Alpacas inspire abstract art

 

Art has never really been considered a family activity but the Tannion family from Maungaturoto is defying convention.

Former Aucklanders Kerry and Donna Tannion run a small, quality herd of Alpacas on their Maungaturoto farmlet. As much as a farming operation Kerdon Alpacas are treated like stars, topped up daily with chaff and pellets, hand fed carrots and occasionally apples and show their appreciation by the trust they put in their owners and their entertaining antics.

“We even get sloppy kisses from them,” says Donna.

The Alpacas are shorn once a year and their high quality fleece is entered into competitions around New Zealand where they have won a number of awards. That indicates the quality of product coming from well-bred and well cared-for animals at Kerdon. Donna then attends to the washing and carding process of the fleece which is sold to local spinners and weavers at the Maungaturoto market, or dyed for the fibre art.
Now, if you thought Mangawhai was home to all the art mediums there are, then be prepared to be enlightened. For daughter-in-law and Mangawhai resident Jeanna Tannion, a new baby necessitated a change in lifestyle.

Taking instruction from Donna, whose earlier abstract fleece art had paved the way for a contemporary spin on “painting” with dyed Alpaca fleece, Jeanna picked up the bug and literally ran with it, launching her new business Paca Passion.

“Tapping into my creative and inventive mind as a Scorpio I have always had a keen eye for colour and abstract and the idea of felting alpaca fleece onto silk-organza was so unique and different,” she says. “The softness of alpaca fleece on canvas also gives a sensory element of touch to the art work which I love.”

Jeanna admits to having always been creative but this is her first foray into the art world.

“Alpaca fleece is hypoallergenic so it's perfect to have around little ones, and allergy and asthma sufferers. I am also a passionate advocate for the humane treatment of all animals, which is why this product is one hundred percent animal-friendly.”

Many will think it an odd medium to use in art, but then, isn’t that what art is all about? Each artist develops a style unique to themselves whatever the medium and that’s what makes art so varied and interesting.

Jeanna currently has a number of commissions to service and is holding an exhibition this weekend (July 27, 10am-4pm and July 28, 10am-3pm) at her home studio and gallery Paca Passion, 204 Thelma Rd North, Parklands, Mangawhai Heads.

■ Web: www.pacapassion.edicy.co; Facebook: Kerdon Alpaca & Paca Passion.
 

 By Rob Pooley