly to each of these four features with an additional piece on Architecture as an extension on the statement and further illustration of what she perceives gives Rotorua its unique identity.

With heightened tourist perception following a move to England in 2003, Angela used this to guide the development of her concept reinforced by a professional background as a town planner and a landscape architect influencing the methods, materials, tools and techniques used. Her works pay homage to the Arts and Crafts movement and in particular to the ethos of William Morris, seeking to embody principles employed by medieval craftsmen who sought control over materials, tools and time. The constructed boxes are integral to the concept. When closed the lids have the immediate impact of a poster, influenced by poster art of the early 20th century. When open, they display a collection of treasures, set out like a narrative patchwork that has been developed from each of the features illustrated on the lid. The wide range of techniques and materials used to make these treasures are intended to invite the viewer to engage in a moment of nostalgia and sentiment, regardless of age, gender or cultural background.

Angela uses Resene products because she loves the quality and range available. Her assemblage works demand a range of colours and products and Resene testpots have been invaluable for this purpose.
          
In a wider sense her work deliberately challenges the dichotomy that exists between art and craft, subscribing to the notion that ‘craft’ is the new art.