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| Celeste Cole (nee Ryan) |
Being in the company of Celeste and Mike Cole, is reward in itself. Even if you have no concept or belief in 'energy', spirituality, this couple have no need for words, or expression of the esoteric. They 'simply' live it. Earthy, peace loving, mindful, live by clear conscience and kindness - and these attributes touch anything and everything in their path.
Their personal story is one of love, kindness and restoration. Their collaborative skills of woodturning (Mike) and artist (Celeste) is a marriage of skill, devotion, care and great respect for one another, and each piece created.
Both Celeste and Mike have an ancestory in South Taranaki, dating back to the late 1890's. Celeste (nee Ryan) fondly remembers her Nana, Pat Ryan, and having Christmases in Patea as a child. An unpublished autobiography was written, many years ago, detailing her life, and formidable challenges that took place, throughout her life. Incredibly so, Pat Ryan was a woman of great character, who never gave up, or even complained about her lot in life. An inspirational woman indeed. The love and respect that she deserved, is cherished and guarded,by her grand-daughter, Celeste.
Mike is the second born son of five boys, to Molly and Rex Cole. Molly is a well loved and respected former teacher of Patea School, and still actively involved in the community.
Husband and wife, Celeste and Mike, have collaborated to create
original, hand painted, wood turned platters that are both decorative
and useful..
Art is connection...
Mandalas have their roots in Hinduism and Buddhism. Mandala - Sanskrit for "circle" - is both a symbol and a ritual. As a symbol, they represent harmony, wholeness, and the infinite nature of the universe. Mandalas always begin from the epicenter, and grow outwardly. Mandalas commonly include many concentric circles and are often symmetrical.
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| One of many designs, created by Celeste |
When Celeste found an affinity for the mandala, and what it personally represented for her, her husband Mike reminded her, of her desire to connect others to themselves, their roots, ideas and to love. Like the mandala patterns, so intricately connected, so it is with our inner being. It spreads to the outer world.
Celeste has been fascinated with patterns since a child. Her open curiosity for other cultures has also contributed to her passion for her art.
As a young child, Celeste would sit for hours, whilst her father (also an artist) drew sketches of her.
Her first interest in art, was drawing also. People, faces - live subjects.
In 2013 Celeste joined Erryn Willcox in her adult Art Classes, for two years. Celeste connected to the lessons teaching symmetry and repetition. It was during this time that Michaela Stoneman (Council Arts Coordinator) suggested she join two local artists exhibiting their work at the Aotea Utanganui (Patea Museum), for the Taranaki Arts Trail.
The ever humble Celeste, barely considered herself an artist. It is often the most talented who cannot see the greatness of their own 'epicentre'.
Prior to being asked to exhibit her work, Celeste spent a few sessions with Beate Smirek, who uses "The Journey" process to break down perceived inner barriers and unlock ones potential. Her challenge to Celeste was to say "Yes" to opportunity. Despite her reservations, she followed the challenge.
June 2015, Mike turned his first plate for Celeste. Celeste abhorred the idea of failing, or making a mistake. It took great courage to draw permanently in ink, on that first woodturned plate, Mike had carefully honed.
Each bowl, platter, plate lovingly created by this talented duo, has a history of its own. Mike, a well known and respected 'greenie' in the area, had been hired to fell trees that simply were no longer useful to new farm owners in the area. He has a sense of responsibility and respect, for each tree and its history. Though not his choice to cut down the life it once had, he is realistic that someone is going to do it. Instead, he renews its purpose, and gifts its new purpose to his wife. The loving ritual, becomes the stunning creation available to those, who it resonates with.
Some of the wood, Mike has worked with include Macrocarpa, Rata, Totara, Matai, Elm, Chestnut, Lawson Cypress (pale wood). In fact some of the Macrocarpa used, is over 100yrs old, and was felled over 20yrs ago, by Mike. This labour of love, is not an overnight process. It is a patient craft, in which history continues to be told, as it unfolds.
One of the most memorable discoveries Mike came across, was an ancient native Rata in Omahine Stream, on his forestry block in Waverley. His neighbour, who had understanding of local iwi, and Maori custom, spoke with him about it being tapu. Mike was told that it was his responsibility to restore mana to each piece turned. "The spirit in which you do things" (Whakaarro) was discussed. Intention and purpose. There is no doubt in which spirit, these works of art are created. It is with this care and individual respect, Mike continues today, despite its history or age. Needless to say, Celeste continues the process in the same manner until completion.
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| Viewing by appointment - look for the bike at entrance. 41 Wood Street Kakaramea |
You will not see these works of art, on a shelf, in a shop. Such is the sense of responsibility and care given to each individual piece, Celeste believes its story needs to be told. Who better to tell it? The master creator, of course.
The entire process, is one of meditation. Fun, joy, being in the moment, living in balance with the world, peaceful calm.
"Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be beautiful, or useful"
Each platter, once painted has three coats of food safe varnish, and natural bees wax as a final coat on top. They are pieces that are equally functional, as well as decorative.
41 Wood Street Kakaramea - Phone Celeste for a viewing at her private studio 027 658 7422
Check out Celebration Platters facebook page Celebration Platters
The perfect gift for weddings, engagements, honorable and significant occasions. Commission work also available.
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