Leaves From My Sketchbooks. 61. Ruined Cottage, Motueka

For a few years in the 1960s New Zealanders were blind to the treasures in their midst. That's when many colonial buildings were destroyed for ever. Fortunately we came to our senses and a significant amount of heritage has been preserved thanks to organizations like the Historic Places Trust. This cottage at Motueka, among the tobacco and hop fields, was not beyond repair but I doubt if anybody saved it.

I found it a delight, so much so that I did another drawing of it on a white, porcelain Thomas plate, using iron oxide mixed with oil of cloves to make an ink. As the oil evaporated it left the oxide as configured 'dust'. Then, very carefully, it was placed into a kiln and baked until the plate's glaze ran and permanently incorporated the image.

I had it in mind to do a whole dinner service of cottages but, apart from a series of round tiles, I only ever did the one plate which now graces our sideboard, a paved intention on my road to hell!

© DON DONOVAN. donovan@ihug.co.nz 
www. don-donovan.blogspot.co.nz
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