Growing up in Whangamata, about an hour north of Tauranga, provided a young Kane Facey with opportunities to explore two great loves: painting and surfing. At the local area school, a wave features prominently in the logo design and gives, perhaps, some indication of the lifestyle that is to be enjoyed in this part of the world.
Spending a great deal of time in the art room at school is regarded by Facey as a catalyst to his love of painting. Many hours every day were spent exploring different approaches to working with paint and other mediums. It was no surprise that when he left school Facey went on to study art at The Learning Connexion in Wellington.
From Dali-inspired scenes to vivid pop-art works, Facey’s painting style is diverse, but his landscapes have been his staple genre and photos from many surfing road trips provide endless inspiration.
Working on hand-made canvases, Facey works from photographs and finds the initial pencil lines to be the most satisfying part of the art-making process.
“I choose to not copy the image in its entirety. Instead, using it as a guide, I take elements from it and put in my own style.”
Currently living in New Plymouth, Facey has exhibited work in group shows and is now turning his attention towards solo exhibitions, but, as with many artists, balancing a range of commitments sometimes proves challenging.
“Being a father to two young boys I get to share knowledge and creativity with them both. Also, as they get older I’m finding more time to create art, so I can focus on honing my own individual style.”
Happiest and most relaxed with a paintbrush in his hand, enrolling as a builder was a difficult choice. “The upside to being a builder is that I have the skills to make all my own canvases and frames, and it also allows me to purchase art supplies without having to wait for exhibition earnings.”
With a lot more canvases and surf trips planned for the future, we can expect to see more of Facey’s work.
“Each new gallery opening I’m lucky enough to be part of is a great experience. It’s the expressions and reactions of guests that I really like, listening to other peoples view on my work and being able to evoke smiles from strangers is a nice feeling."
Spending a great deal of time in the art room at school is regarded by Facey as a catalyst to his love of painting. Many hours every day were spent exploring different approaches to working with paint and other mediums. It was no surprise that when he left school Facey went on to study art at The Learning Connexion in Wellington.
From Dali-inspired scenes to vivid pop-art works, Facey’s painting style is diverse, but his landscapes have been his staple genre and photos from many surfing road trips provide endless inspiration.
Working on hand-made canvases, Facey works from photographs and finds the initial pencil lines to be the most satisfying part of the art-making process.
“I choose to not copy the image in its entirety. Instead, using it as a guide, I take elements from it and put in my own style.”
Currently living in New Plymouth, Facey has exhibited work in group shows and is now turning his attention towards solo exhibitions, but, as with many artists, balancing a range of commitments sometimes proves challenging.
“Being a father to two young boys I get to share knowledge and creativity with them both. Also, as they get older I’m finding more time to create art, so I can focus on honing my own individual style.”
Happiest and most relaxed with a paintbrush in his hand, enrolling as a builder was a difficult choice. “The upside to being a builder is that I have the skills to make all my own canvases and frames, and it also allows me to purchase art supplies without having to wait for exhibition earnings.”
With a lot more canvases and surf trips planned for the future, we can expect to see more of Facey’s work.
“Each new gallery opening I’m lucky enough to be part of is a great experience. It’s the expressions and reactions of guests that I really like, listening to other peoples view on my work and being able to evoke smiles from strangers is a nice feeling."
