Mel Eaton Celebrates First Solo Exhibition in Rangiora

Canterbury artist and designer Mel Eaton has reached a significant milestone in her artistic career with the launch of her first solo exhibition titled Lighten Up. The event took place at the Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre’s Art on the Quay Gallery on March 15, 2024, marking a culmination of Eaton’s ambitious goals set at the beginning of the year.

Eaton made the bold decision to leave her full-time position at a bathroom design company to pursue her passion for art. Among her objectives was the establishment of her own gallery in Rangiora, alongside the aspiration to hold a solo exhibition. The opportunity for Lighten Up arose unexpectedly when Jackie Watson, the gallery’s manager, contacted Eaton about a vacancy in the exhibition schedule. This fortuitous timing allowed Eaton to showcase her work to a receptive audience.

Exploring Themes of Lightness

The exhibition features a diverse collection of artworks that intertwine themes of illusion, nostalgia, humour, and materiality. Through techniques such as trompe l’oeil, which creates optical illusions, Eaton invites viewers to engage with the concepts of surface and substance. “This is a show about lightness in different forms: Light as humour, as weightlessness, as illumination,” Eaton explained during the opening night.

The event attracted a substantial crowd, further solidifying Eaton’s growing reputation in the local art scene. This year has also been marked by other notable achievements for the artist, including the successful opening of Grant Davey’s photographic exhibition, Treasures of the Ashley-Rakahuri River, at her new studio, Fold Studio and Gallery, in Rangiora. Additionally, Eaton collaborated with fellow artist Margot Korhonen on a mural for the Cure Boating Club in Kaiapoi, and completed a mural commemorating the tenth anniversary of the bilingual unit at Rangiora Borough School.

Eaton’s journey reflects her dedication to her craft and her ability to seize opportunities that arise. Her work in Lighten Up not only showcases her artistic skill but also her commitment to engaging the community through art. As she continues to grow as an artist, Eaton’s contributions to the local art landscape are becoming increasingly significant.